Thorpe Light Railway’s first open day was a chuffing success with about 120 people enjoying a great day out.
The 15in gauge railway near Whorlton was brought back into service in 2013 after many years. Since then, the charitable association that runs it has been bringing joy to scores of families.
It was thanks to National Railway Museum curator Anthony Coulls and the railway’s owners that the facility was brought back to life.
Friends of Thorpe Light Railway member Carole Bacon said: “Anthony was invited to visit the railway in 2011. By that time it was out of use and overgrown.
“He was asked if he wanted the rails for the Sierra Leone National Railway Museum in West Africa which he’s involved with.
“He ventured the fact it was too big to fit the site in Africa, but saw the possibility of restoration and reopening it where it was.”
A business plan was put together and thanks to the time, goodwill and effort of a group of volunteers the facility was back on track in 2013.
Carole’s husband Philip, who is a trustee, said: “The entry is only £4. It is a reasonable day out. Children under five don’t pay anything and once you are inside you can have as many rides as you like – it is not pay per ride.”
The entry fee is cash only.
Of the latest open day, Carole said: “The weather wasn’t very clement really, it was a bit chilly, but there were people enjoying picnics.”
The open days are also supported by award-winning mobile catering Mille Moos Roasts offering a variety of tasty delights for punters. The caterer accepts card payments.
Currently, the railway operates a diesel-powered engine, and thanks to some clever swaps with other miniature railway groups elsewhere people can look forward to more variety this year.
Carole said: “Last year, because it was Railway 200, we had a steam engine that came from Wigan, but it has gone back. It looks like it is going to return. And there is another steam engine from Perrygrove, which is in Gloucester, that we hope is coming in June.
“They are hoping to run in June two steam engines which is going to be an unusual thing, because they have rarely run two.”
Thorpe Light Railway open days take place on May 10, June 21, July 19, August 9 and September 13.
