Yorkshire Wolds Railway wanted ‘our own little celebration’ for Railway 200
A special open weekend is being held at East Yorkshire’s only heritage railway this month.
Yorkshire Wolds Railway (YWR) is throwing open its doors to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway, over the weekend of September 27 and 28.
Matthew Brown, YWR media director, said: “This is such a milestone for railways across the globe. It began with the opening of the Stockton and Darlington railway on September 27, 1825 that ultimately led to people, places and communities being connected, and transforming the world.
“We wanted to have our own little celebration and will be giving free rides all weekend. If you have not been to the YWR before, this is the perfect opportunity.
“Trains will be running from 10am to 4pm, with the last train at 3.30pm. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the site.”
Katy Bowser, business development director for the Fimber-based attraction, said: “We will also be offering Golden Tickets for £30 each that will feature a limited-edition goody bag, access to a grazing table of food and a glass of fabulous local fizz. Not only that, but we will be launching a very exciting product from a local company that we have been working on for some time and this seemed like the perfect time to do so.”
The YWR will also be joined by members of the Hornsea Amateur Radio Club as they celebrate Railways on the Air – an annual event that also marks the opening of the railways. They will be broadcasting live from Fimber Halt and joining up with 40 other radio clubs at other heritage lines across the country.
Phil Robson, finance director, said: “The YWR is proud of its community connection and we are very grateful for the continued support of members, visitors, and businesses. The Railway 200 event is a great way to pass on those thanks, and giving free rides seemed the perfect way to do just that.”
The YWR is always keen to involve new people. Anyone interested in becoming a member or volunteering, making a donation or just finding out more can visit the Yorkshire Wolds Railway website or call 01377 338053 for more information.
The YWR will be running trains and opening the visitor centre every Sunday until the end of October and every Wednesday during school holidays, from 10am to 4pm. All trains run subject to availability.
Outside of school holidays, the visitor centre only will be open every Wednesday until the end of October, also from 10am to 4pm. Additionally, there are members on site most Saturdays who will be happy to show what is being done, subject to safety requirements.