WyvernRail Press Releases

Christmas Greetings and a Happy New Year from all at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

2011-12-28T03:45:00.000-08:00

This picture says it all. On Wednesday 6th April, His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester opened the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway to its full extent from Duffield to Wirksworth.

What a year it has been! The dramatic events of April represented the culmination of nearly a decade’s planning followed by a decade of backbreaking hard work, giving us a nine-mile railway with its very own branch line and main line connections at our new interchange at Duffield.

The Duffield connection has been the essential difference this year, making us a bona fide rail destination from anywhere in the UK and this has been used to the full including welcoming railtours to our line and even running an excursion to London. Both events used our cross-platform interchange at Duffield and in every case, the support of East Midlands Trains has been crucial in ensuring the success of these events. We have a great partner in EMT and hope to expand the relationship in the future.

So what now? After all, short of tunnelling through Cromford Hill and building the line to Rowsley originally planned by the Midland Railway, we don’t have anywhere further to go, so perhaps that’s it – no more work to do?

Not a bit of it! Our railway can’t get any longer but it can get broader. We now need to work on expanding the facilities of Britain’s Last Perfect Branch Line to allow us to grow revenues and turn the railway from a first-class to a top-of-the-class attraction and a popular means of visiting Wirksworth and the southern part of Peak District.

The list for 2012 is extensive: we plan to open Shottle station in June and are starting work on a loop there to allow trains to pass. Once fully operational, this will provide the opportunity to run two trains between Wirksworth and Duffield and increase the service frequency. At Wirksworth, the path toward turning Wirksworth station into the first-class destination has begun. The Gatwick Express unit will emerge in Pullman livery when the 2012 season starts and from our first glimpses of the work taking place, we should have quite a show-stopper when the train is revealed to the public!

But the maintenance facility where the Gatwick set is being transformed does itself need a transformation. Although tidy and quite well-appointed, it lacks lighting, heating and room to expand. We are beginning the process of making this transformation but first we must find the money to do the work.

Meanwhile, our southern interchange (we just love that word!) at Duffield is also beginning its first makeover, the results of which should be seen at the beginning of the new season. We are looking to upgrade our accommodation there with a new booking office and, hopefully, decent loos to replace the rather basic facilities we had this year.

We need all these extra facilities to support what we hope will be a significant increase in travel on the line. This year has been spectacular with a 400% increase over last year when we just ran to Idridgehay. But for 2012, we are launching the Destination Wirksworth campaign to establish Wirksworth as a true destination in its own right.

In 2011, our volunteers and shareholders delivered on a plan that was first conceived just less than 20 years ago – WyvernRail was founded in October 1992 – and we hope 2012 will the year when we broaden our facilities, provide better passenger accommodation, increase our capacity and start to move towards the ‘Big League’ of private railway operators.

The support of our volunteers, shareholders, partners and enthusiasts has been the engine that drives the regeneration of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. We thank you all for the encouragement you have given us to rebuild and restore our railway and hope that you will continue to support our growth into the third decade.

With our best wishes,
John Snell, Martin Miller, Neil Ferguson-Lee, Mike Evans, Michael Thomas, Gavin Kenning, Bob Grange, Kevin Hall

Wirksworth to London: A unique Christmas rail trip this November!

2011-11-06T12:49:00.000-08:00

Wirksworth, 6^th November 2011: Christmas shopping and sightseeing in London is on offer for local residents with a special train service between Wirksworth and London.

On Saturday 26^th November, the Thames-Ecclesbourne Express will provide special train services from Wirksworth to London St Pancras International. This joint initiative between East Midlands Trains and the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway will provide a fantastic day out shopping and sight-seeing, just in time for Christmas.

Passengers from Wirksworth and Idridgehay will be able to enjoy a gentle excursion down the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway to Duffield, changing platforms for an East Midlands Trains express service to London St. Pancras International, while Duffield residents can board this direct service from Duffield to London too. Then, after a day in the capital, relax on the return journey to Duffield, Idridgehay and Wirksworth.

Emma Knight from East Midlands Trains said “We’re extremely pleased to be able to provide this opportunity for people in the Ecclesbourne Valley to discover the benefits of rail travel to London with East Midlands Trains”.

Neil Ferguson-Lee of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway added “This is a very exciting new development for us all and we hope that this will be the first of many. Thanks to the great team at East Midlands Trains, passengers from Wirksworth, Idridgehay and Duffield will be able to go Christmas Shopping in London without having to use their cars!”

The Thames-Ecclesbourne Express will depart Wirksworth at 07:15 and Idridgehay at 07:33. Passengers will cross to the main line platform where East Midlands Trains will make a special stop on one of their London express services, departing Duffield at 08:07 and arriving at London St. Pancras at 10:06. The return service will depart London at 18:25, arriving Duffield at 20:25 and, after a quick change of train, arrive Idridgehay at 20:42 and Wirksworth at 21:00.

Return fares from Wirksworth, Idridgehay and Duffield are £58.00 Adult Standard and £88.00 First Class. Child, Senior, Student and Disabled Railcard holders pay £41.00 Standard and £61.00 First Class. Places are limited, especially in first class, so early booking is advised. This special service can only be booked through the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway on 01629 823076, in person at Wirksworth Booking Hall or online at www.e-v-r.com/thames.

Ends.

About the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway:

WyvernRail plc has worked with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association to reopen the Duffield to Wirksworth railway in the heart of Derbyshire.

The line passes through the beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley to the award winning and beautifully restored town of Wirksworth, nestling in the foothills of the Peak District.

The line is a time capsule, with its intermediate stations largely intact and the layout at Wirksworth virtually unchanged since the days of steam.

There are 8½ miles of single-track railway, which meet the Midland Main Line at Duffield Junction near Derby. There are five station sites, two level crossings, a yard with extensive sidings and a mineral branch to the old Middlepeak quarry at Wirksworth.

Services run at weekends between April and October, Saturdays in November and March, and are timed to connect with Derwent Valley Line services between Nottingham, Derby and Matlock operated by East Midlands Trains.

About East Midlands Trains

East Midlands Trains, part of the Stagecoach Group, runs fast, frequent services between London St Pancras International and key destinations throughout the East Midlands, including Leicester, Derby, Sheffield, Nottingham, Manchester and Liverpool.

For more information, visit www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk

Objective Achieved: Ecclesbourne Valley Railway opens to Duffield

2011-04-06T16:15:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMMEDIATE RELEASE The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Contact: Neil Ferguson-Lee Tel. (01629) 822806 Email neilfl@wyvernrail.co.uk Objective Achieved: Ecclesbourne Valley Railway opens to Duffield: More than a decade’s team effort rewarded with a visit by H.R.H. The Duke of Gloucester Wirksworth, 6th April 2011: The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, connecting Duffield near Derby with Wirksworth, the Gem of the Peak, became fully operational today when His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester travelled the whole line to open the line formally. Arriving by train from London, His Royal Highness crossed from the main line platforms at Duffield and joined the first scheduled passenger train from Duffield to Wirksworth since June 1947. Hauled by a former British Railways locomotive, no. 78019, the train included a carriage, built the year the line closed, that has been restored by a dedicated team of volunteers at Wirksworth. The train was filled with the working volunteers who could celebrate over a decade of hard work to the reopening of the railway and John Snell, the Chairman of WyvernRail plc, paid credit to them: “We have waited, anticipated and dreamed of this day for over a decade and it is so very fitting that the people who made this dream a reality are those who are present on this very special day”. Riding on the footplate for part of the journey, His Royal Highness toured the station at Wirksworth and visited the railway’s museum before unveiling a plaque commemorating his visit and the line’s reopening. Present at the event were Martin Miller, General Manager of WyvernRail and Mike Craft, Secretary of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association, both of whom were present on the very first day of clearance work in November 2000. “It is truly amazing to consider not only what we have achieved in just over a decade but the sheer dedication of both our shareholders and volunteers in keeping faith in our plans, often when we literally could not see the wood for the trees” remarked Mr. Miller, while Mike Craft was in reflective mood: “To see so many of our friends here today is a wonderful experience and I think everybody present will take a moment to remember some of the team who passed-away before our dream could be realised”. The celebrations today pave the way for a festival lasting the next four days with public services commencing on Friday 8th. This event forms the start of what promises to be an exciting season for the railway with steam and heritage diesel trains, all of which connect with East Midlands Trains’ services between Nottingham, Derby and Matlock. Today, Wirksworth has returned to the railway map and the town looks forward to welcoming rail travellers for the first time in over six decades. Ends. About the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway: WyvernRail plc has worked with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association to reopen the Duffield to Wirksworth railway in the heart of Derbyshire. The line passes through the beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley to the award winning and beautifully restored town of Wirksworth, nestling at the foothills of the Peak District. The line is a time capsule, with its intermediate stations largely intact and the layout at Wirksworth virtually unchanged since the days of steam. There are 8½ miles of single-track railway, which meet the Midland Main Line at Duffield Junction near Derby. There are five station sites, two level crossings, a yard with extensive sidings and a mineral branch to the old Middlepeak quarry at Wirksworth.

Just the Ticket! Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Poster launching at East Midlands Trains Stations to promote through ticketing and main line connections

2011-03-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

Wirksworth, 8th March 2011: In the run-up to the opening of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway on 8th April, innovative posters designed in Wirksworth will be appearing at East Midlands Trains’ stations to promote the railway and its connections.

The posters, with the strapline “Wirksworth, Derbyshire – It has that effect” have been designed by local design consultancy Orange Box Design in a style which complements the hugely successful and distinctive East Midlands Trains format. Featuring a stylised and smiling train from the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, the poster design spearheads a campaign to raise awareness of this new railway amongst rail passengers travelling through many of East Midlands Trains’ stations.

“With connecting services and even the ability to buy a ticket to our railway from any East Midlands Trains booking office, we really have something to shout about and Wirksworth is a great destination for visitors looking for a new, friendly and downright quirky place to visit” remarked Neil Ferguson-Lee, spokesman for the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.

East Midlands Trains has supported the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway in re-establishing Wirksworth as a rail destination. The EVR service connects at Duffield on the Nottingham and Derby to Matlock route and East Midlands Trains has set up Wirksworth and the intermediate station of Idridgehay as ticketing destinations which are available from any National Rail station as an add-on ticket. From 23rd May, passengers will have the added benefit of being able to buy a through ticket from any East Midlands Trains’ station.

David Horne, Customer Service Director for East Midlands Trains, added: “We’re very pleased to be working with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway to help promote the new services from Wirksworth. Over the last two years, we have worked hard to bring some significant improvements to the line between Matlock, Derby and Nottingham, and passengers are now benefiting from direct hourly train services as well as improved connections with our services to London. We welcome the launch of the new Wirksworth service and are confident it will encourage even more people to give the train a try.”

Having a poster designed by a local design company was a high priority for the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. Wirksworth has a reputation for being a highly-creative town, with a growing population of companies in the creative sector. Located in the foothills of the Peak District, the town is famous for its annual Welldressings, held in late May and an internationally-recognised arts festival in September. “Having lived and worked in Wirksworth for over 15 years, it’s great to able to promote the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway and help bring visitors to town. Wirksworth is a special place – it boasts some fascinating architecture, enjoys a picture perfect rural setting and is home to some truly creative and passionate people, and the opening of the railway is a perfect example of what the town is all about” remarked Paul Carr, Director of Orange Box Design.

With the creative support of companies like Orange Box Design and the logistical support of East Midlands Trains, Wirksworth is destined to become famous as the home of one of the country’s most picturesque and well-connected community railways.

Ends.

Note to Editors:
A sample of the poster can be downloaded from the following location:
http://bit.ly/evr-poster

About the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway:
WyvernRail plc is working with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association to reopen the Duffield to Wirksworth railway in the heart of Derbyshire.
The line passes through the beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley to the award winning and beautifully restored town of Wirksworth, nestling at the foothills of the Peak District.
The line is a time capsule, with its intermediate stations largely intact and the layout at Wirksworth virtually unchanged since the days of steam.
There are nine miles of single-track railway, which meet the Midland Main Line at Duffield Junction near Derby. There are five station sites, two level crossings, a yard with extensive sidings and a mineral branch to the old Middlepeak quarry at Wirksworth. Since 2004, 4½ miles of the line have been reopened and it will complete the reopening on 8th April 2011.
For more information, visit http://www.e-v-r.com/

About Orange Box Design
Originally formed way back in 1996 as a design partnership, Orange Box Design now employs 7 people and has traded as a limited company since 2001.
Working in the fields of print, new media, event management and exhibitions, and bringing together project management and design skills, the dedicated and professional (of course) team bring a bit of nous as well as fresh ideas to projects for a wide range of clients.
Based in the market town of Wirksworth, Derbyshire the company is well placed to work with clients across the midlands and beyond.
For more information, visit www.obdesign.co.uk/

About East Midlands Trains
East Midlands Trains, part of the Stagecoach Group, runs fast, frequent services between London St Pancras International and key destinations throughout the East Midlands, including Leicester, Derby, Sheffield, Nottingham, Manchester and Liverpool.
For more information, visit http://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/

Tickets Go On Sale for Grand Reopening Gala Enthusiasts purchase tickets from website before official go-live in rush to get first tickets

2011-02-01T16:03:00.000-08:00

Wirksworth, 1st February 2011: With demand high for opening services, enthusiasts have succeeded in purchasing tickets before the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway’s ticketing website was officially open to the public!

Now open for business, tickets for the railway’s opening gala event on 8th – 10th April are now available from www.e-v-r.com/reopening.

Tickets cost £20 for standard class in either a former British Railways corridor coach or a quite delightful former London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMSR) Third Open carriage, freshly restored at Wirksworth by the LMS Carriage Association, and £50 for first class in our saloon with a steward in attendance

Crowning the event will be the presence of BR Standard steam locomotive 78019 which will be sharing services with the railway’s fleet of diesel multiple units. Built in 1954, the locomotive spent its early years working services over the northern fells and Lake District before operating in London and the Midlands before withdrawal in 1966. After languishing in a scrapyard and then at various preservation sites, the locomotive was restored at the Great Central Railway in Loughborough in 1998.

The reopening event on 8th to 10th April represents the culmination of ten years effort to restore the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway from an overgrown and abandoned mineral line into a thriving community railway owned by 1,200 shareholders and restored by 150 volunteers, many of whom are part of the railway’s shareholder community. Offering 76 days of operation this year, the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway has re-joined the nation’s railway network as a true community venture.

Ends.

About the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway:
WyvernRail plc is working with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association to reopen the Duffield to Wirksworth railway in the heart of Derbyshire.

The line passes through the beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley to the award winning and beautifully restored town of Wirksworth, nestling at the foothills of the Peak District.

The line is a time capsule, with its intermediate stations largely intact and the layout at Wirksworth virtually unchanged since the days of steam.

There are 8½ miles of single-track railway, which meet the Midland Main Line at Duffield Junction near Derby. There are five station sites, two level crossings, a yard with extensive sidings and a mineral branch to the old Middlepeak quarry at Wirksworth. Since 2004, 4½ miles of the line have been reopened and it is planned to complete the reopening on 8th April 2011.

Timetable Published for 2011 Reopening Service: Public Services Commence on 8th April with Tickets on Sale from February

2011-01-06T05:43:00.000-08:00

Wirksworth, 4th January 2011: The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway will reopen the Wirksworth Branch in full to Duffield on Friday, 8th April, 2011, followed by a gala on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th. Tickets for the reopening train will go on sale in early February and be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Prior to the first public train, two days will be devoted to special services for the line’s volunteers and shareholders.

The 2011 timetable has been published and contains an exciting schedule of services and events for the 2011 season. Featuring 76 operating days, the core service provides four services per day from Duffield to Wirksworth, departing from Duffield at 11:10, 13:10, 15:10 and 17:10 and connecting with the East Midlands Trains service from Nottingham to Matlock.

The reopening gala over the first weekend will provide an exciting and intensive service featuring visiting British Railways Class 2MT locomotive no. 78019 and the railway’s rake of vintage carriages which will include a freshly-restored former London Midland & Scottish Railway vehicle that has been under restoration at Wirksworth since 2008. Services will also include the railway’s collection of vintage diesel locomotives and railcars to give a truly spectacular reopening event over the three days.

Locomotive 78019 will be resident at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway for over two months and form the core of the events programme alongside Wirksworth-based 0-4-0 ‘Ferrybridge No.3’. The exciting programme includes an Easter Eggstravaganza and May Day Bank Holiday and a series of weekend steam events in April and May.

The full timetable and events programme can be can be downloaded from the following location:
http://www.e-v-r.com/documents/2011leafletweb.pdf

All dates are subject to final approval by the appropriate regulatory authorities.

Ends.

Note to Editors:
We shall be providing a series of updates in preparation for the line’s opening including a press briefing document and information for journalists and media crews who may wish to attend the opening event. Please contact Neil Ferguson-Lee (neilfl@wyvernrail.co.uk) on 07775 720045 if you require further information.

About the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway:
WyvernRail plc is working with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association to reopen the Duffield to Wirksworth railway in the heart of Derbyshire.

The line passes through the beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley to the award winning and beautifully restored town of Wirksworth, nestling at the foothills of the Peak District.

The line is a time capsule, with its intermediate stations largely intact and the layout at Wirksworth virtually unchanged since the days of steam.

There are 8½ miles of single-track railway, which meet the Midland Main Line at Duffield Junction near Derby. There are five station sites, two level crossings, a yard with extensive sidings and a mineral branch to the old Middlepeak quarry at Wirksworth. Since 2004, 4½ miles of the line have been reopened and the line will open fully on 8th April 2011.

Green Light for April Opening: Duffield to Wirksworth to Open in the Spring

2010-12-01T01:10:00.000-08:00

Wirksworth Returns to Railway Network with connections to Derby, London Paris and Brussels

Wirksworth, 1st December, 2010: The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway is delighted to announce that the entire Duffield to Wirksworth branch line will open to the public in early April 2011.

Following a ten-year restoration project, the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway will become an operational passenger railway after a ‘pause’ of 64 years and will offer a four or more train service between Duffield and Wirksworth at weekends and on other operating days in the season between April and October.

The initial timetable has been designed to connect with East Midlands Trains’ Nottingham to Matlock service and this opens-up connection opportunities to other national rail destinations including London and, via Eurostar, to Paris and Brussels. Every service from Wirksworth has a connection to both European capitals.

Further details of the reopening programme will be released nearer to the time and more information can be found at www.e-v-r.com.

Ends.

Briefing for Editors:
This is an important event which has been the result of 300,000 hours of volunteer effort, £600,000 of share capital and £900,000 of support from a range of grant-awarding bodies, including the East Midlands Development Agency, Awards for All, The Derbyshire Aggregates Levy Grant Scheme and The Local Heritage Initiative.

A significant media event will take place on at the opening ceremony and the press are invited to attend. Please contact Neil Ferguson-Lee at neilfl@wyvernrail.co.uk or 01629 822806 for further details.

About the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway:
WyvernRail plc is working with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association to reopen the Duffield to Wirksworth railway in the heart of Derbyshire.

The line passes through the beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley to the award winning and beautifully restored town of Wirksworth, nestling at the foothills of the Peak District.

The line is a time capsule, with its intermediate stations largely intact and the layout at Wirksworth virtually unchanged since the days of steam.

There are 8½ miles of single-track railway, which meet the Midland Main Line at Duffield Junction near Derby. There are five station sites, two level crossings, a yard with extensive sidings and a mineral branch to the old Middlepeak quarry at Wirksworth. Since 2004, 4½ miles of the line have been reopened and it is planned to complete the reopening in April 2011.

Golden Sleeper Marks Conclusion of Mammoth Project and Signals Green Light for Spring Reopening

2010-09-22T01:30:00.000-07:00

Hazelwood, 21st September 2010: On a beautiful autumnal day, 25 volunteers gathered a few hundred yards south of Hazelwood station to witness the laying of the ‘Golden Sleeper’, the final sleeper to be changed in the restoration of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway between Wirksworth and Duffield.

Clearance of what had become a completely overgrown railway commenced just under ten years ago in November 2000 and today’s ceremony marks the conclusion of an exercise that has resulted in the replacement of nearly 5,000 sleepers, the construction or reconstruction of six station platforms, repair of 20 miles of fencing and the digging of innumerable drainage ditches and culverts.

“We are absolutely delighted” remarked Phil Tarry, Project Director for the restoration project. “This has been a very long journey for us all and to complete this seemingly never-ending task is a wonderful feeling, especially when we realise that this one act brings puts our full reopening to Duffield on-track for next Spring” he added.

The replacement of the Golden Sleeper represents the completion of the hardest and most time-consuming part of the railway’s restoration. Although several other tasks remain to be completed before the line can be opened, this has represented the ‘critical path’ item and its completion means that the railway is on track towards its opening in the Spring of 2011.

Neil Ferguson-Lee, the railway’s spokesman remarked: “The countdown has started. We are now making preparations to reopen the remainder of the railway for the Spring of next year. This now involves far more than construction work: we have to build a timetable to connect with main line services, organise through ticketing, publicity and, of greatest importance, some exciting and welcoming trains for our visitors to experience. The next railway to reopen in Derbyshire will be next Spring and it will be from Duffield to Wirksworth!”

Ends.

Note to Editors:
Two high-quality digital images are available to download at:

http://newimages.fotopic.net/?iid=1f2v6s&noresize=1&nostamp=1&quality=80

Volunteers led by director Phil Tarry (centre) celebrate the installation of the 'Golden Sleeper' to commemorate the replacement of the last of nearly 5,000 sleepers changed over the past decade of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway's restoration.

http://newimages.fotopic.net/?iid=1f2v65&noresize=1&nostamp=1&quality=80

The 'Golden Spike' is driven into the Golden Sleeper on the morning of Tuesday, 21st September 2010, just a few weeks short of the tenth anniversary of the commencement of restoration work.

From Seoul to the Bosporus: MyTestTrack.com breaks records with visitors from South Korea and Turkey

2010-07-14T05:11:00.000-07:00

Wirksworth, 14th July 2010: WyvernRail’s MyTestTrack.com facility at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway between Wirksworth and Duffield in Derbyshire has played host to two foreign delegations in the past week.

Groups from the Korean Railroad Research Institute and a Turkish student team from the University of Birmingham’s MSc course in Railway Systems Engineering & Integration (RSEI) visited the railway’s facilities with the graduate team participating actively in the line’s restoration, changing a record-breaking 71 sleepers over the weekend of 10th July.

Professor Schmid also introduced a Korean MSc student who has been charged with investigating technology-based signalling systems for rural railways and will use the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway as a case study which will be of great relevance as the Railway’s operation expands.

The five-person South Korean delegation was of great interest to the Wirksworth management team as one area of study being researched was signalling and communications on heritage railways; a subject of great relevance as the railway is investigating technology-based solutions to this area.

The Turkish delegation comprised 19 students and lecturers, visiting the line for two days over a weekend. In addition to studying railway operations, they were exposed to the practical aspects of renovating and maintaining a railway with groups gaining ‘hands-on’ experience of track and rolling stock restoration, vegetation control, drainage, tickets and train operations. In baking heat, the teams managed to change a record-breaking 71 sleepers on the lower section of the branch line; vital work towards the restoration of passenger services on that section next year.

WyvernRail’s MyTestTrack.com facility has continued to expand and had developed an enviable reputation for providing specialist testing and training facilities. From buffer stops for China to signalling for the 2012 Olympics, MyTestTrack.com’s reach has now extended to South Korea and Turkey to provide the next generation of railway managers with a taste of how to restore railways Derbyshire-style.

Ends.

Two high-quality digital images are available to download at:

http://newimages.fotopic.net/?iid=13chlr&noresize=1&nostamp=1&quality=80

Depicts the delegation from the Korean Railroad Research Institute (KRRI) at Wirksworth Station. From left to right: Jung Hyun-Seung - Senior Researcher Railroad Structure Department, Railroad System Research Centre, KRRI; Alex K Yang - Coordinator International Relations Team, KRRI; Mun Hyung-Seung - Railroad Structure Department, Railroad System Research Centre, KRRI; Phil Tarry, Project Director for WyvernRail plc; Jin Yu Choi, Principal Researcher, Vehicle and Track Research Department, KRRI; Jun Hyun Kyu, Senior Researcher, Vehicle and Track Research Department, KRRI.

http://newimages.fotopic.net/?iid=13chmf&noresize=1&nostamp=1&quality=80

Depicts the delegation of Turkish MSc students from the University of Birmingham. Professor Schmid is crouching in the centre of the picture.

Preparing for Steam! Railway Employs Novel Technology to Speed-up Installation of Facilities

2010-04-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Wirksworth, 1st April 2010: With steam traction returning to Wirksworth in the next couple of months, the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway has purchased sophisticated technology to accelerate the installation of facilities in time for the season.

The absence of a proper ash pit at Wirksworth was regarded as a major impediment to the operation of steam engines and with excessive leadtimes being quoted by construction firms, the railway decided to adopt a radical solution.

“With the time available, we needed a rapid solution to provide us with an ashpit and the decision was made to see if any high-tech solutions were available” remarked Mike Craft, Secretary of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association and lead for the ashpit project. The company decided to look abroad and found the German company Gironde Nutehohl GMBH, who are specialists in the supply of pre-manufactured holes for construction projects.

A lightweight design hole was manufactured in Germany and delivered to the railway earlier this week. It was installed on Wednesday and should be operational in a few weeks time.

“We were absolutely delighted with the hole” remarked Mike Craft. “It was lightweight, easy to handle and installed by our team in a matter of hours” he added.

The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway is delighted to be involved in such an innovative project and having had experience of digging holes for itself on many occasions in the past, looks forward to greater use of such technology in the future.

Ends.

Note to Editors:
A high-quality digital image is available to download at:
http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/p63999586.html
It depicts members of the railway’s team installing the pre-manufactured hole at Wirksworth.

About the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway:
WyvernRail plc is working with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association to reopen the Duffield to Wirksworth railway in the heart of Derbyshire.
The line passes through the beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley to the award winning and beautifully restored town of Wirksworth, nestling at the foothills of the Peak District.
The line is a time capsule, with its intermediate stations largely intact and the layout at Wirksworth virtually unchanged since the days of steam.
There are 8½ miles of single-track railway, which meet the Midland Main Line at Duffield Junction near Derby. There are five station sites, two level crossings, a yard with extensive sidings and a mineral branch to the old Middlepeak quarry at Wirksworth. Since 2004, 4½ miles of the line have been reopened and it is planned to complete the reopening by April 2010.

About Gironde Nutehohl GMBH
Gironde Nutehohl GMBH is an internationally-renowned manufactured of innovative construction solutions based in Bad Oder, Germany. The company was formed in January 1904 and has extensive experience of manufacturing preassembled holes, openings and spaces for the construction industry. Details of the company can be found at the company’s website: http://bit.ly/98jj3

Wirksworth on National Television AGAIN! Rail-Based Drama "Five Days 2" Airs on BBC1 in Early March

2010-02-22T14:19:00.001-08:00

Wirksworth, 22nd February 2010: The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway is featuring once again on national television when BBC1 airs the drama Five Days 2 nightly at 9:00p.m. from 1st to 5th March.

A gripping five-part mystery produced by Gwyneth Hughes (Five Days, Miss Austen Regrets, Cherished) for BBC Drama is set around an intriguing plot: A tiny newborn baby is abandoned in the toilets of a Yorkshire hospital. At the same time, the Trans-Pennine commuter train is halted by a suicidal jumper – are they connected?

“Filming at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway is like having your own giant train set. All the staff understand the filming process and are willing to go that extra mile for you to get the perfect shot” remarked Andy Morgan, the BBC’s location manager.

The Trans-Pennine train has been provided by the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway and follows several major productions for TV and cinema that have used the railway’s RailFilmLocations.biz facilities. Formed in 2004, RailFilmLocations.biz specialises in providing rail vehicles and appropriate locations along the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway for film and TV productions which have included Casualty, The ITV Drama ‘Mobile’ and several big screen productions including ‘Oranges and Sunshine’, a film addressing one of the most significant social scandals in recent times: the organised deportation of children in care from the United Kingdom to Australia.

Stephan Pehrsson, the shoot’s cinematographer with credits as diverse as the BBC’s Hustle, Holby Blue and M.I. High complemented the railway’s facilities: “I had a great time filming on the train, the staff was very helpful and managed to keep us all safe around the big machines. We did some great scenes there that would have been impossible to do anywhere else.”

RailFilmLocations.biz continues to expand its facilities at Wirksworth and as the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway moves toward opening its entire length to Duffield, just north of Derby, the range of scenery and locations available will continue to expand, allowing a range from gritty, modern urban to picture postcard rural.

The RailFilmLocations.biz team can be contacted on 01629 821828 or by email at wirksworth_station@wyvernrail.co.uk.

Ends.

Note to Editors:

Four high-quality digital images are available to download:
http://www.e-v-r.com/press/fd001.jpg depicts Anne Reid (Coronation Street, Dinnerladies) and Suranne Jones (Coronation Street, Vincent, The Sarah Jane Adventures) filming a scene on one of the railway’s trains.

http://www.e-v-r.com/press/fd002.jpg depicts Anne Reid and Suranne Jones at Wirksworth Station, dressed as West Yorkshire station ‘Castlebury’

http://www.e-v-r.com/press/fd3.jpg depicts two young actors alongside the railway’s sylvan location.

http://www.e-v-r.com/press/fd4.jpg depicts the film crew in operation on the railway line

About the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway:

WyvernRail plc is working with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association to reopen the Duffield to Wirksworth railway in the heart of Derbyshire.

The line passes through the beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley to the award winning and beautifully restored town of Wirksworth, nestling at the foothills of the Peak District.

The line is a time capsule, with its intermediate stations largely intact and the layout at Wirksworth virtually unchanged since the days of steam.

There are 8½ miles of single-track railway, which meet the Midland Main Line at Duffield Junction near Derby. There are five station sites, two level crossings, a yard with extensive sidings and a mineral branch to the old Middlepeak quarry at Wirksworth. Since 2004, 4½ miles of the line have been reopened and it is planned to complete the reopening by April 2011.

Raising Steam at Wirksworth! Steam engine begins to come-together with help from local industry

2010-01-20T15:34:00.000-08:00

Wirksworth, 20th January 2010: As the volunteers of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association prepare for a very special return to steam at Wirksworth, the boiler of Ferrybridge No. 3, a Barclay 0-4-0 has now returned to Wirksworth station, following an extensive rebuild by a local company not normally associated with locomotive preservation.

The boiler has been rebuilt by William Twigg Limited of Matlock who, although an established manufacturer of high pressure vessels, had never repaired a steam engine boiler before. The work on the boiler for Ferrybridge No. 3 represents a new departure, not only for William Twigg but for the steam preservation industry as a whole. Twigg’s workmanship was of a very high standard and, significantly, cost a third of the price quoted by established steam boiler repairers.

The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association received a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £48,000 to repair this engine, which is similar to those which operated in the local quarries up until the mid-1970s. Ferrybridge No. 3 is due to be returned to service in late April 2010 and is a true ‘Cinderella’ of the steam preservation movement, having been stored out of public view at a haulier’s yard in Sheffield since the early 1970s.

The Association has also received a grant from the Derbyshire Aggregate Levy Fund, operated by Derbyshire Environment Trust, totalling £9,200 to build an ash pit to serve this and any other steam engines visiting the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway when it reopens to Duffield in 2010/11.

Ends.

Note to Editors:
Four high-quality digital images are available to download:

http://www.e-v-r.com/press/PB120176.jpg

Depicts Ferrybridge No3’s boiler undergoing its steam test at Wirksworth.

http://www.e-v-r.com/press/PB120183.jpg
Volunteers look-on anxiously as the boiler reaches its working pressure of 160 pounds per square inch.

http://www.e-v-r.com/press/PB120185.jpg
Another view of Ferrybridge No3’s boiler coming back to life after over 35 years.

http://www.e-v-r.com/press/PB120191.jpg
We’re there! Ferrybridge No3’s pressure gauge registers 160 pounds per square inch pressure on the clock.

Photo credit, John Hastings-Thompson, Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association

About the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway:
WyvernRail plc is working with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association to reopen the Duffield to Wirksworth railway in the heart of Derbyshire.

The line passes through the beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley to the award winning and beautifully restored town of Wirksworth, nestling at the foothills of the Peak District.

The line is a time capsule, with its intermediate stations largely intact and the layout at Wirksworth virtually unchanged since the days of steam.

There are 8½ miles of single-track railway, which meet the Midland Main Line at Duffield Junction near Derby. There are five station sites, two level crossings, a yard with extensive sidings and a mineral branch to the old Middlepeak quarry at Wirksworth. Since 2004, 4½ miles of the line have been reopened and it is planned to complete the reopening by 1st October 2010 in time for full operation in the 2011 season.

About William Twigg (Matlock) Limited
Better known locally as Twiggs, the company is a one stop shop for industrial, engineering, plumbing and DIY supplies. It is renowned for its comprehensive range of steel stock and processing ability. The fabrication division specialises in bespoke projects of all shapes and sizes. As a family business established over 100 years ago, Twiggs is a highly regarded local company offering excellent service.

For more information on Twiggs, visit the website http://www.twiggs.co.uk/.

‘ORANGES AND SUNSHINE’: HARROWING ACCOUNT OF AUSTRALIAN CHILD DEPORTATION FILMED AT WIRKSWORTH STATION

2009-11-16T13:47:00.000-08:00

Wirksworth, 16th November 2009: As Australian Premier Kevin Rudd apologised publically for the ‘Lost Generation’ of thousands of British children sent to Australian orphanages and children’s homes between 1930 and 1970, the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway’s filming arm, RailFilmLocations.biz has been participating in the production of a major new film on the subject.

‘Oranges and Sunshine’, an Anglo-Australian production by See-Saw Films Pty Ltd and Sixteen Films has been funded by Screen Australia and is directed by Jim Loach. The film tells the story of Margaret Humphreys, a social worker from Nottingham, who uncovered one of the most significant social scandals in recent times: the organised deportation of children in care from the United Kingdom to Australia.

Filming took place at Wirksworth Station on Friday 13th November and is the fifth major production to be filmed at the railway this year. The company has provided authentic rolling stock to reproduce an Inter-City train in the early 1980s and has been used for a major scene where the film’s main character returns to the city following a journey to Australia.

Ends.

Note to Editors:
The BBC’s story concerning the Australian deportations can be found here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/8361389.stm
Details of Sixteen Films’ production ‘Oranges and Sunshine’ can be found here:
http://www.sixteenfilms.co.uk/films/film/oranges_and_sunshine/

The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Contact: Neil Ferguson-Lee
Tel. (01629) 822806
Email neilfl@wyvernrail.co.uk

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER: JOIN RELATE AT THE ECCLESBOURNE VALLEY RAILWAY IN SEPTEMBER

2009-08-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Contact: Neil Ferguson-Lee, Tel. (01629) 822806 Email neilfl@wyvernrail.co.uk

Relate Derby & Southern Derbyshire
Contact: Beverley Miller, Tel. (01332) 349177 Email Relate.derby@talk21.com

Wirksworth & Derby, 17th September 2009: Relate, the relationship people, are holding a very special event at Wirksworth Station on Saturday 26th September 2009.

In conjunction with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, Relate are offering a delightful evening’s entertainment which includes a welcome drink, a country train ride from Wirksworth to Idridgehay and return, a buffet onboard the Gatwick Express in the platform at Wirksworth and extra train rides up the steep incline to Ravenstor Halt, close to the High Peak Trail.

For a small extra cost, the Relate and the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway are offering the opportunity to drive a Rolls-Royce ‘Super Shunter’ at Wirksworth, while having two trains in operation on the evening offers and excellent evening for everybody from budding train drivers to those who would simply like an evening in the country with the opportunity to explore the area in comfort.

“We are very excited to be working in partnership with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway” said Beverley Miller, Director of Relate for Derby and Southern Derbyshire. “This promises to be a memorable event and what better way to support our charity than through an evening in the countryside with one of the most progressive private railways in the region?” she added.

Relate’s evening will be held on Saturday 26th September, with Wirksworth Station opening at 6:00 p.m. and the train to Idridgehay departing at 6:30. Tickets cost £20.00 and can be obtained from Relate at 62 Friar Gate, Derby, DE1 1DJ or by calling 01332 349177.

Ends.

About Relate:
Relate is the UK's largest provider of relationship counselling and sex therapy. We also offer a range of other relationship support services. All sorts of people come to Relate and find it helps them to understand what's going on in their relationships and change things for the better. We saw 150,000 clients last year. We deliver our services all over England, Wales and Northern Ireland at over 600 locations as well as by phone and online. Wherever you are help from Relate is available nearby and we can be contacted on 0300 100 1234 or through our website http://www.relate.org.uk/.

About the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway:
WyvernRail plc is working with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association to reopen the Duffield to Wirksworth railway in the heart of Derbyshire.
The line passes through the beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley to the award winning and beautifully restored town of Wirksworth, nestling at the foothills of the Peak District.
The line is a time capsule, with its intermediate stations largely intact and the layout at Wirksworth virtually unchanged since the days of steam.
There are 8½ miles of single-track railway, which meet the Midland Main Line at Duffield Junction near Derby. There are five station sites, two level crossings, a yard with extensive sidings and a mineral branch to the old Middlepeak quarry at Wirksworth. Since 2004, 4½ miles of the line have been reopened and it is planned to complete the reopening by 1st October 2010.

A SAFE HOME FOR TESTING: PERMAQUIP SETS-UP TESTING AND TRAINING BASE AT WIRKSWORTH

2009-01-21T03:30:00.000-08:00

Wirksworth, 19th January 2009: Permaquip, known nationally for their range of track maintenance and access equipment has signed an agreement with WyvernRail plc’s MyTestTrack.com venture to move their testing and training activities to Wirksworth.

Covering an initial twelve-month period, Permaquip will have full use of MyTestTrack.com’s facilities between Wirksworth and Duffield, while basing up to eight trailer vehicles preloaded to a determined weight to allow new vehicles to be put through running and brake tests prior to acceptance by customers. This arrangement will benefit both Permaquip and its customers, as it will significantly reduce product delivery lead times, operational costs and the costs associated with annual RRV brake tests. MyTestTrack.com are also modifying a length of track to incorporate a cant of up to 200mm to meet vehicle test requirements.

“We are very pleased to be moving to Wirksworth” commented Clive Hannaford, Permaquip’s Manager. “MyTestTrack.com has provided us with the type of base that we have been looking for and we look forward to a long and successful association with the team at Wirksworth” he added.

Facilities provided at Wirksworth include ‘hot’ storage of test vehicles for use at short notice, ready vehicular access for brake testing and inclusion of the section of track incorporating the 200mm cant as part of a running line.

Permaquip has become the third rail engineering business to establish a long-term relationship with MyTestTrack.com. In addition to being the site for possession-only vehicle certification to standard RIS-1530-PLT, Tube Lines is using the site for testing the Transmission-Based Train Control cab signalling system for the Jubilee Line, while Sperry Rail International signed a long-term agreement in July 2008.
Ends.

Note to Editors:
A series of high-quality digital images are available to download:
http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/p55956327.html
Depicts a Permaquip Kubota Road Rail Vehicle.
http://mytesttrack.com.fotopic.net/p46136348.html
Depicts a Permaquip Gator Road Rail Vehicle on test at Wirksworth.
http://mytesttrack.com.fotopic.net/p46136347.html
Depicts a Permaquip Rail Mover on test at Wirksworth.

About MyTestTrack.com:
MyTestTrack.com is a venture by WyvernRail plc. WyvernRail is reopening the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway between Duffield and Wirksworth and, in a very short time, has transformed the line from a neglected wilderness to a clear route suitable for vehicle movements throughout its length. WyvernRail is locally owned and managed with an attitude to make things work.

MyTestTrack.com offers competitively-priced service that is available at short notice to railway engineering companies for testing and training. The company offers a single point of contact, including a dedicated rail industry hotline (0870 766 2098), and a range of facilities to suit requirements, whether they be at short notice or for the long term.

Full details can be obtained from www.MyTestTrack.com.

About Permaquip
Permaquip was established as a leading supplier of railway infrastructure equipment and services in the late 1960's. In 1992 Harsco Corporation acquired the company and it is now the UK operating division of Harsco Track Technologies.

The Permaquip brand name that is synonymous with product quality and reliability. It is committed to the highest standards of quality, safety and customer service, with Link-Up accreditation for its complete range of product and service groups.

For details of Permaquip product range and other HTT on-track machines visit the website at www.permaquip.co.uk.

ON TRACK FOR EXPORT: SPERRY RAIL INTERNATIONAL AND MYTESTTRACK.COM PARTNER FOR INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS

2008-07-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

Wirksworth, 20th July 2008: MyTestTrack.com and Sperry Rail International have announced a partnership programme to test a range of rail vehicles and other products equipped with Sperry’s rail flaw detection equipment at the MyTestTrack.com test facility on the Duffield to Wirksworth branch near Derby.

The partnership has been established to provide Sperry with virtually unlimited access to the whole 9-mile line which incorporates a range of rail conditions and types, ranging from a mile of continuously-welded concrete-sleepered track, a variety of points and crossings through to a 1 in 30 incline.

“My TestTrack.com’s facilities at Wirksworth give us a perfect combination of high availability at very short notice, a range of environments to support real-world testing and a ‘can-do’ attitude that means that we have minimal downtime when we are on site.” remarked Justin Stroud, Sperry Rail’s Production Manager at the announcement of the partnership.

Sperry Rail first used the MyTestTrack.com at Wirksworth in 2004 and since then a variety of rail-mounted vehicles have visited the line, ranging from road/railers through towed test cars to a new trolley being tested for customers as close as Network Rail and MetroNet and as far away as Indian Railways.

As part of the new venture, MyTestTrack.com have taken delivery of a ex-BR Class 20 locomotive to support Sperry’s test programme. “We are responding to our customer’s requirements and providing Sperry with an air-braked locomotive to provide a cost-effective and flexible solution to their testing requirements” commented Martin Miller, MyTestTrack.com’s General Manager.

In addition to supporting Sperry Rail, MyTestTrack.com’s current projects include providing a test site for the transmission-based train control (TBTC) system on behalf of Tube Lines, Halcrow and LH Group and continuing to provide facilities for companies undertaking certification testing for possession-only vehicles to standard RIS-1530-PLT.

Ends.

Note to Editors:
A series of high-quality digital images are available to download at http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/c1547655.html
These images include:
http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/p52063313.html
Ex-British Railways Class 20, D8001 at Wirksworth accompanying London Underground locomotive L18. D8801 has arrived at Wirksworth to support the railway’s testing activities under the MyTestTrack.com banner, while L18 was present as part of Tube Lines’ test programme for the Transmission-Based train Control System on the Jubilee Line.

http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/p52063314.html
A Network Rail UTU5 Unimog, supplied by Sperry Rail Services on test at Wirksworth before entry into service on the Highland Lines.

http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/p52063317.html
Sperry Rail SRS240 multi-gauge test vehicle at Wirksworth.

http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/p52063316.html
Sperry Rail SRS220 Land Rover used for rail flaw detection with Metronet, on test at Wirksworth.

About MyTestTrack.com:
MyTestTrack.com is a venture by WyvernRail plc. WyvernRail is reopening the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway between Duffield and Wirksworth and, in a very short time, has transformed the line from a neglected wilderness to a clear route suitable for vehicle movements throughout its length. WyvernRail is locally owned and managed with an attitude to make things work.

MyTestTrack.com offers competitively-priced service that is available at short notice to railway engineering companies for testing and training. The company offers a single point of contact, including a dedicated rail industry hotline (0870 766 2098), and a range of facilities to suit requirements, whether they be at short notice or for the long term.

Full details can be obtained from www.MyTestTrack.com.

About Sperry Rail
Sperry Rail, the world's leading and largest rail flaw detection company, operates more than 200 test vehicles. They provide rail flaw detection services to enhance the safety and productivity of railroad operations worldwide.
Sperry use state-of-the-art proprietary ultrasonic, eddy current and electromagnetic systems and testing techniques to identify and classify rail flaws, as well as a unique data management system to provide decision support and optimise rail defect management.

ECCLESBOURNE VALLEY RAILWAY MOURNS GWYNETH DUNWOODY: MP A FERVENT SUPPORTER OF RAILWAYS OPENED RAVENSTOR EXTENSION IN 2005

2008-04-18T02:27:00.000-07:00

Wirksworth, 18th April 2008: With the sad news of the passing of Gwyneth Dunwoody MP announced this morning, representatives of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway paid tribute to the well-respected MP who was seen as a great supporter of Britain’s railways and will be remembered for her opening the Ravenstor extension of the line in 2005.

“Mrs. Dunwoody was a lovely lady who delighted us all when she visited Wirksworth in 2005 to open the Ravenstor extension.” remarked George Watson, WyvernRail plc’s Vice Chairman. “She was genuinely interested in the progress we had made and went to great lengths during her visit to tour the exhibition of products and services that our customers had laid-on for the occasion of the opening ceremony. She even mentioned us in the House of Commons during a debate. We will miss Mrs. Dunwoody and her strong support for the rail industry.”

Mrs. Dunwoody was 77 and as Chair of the Transport Select Committee was known and respected for her independent and firm views on transport policy.

Ends.

TRAINS RETURN TO IDRIDGEHAY AFTER 60 YEARS: HERALDS ‘DASH TO DUFFIELD’ TO REOPEN WHOLE LINE BY 2010

2008-03-07T10:04:00.000-08:00

Wirksworth, 7th March 2008: As passenger trains return to Idridgehay for the first time since 1947, the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway unveils the ‘Dash to Duffield’; an ambitious plan to complete the line’s reopening in just 2½ years.

Passenger trains will return between Wirksworth and Idridgehay in Derbyshire’s beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley tomorrow, 8th March 2008, after a gap of 60 years. But now the line’s management has set a demanding target: to reopen the remainder of the line to Duffield by November 2010.

In announcing the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway’s ‘Dash to Duffield’, WyvernRail chairman John Snell remarked “What our volunteers have achieved since we started in November 2000 is almost miraculous. To transform a derelict line into not only an operational railway but a growing business is a testament to the remarkable attitude of our entire team. But now we are ready to aim for our ultimate goal: to reopen the entire line to Duffield and connect to main line services.”

November 2010 will be the 10th anniversary of the commencement of line clearance and it will be a fitting goal to rebuild what was considered to be a ‘no-hoper’ disused line into what is already Derbyshire’s longest independent railway and will, when open fully, be one of the longest in the UK.

“The opportunity of our line is tremendous” commented Martin Miller, the railway’s General Manager. “We already have the longest line in Derbyshire which pays for itself through a combination of testing (MyTestTrack.com), film locations (RailFilmLocations.biz) and now a excellent community railway with huge tourist and enthusiast potential” he added.

The railway will have cross-platform interchange at Duffield with main line services and this opens-up the opportunity to connect with regular services and offer through-ticketing to and from the national rail network. Meanwhile, Wirksworth station has been transformed from a disused stone terminal to a vibrant railway centre offering three platforms and three independent rail services.

Ends.

About the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway:
WyvernRail plc is working with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association to reopen the Duffield to Wirksworth railway in the heart of Derbyshire.

The line passes through the beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley to the award winning and beautifully restored town of Wirksworth, nestling at the foothills of the Peak District.

The line is a time capsule, with its intermediate stations largely intact and the layout at Wirksworth virtually unchanged since the days of steam.

There are 8½ miles of single-track railway, which meet the Midland Main Line at Duffield Junction near Derby. There are five station sites, two level crossings, a yard with extensive sidings and a mineral branch to the old Middlepeak quarry at Wirksworth. The mineral branch was re-opened by the railway in September 2005 as its Ravenstor extension, serving the National Stone Centre and High Peak Trail.

READY FOR THE OPENING: VINTAGE RAILCAR ARRIVES AS ‘BELLE OF THE BALL’ FOR MARCH GALA

2008-02-24T12:26:00.000-08:00

Wirksworth, 25th February 2008: As preparations intensify for the reopening of the 3½-mile stretch of the Ecclesbourne Valley railway between Wirksworth and Idridgehay on 8th March, a new arrival at Wirksworth this weekend will be the ‘Bell of the Ball’ at the reopening gala.

A 1956-vintage railcar, number M79900 but known to all as ‘Iris’ from her days as a test train for British Railways, has arrived to take her place in the railway’s fleet of historic railcars. Iris was saved from the scrapheap in the 1990s and has been preserved by a private owner.

Meanwhile, preparations are proceeding for the March reopening, which the line’s two level crossings re-commissioned and old sleepers being replaced at a rate of nearly 30 per day by a dedicated volunteer team.

A few tickets remain for the ‘Ecclesbourne Express’ reopening special on Saturday 8th March at £20 per person, standard class. Call Wirksworth Station on 01629 823076 or visit www.e-v-r.com for details.

Ends.

Note to Editors:
High-quality digital images are available to download:

First of all, this fascinating pair of images show a ‘Derby Lightweight’ railcar at Wirksworth in 1954 and ‘Iris’ in exactly the same location on 24th February 2008:
http://www.e-v-r.com/press/001.jpg
http://www.e-v-r.com/press/002.jpg
Note that a second track was added in the 1970s.

The following image depicts volunteers at Wirksworth Station giving ‘Iris’ a wash and brush-up shortly after her arrival.
http://www.e-v-r.com/press/003.jpg

The final image shows ‘Iris’ on the main line between Wirksworth and Idridgehay.
http://www.e-v-r.com/press/004.jpg

About the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway:
WyvernRail plc is working with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association to reopen the Duffield to Wirksworth railway in the heart of Derbyshire.
The line passes through the beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley to the award winning and beautifully restored town of Wirksworth, nestling at the foothills of the Peak District.
The line is a time capsule, with its intermediate stations largely intact and the layout at Wirksworth virtually unchanged since the days of steam.
There are 8½ miles of single-track railway, which meet the Midland Main Line at Duffield Junction near Derby. There are five station sites, two level crossings, a yard with extensive sidings and a mineral branch to the old Middlepeak quarry at Wirksworth. The mineral branch was re-opened by the railway in September 2005 as its Ravenstor extension, serving the National Stone Centre and High Peak Trail and the line reopens to Idridgehay in March 2008.

FULL STEAM AHEAD! SUCCESSFUL INSPECTION GIVES GREEN LIGHT FOR MARCH REOPENING

2008-02-02T15:29:00.000-08:00

Idridgehay, Derbyshire [1st February 2008]: Following a successful interim inspection by Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate (HMRI), the official reopening of a 3½ mile section of the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway between Wirksworth and Idridgehay will take place as scheduled on Saturday 8th March.

“We had an extremely productive meeting with the Railway Inspectorate on Thursday and although we will require their final approval before reopening, can take place, confidence is sufficiently high for us to give the green light for the 8th March” remarked, Martin Miller, the line’s General Manager.

Project Director Phil Tarry praised the line’s volunteers for the pivotal role they have played in making such progress: “We have the best motivated and most productive team of volunteers that anybody could ask for. In just the past few weeks, our team has changed over 200 sleepers in appalling weather, cleared drains that have been neglected for decades and performed a myriad of tasks that have transformed the line between Wirksworth and Idridgehay into a first-class railway.”

Progress has been especially strong in the past few weeks and was bolstered by an appeal on BBC Radio Derby for additional volunteers that was taken-up by the local press and television.

Places are still available on the opening train, scheduled to depart Wirksworth at 12:00 on Saturday 8th March and tickets, available strictly in advance, can be obtained from Wirksworth Station on at www.e-v-r.com.

Ends.

Note to Editors:
A special train for press and invited guests will run at 12:00 on Friday 7th March and invitations will be sent in the coming week.

About the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway:
WyvernRail plc is working with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association to reopen the Duffield to Wirksworth railway in the heart of Derbyshire.
The line passes through the beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley to the award winning and beautifully restored town of Wirksworth, nestling at the foothills of the Peak District.
The line is a time capsule, with its intermediate stations largely intact and the layout at Wirksworth virtually unchanged since the days of steam.
There are 8½ miles of single-track railway, which meet the Midland Main Line at Duffield Junction near Derby. There are five station sites, two level crossings, a yard with extensive sidings and a mineral branch to the old Middlepeak quarry at Wirksworth. The mineral branch was re-opened by the railway in September 2005 as its Ravenstor extension, serving the National Stone Centre and High Peak Trail.

MOST EXCITING YEAR YET! SPECIAL REOPENING TRAIN TO IDRIDGEHAY KICKS-OFF SERVICES ON DERBYSHIRE’S BEAUTIFUL BRANCH LINE

2007-12-02T15:27:00.000-08:00

Wirksworth, 2nd December, 2007: The public reopening of the railway from Wirksworth to Idridgehay on 8th March will form the kickoff for the most exciting year so far on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway – dubbed “Derbyshire’s Beautiful Branch Line”.

The first passenger train to Idridgehay will run at 12:00 on Saturday 8th March and promises to be an exciting start to the railway’s “Inter Village” services which mark the breakout from Wirksworth where trains have operated since 2004. The special service, named “The Ecclesbourne Express” will comprise of a six-coach diesel railcar service with standard and a limited number of first class seats, all with excellent views of this soon-to-be-reopened railway.

The reopening train will include possibly the most historic railcar running today. An original ‘Derby Lightweight’ single-car unit, numbered 79900, but better known as ‘Iris’ from its days as a testbed for British Railways, is slated for inclusion in the inaugural train. Regarded as ‘The Flying Scotsman’ of the railcar world, Iris will provide first class accommodation for a few lucky passengers.

“The excitement is building at both Wirksworth and Idridgehay” remarked Anton Shone, the railway’s Passenger Services Manager. “The Ecclesbourne Express promises to be a spectacular celebration of two years’ hard work since we opened the line as far as Ravenstor in 2005. This first train will allow us to show the very best of our volunteers’ magnificent endeavours and place a few lucky individuals in first place to experience what must be the railway reopening event of 2008”.

The March reopening event will be a spectacular weekend for enthusiasts and the public alike. Trains will operate between Wirksworth and Idridgehay, while shuttle services will run to both Ravenstor and Gorsey Bank, giving the public the opportunity to observe three passenger trains departing simultaneously from Wirksworth Station.

Throughout the rest of the year, the railway will offer an exciting and varied service of Idridgehay and Ravenstor services in addition to several special events. First class tickets on the inaugural train are available for £25 and second class for £20.

Full details of the opening service, including booking details for the Ecclesbourne Express, can be found at the railway’s website: www.e-v-r.com. Enquiries can also be made to Wirksworth Station, Station Road, Wirksworth DE4 4FB or by calling 01629 823076.

Ends.

Note to Editors:
The following high-quality digital images are available to download at:
http://www.e-v-r.com/Press/DSC06805.jpg
It depicts a passenger train between Wirksworth and Idridgehay on a test run in preparation for the new services.

http://www.e-v-r.com/Press/DSC06840.jpg
Depicts a passenger trains running to the south of Wirksworth. The train on the right is running a Gorsey Bank ‘shuttle’ service which have been operated since 2004, while the train on the left is running between Wirksworth and Idridgehay.

http://www.e-v-r.com/Press/DSC06836.jpg
Depicts a passenger train standing in the newly-refurbished platform at Idridgehay.

http://www.e-v-r.com/Press/DSC05793.jpg
Is a close-up of the train, standing next to the genuine LMS-pattern nameboard at Idridgehay.

http://www.e-v-r.com/Press/DSC05795.jpg
One of the railway’s vintage railcars at the delightful and unspoilt station at Idridgehay.

About the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway:
WyvernRail plc is working with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association to reopen the Duffield to Wirksworth railway in the heart of Derbyshire.
The line passes through the beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley to the award winning and beautifully restored town of Wirksworth, nestling at the foothills of the Peak District.
The line is a time capsule, with its intermediate stations largely intact and the layout at Wirksworth virtually unchanged since the days of steam.
There are 8½ miles of single-track railway, which meet the Midland Main Line at Duffield Junction near Derby. There are five station sites, two level crossings, a yard with extensive sidings and a mineral branch to the old Middlepeak quarry at Wirksworth. The mineral branch was re-opened by the railway in September 2005 as its Ravenstor extension, serving the National Stone Centre and High Peak Trail.

SENIOR POWER BUILDS A RAILWAY: SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS HERALD REOPENING DATE FOR LINE

2007-11-11T07:36:00.000-08:00

Wirksworth, 8th November 2007: Volunteers on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway have celebrated seven years of continuous progress on reopening the line by holding a birthday celebration and fixing a date for the reopening of the line.

On 8th November 2000, seven volunteers began to clear undergrowth in the then abandoned railway yard in Wirksworth. This came after another seven years of behind-the-scenes negotiations by WyvernRail Limited (now a plc) to arrange access to the line, raise finance and gain official permission to revive the railway for passenger trains. On Thursday, the same seven volunteers were joined by 50 more in cutting a birthday cake to celebrate astounding progress this decade and to announce some special news.

On 7th March next year, the first train in 60 years will take passengers from Wirksworth to Idridgehay. When this happens, it will represent the culmination of thousands of hours of hard work by a team of volunteers whose average age is in the 60s. This dedicated team have demonstrated that retirement from the nine-to-five can herald a new career restoring one of the most promising community lines in the United Kingdom.

One example of how our volunteers have excelled can be found with Roy and Les Smethurst of Ripley. Both in their 70s, the brothers joined the railway’s volunteers in 2004, bringing with them two beautifully-restored shunting locomotives. Roy and Les have been involved in numerous construction projects along the railway but their crowning glory must be the new platform at Wirksworth Station which they built from scratch. Beginning in March 2007, the platform was completed in October ready for the new Idridgehay service.

“Roy and Les represent the very best in our volunteers bringing our railway to life” remarked Gavin Kenning, the railway’s director responsible for volunteer liaison. “Our new platform at Wirksworth shows how dedicated volunteers can not only work miracles by turning derelict land into a lively commercial venture but illustrates how age and experience brings incalculable value to our venture” he added.

It is a testimony to the sheer determination of the railway’s volunteers that so many volunteers has stayed with the railway since the earliest days. The picture of volunteers back in 2000 shows seven people, all of whom remain active volunteers in 2007.

Tickets for the first train on March 7th go on sale in early December.

Ends.

Note to Editors:
A series of high-quality digital images are available to download:

Image http://www.e-v-r.com/press/W1111071.jpg shows the pioneer volunteers on November 8th 2000. From left to right, they are: Vince Ware, Ian Shaw, John Gratton, Mike Craft, Martin Miller, Joe Ruddock, Phil Tarry.

Images http://www.e-v-r.com/press/W1111072.jpg and http://www.e-v-r.com/press/W1111073.jpg show contrasting views of the line between Wirksworth and Idridgehay in 1999 and 2007. These illustrate the extent of the challenge facing the railway’s volunteers and the quality of the work that they have produced.

Images http://www.e-v-r.com/press/W1111074.jpg and http://www.e-v-r.com/press/W1111075.jpg show similar views at Wirksworth in 1998 and 2007. From the dereliction of the late 1990s there has emerged a thriving business for both passenger services and railway testing under the banner MyTestTrack.com, seen here providing facilities for London Underground’s fleet of engineering vehicles.

Image http://www.e-v-r.com/press/W1111076.jpg shows a passenger train at Idridgehay; the beautifully-restored country station which will see passenger services return next March.

Images http://www.e-v-r.com/press/W1111077.jpg and http://www.e-v-r.com/press/W1111078.jpg show septuagenarian brothers Roy and Les Smethurst on the platform that they built at Wirksworth in 2007.

About the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway:
WyvernRail plc is working with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association to reopen the Duffield to Wirksworth railway in the heart of Derbyshire.
The line passes through the beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley to the award winning and beautifully restored town of Wirksworth, nestling at the foothills of the Peak District.
The line is a time capsule, with its intermediate stations largely intact and the layout at Wirksworth virtually unchanged since the days of steam.
There are 8½ miles of single-track railway, which meet the Midland Main Line at Duffield Junction near Derby. There are five station sites, two level crossings, a yard with extensive sidings and a mineral branch to the old Middlepeak quarry at Wirksworth. The mineral branch was re-opened by the railway in September 2005 as its Ravenstor extension, serving the National Stone Centre and High Peak Trail.