The event took place on Saturday at Wansford station, giving members of the public the chance to see the site’s miniature railway, with working 5-inch guage train that will be running up and down short tracks, a series of diesel trains, miniature steam attractions as well as the popular Thomas ride.
No large trains were operational but visitors were given the opportunity to see what they can expect from railway when it opens for the first time since the third national lockdown next month.
Shops Railwayana, 92 Squadron and Nene Valley’s own charity/gift shop were also open, along with the cafe with full outside seating for anyone that brought anything,
Trains are scheduled to begin running again on May 22 after the railway was given a £479,765 grant from the government’s cultural recovery fund.
Acting General Manager Kim Shaw said: “Saturday was a demo day and from our perspective has been very well received.
“It was a chance for us to take a first dip back into the wide world and show people what we have up and coming and it was great to welcome those that brought their miniature steam engines to give people a sense of what heritage means.
“We have welcomed back four engineering staff from furlough this week, who will now set about making sure all the trains are ready and fit to run when we open, so it’s all hands to the pump, there is a lot of work that needs doing.
“I’m sitting in my office and I can hear banging again and it feels as if signs of life returning. We are so grateful to be able to welcome back our staff and it’s lovely to have our volunteers back, who we rely on, as we make the final push towards reopening. We are just trying to keep the dream alive that was started in the 70s by a team of volunteers, Covid has tested that dream until the very end but we are still here.”
Tickets to Nene Valley Railway’s reopening on May 22 and 23 can be booked online at https://nvr.org.uk/product.php/213.
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