Volunteers at the Yorkshire Wolds Railway are in the final stages of preparing to reopen the gates to visitors for the 2024 season that starts at 10am on Sunday 31 March.
Since closure for winter last October, members have been hard at work painting, sanding, building, servicing, tracklaying and everything in-between at the fully volunteer run operation in readiness for welcoming visitors back to the only heritage railway in East Yorkshire between Wetwang and Fimber.
Membership and Media director Matthew Brown explained, “we are so fortunate to have many willing volunteers that have worked tirelessly through all weathers to give our visitors the best experience in 2024. One of many highlights being a train ride inside a fully restored brake van that was commissioned into traffic late last year. Passengers can choose to ride outside on the veranda and enjoy the beautiful surroundings that our location brings over the railway line that now extends to almost a quarter of a mile.”
Celia Wilkinson, volunteer liaison officer said, “As our opening day is Easter we have set up a treasure trail where for £1 children will be given an entry form and a chocolate bunny or coin and have to find coloured ribbons which will be placed across the site. At the end of the day a draw will be made of the correct entries for an Easter egg. We will also be holding Easter themed crafting in the coach. All in all its set to be a great day!”
To give as many people as possible the opportunity to visit Martyn Jones, Operations director explained that “subject to availability we will be running trains and opening the visitor centre every Sunday and Bank Holiday from Easter until the end of October and every Wednesday during school holidays from 10 – 4. Additionally, the visitor centre only will also be open every Wednesday from Easter until the end of October from 10 – 4. Access to the visitor centre and car park is free, with rides priced from £5 or a day pass from £10. Even with the price of everything going up, we have managed to keep our family tickets at the same price as they were in 2023.”
Phil Robson, Finance Director said “we are really thankful to all everyone that continues to support the YWR, be you a volunteer, business, or visitor. We have all worked very hard over winter in all weathers and are confident the changes made will offer visitors new and old something different to what they have seen in previous years, and we have many exciting announcements due later in 2024 that we can’t wait to share!”
The YWR is always keen to involve new people, and 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.
