Our heritage service restarted yesterday with three return journeys between Stanhope and Wolsingham and it was fantastic to see such large numbers of happy faces travelling with us. Kingfisher Halt was in use for the first time with passengers boarding and alighting during every trip!
Special guests onboard the first train included Sue Snowdon, HM Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, Richard Holden, MP for North West Durham and David Maddan, CEO of The Auckland Project.
The operations team for the first running day included Kevin Richardson (Driver), Tony Slack (Ticket Inspector), Ruth Carroll (Operations Manager), Mark Woodhams (Controller) and Bob Dingle (Guard).
A massive thank you goes to our Trust volunteers and staff from Weardale Railway Limited and The Auckland Project for making it happen. Services will run every Saturday initially with further running days to be announced in due course.
News Articles:
The Northern Echo - Weardale Railway returns with a triumphant maiden journey
ITV News Tyne Tees - Weardale Railway welcomes first passengers back on board as the line reopens
BBC News - Weardale Railway reopens after Auckland Project takeover
Photos courtesy of Graeme Carroll.