As England continues through its second lockdown, the Churnet Valley Railway has thanked passengers for their support and have reflected on what has been “the most challenging season on record”.
Restrictions were eased after the first lockdown and on the 1st August, the Churnet Valley Railway were able to resume services albeit with an altered timetable and operation methods.
Since then, trains have operated for 38 days and have operated for 1,520 miles. Most of the trains have been full despite restrictions and the CVR could not have done this without their supporters.
The CVR has also received a number of positive comments after their return, and have thanked all of their visitors to help make sure railway preservation continues in North Staffordshire.
The final trains at the Churnet Valley Railway have now run, and the CVR will be back for their popular Santa Specials once the lockdown is over.
The Churnet Valley Railway told RailAdvent: “At the start of 2020 no-one could have predicted what was to come, so much so we had planned one of our most adventurous operating calendars to date with more public running, a revamped dining service and some new bigger and better events for all to enjoy. ”
“Fortunately, restrictions were eased and on 1st August we were able to resume public services, though with an altered timetable and method of operation in order to comply with all of the latest government restrictions.”
“Quite simply, we could not have done this without all our supporters – our dedicated team of volunteers who have helped behind the scenes and on the day, and our loyal visitors who have all come down to try and enjoy a trip out as best they could.”
“It hasn't gone smoothly, but from all the reviews on various social media platforms, we are delighted to see much positive feedback thanking us for our efforts. And so, in turn, it is our time to say Thank You, for visiting us despite our inability to operate at full capacity and helping to ensure rail preservation continues in North Staffordshire.”
“Our final train of the main season has now dropped its fire, and we enter into another lockdown period with the rest of the country. However, we will be back with our ever-popular Santa & Steam specials in December, with our Santa Express departing a little later than first envisaged due to the restrictions placed on hospitality. Thanks again for the support, and look forward to welcoming you all back in the not so distant future.”
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Thanks to the people at this railway as I had my first ride on ur train on the 18th October as we had just found out my dad is stage 3 lung cancer and we lost or mum in March to a bleed on the brain and stroke me and my sister and brother and my dad love every single moment and u made my dads day a big thank you to u all
Furthermore… Every Heritage Railway across the British Isles, especially the Churnet Valley Railway itself… Forever forms part of each & every different part of the United Kingdom of the British Isles.
Even though this has been A rather infamously challenging Year 2020 turned out to be… At least the ”Eagerly-Must-Visit” Churnet Valley Railway still managed to have A Jolly Great Season…
This Spectacular Part of Staffordshire (Which I Myself, Hope to Visit ‘in-person’ Someday), Just wouldn’t be the same without this Cleverly Well-Preserved Heritage Railway… of whom has come along way, let alone Shaped the exact part of it’s very Location for what it Really Truy is.