THE Ecclesbourne Valley Railway’s March 17/18 spring diesel weekend was saved from the sudden and severe winter storms and snow that comprised the second ‘Beast from the East’ to hit the UK last month.
Commercial manager Leigh Gration said: “Our team of volunteers worked as one throughout the weekend and made sure we delivered a gala that ran to time and had no cancellations despite bitterly cold weather.
“Our crossing keepers and signallers had to stay on duty, outside, all day. In other parts, we had some volunteers sleep at the station, so they could be certain of beating the snow that fell overnight on Saturday and two of our most mature volunteers had to walk over a mile in the snow to take part on Sunday – we could not ask for more.”
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The two guests were WR Class 42 Warship D832 Onslaught and Class 08
shunter No. 08704. While 08s are commonplace, it was believed that it was the first time one had run at Wirksworth.
Read more News and Features in Issue 240 of HR – on sale now!
