This page news and dates from the railways of Norfolk dated from 1990 to 1999. The articles have been recovered from research sources (as indicated).
The articles are listed in reverse date order. Any additional information welcome!
PASSENGER OPENING OF DEREHAM TO WYMONDHAM LINE BY M.N.R.
May 1999
North Norfolk sounds SOS for help to save unique "Quad-Art" set
September 1998, Steam Railway, p.14
The North Norfolk Railway (NNR) said it is prepared to give up ownership of its now-unique LNER "Quad-Art" carriage set - if it means that it can be saved. A desperate appeal for help to preserve the 74-year-old set, saving it from rotting and rusting away, has been made.
The 150-feet-long four-coach, ex-Kings Cross suburban set, which comprises the only remaining articulated vehicles designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, was save from the cutter's torch at Wymondham in 1965 and moved to Weybourne two years later. The set, which seats nearly 400 people, formed a mainstay of the NNR's operations for ten years, until the deteriorating condition of the doors forced its withdrawal.
Contractors were subsequently called in to replace rotting roof timbers, refelting the roofs and securing the set's structural integrity. The knee irons which hold the uprights to the floor rusted through and also had to be replaced.
In recent times the Gresley Trust has been seeking covered accomodation to stop further major deterioration - but without success. At present the set is sheeted over in the yard at Weybourne station to protect it from both the elements and vandal's attacks, which have seen newly replaced windows smashed and an arson attempt made.
NNR Vice-Chairman Clive Morris told Steam Railway that time was now running out for the set, the historical importance of which "cannot be overstated." He said, "They are the oldest articulated vehicles in the world. It's rightful place is in the National Collection."
"The North Norfolk Railway is determined to ensure the preservation and restoration of this unique example of suburban travel, whatever the sacrifice. We are exploring all avenues, even to the extent of transfer of ownership if that is the only solution."
Fingers crossed for "37" pairing at NNR Gala
6 May 1998, Rail Magazine, p.68
Double-header Class 37s feature among the 21 return diesel diagrams on the first day of the North Norfolk Railway's diesel gala in June.
The race is on to complete a bogie swap, traction motor change, and main generator repair on new arrival 37099 by June 13/14 to enable it to partner fellow resident D6732 over the Poppy Line.
The intensive timetable, between 0900 and 1935, also features Class 25 D5207, Class 27 D5386, the line's two 350hp shunters 08767 and 12131, a class 117 and diesel railbus E79963.
Mid-Norfolk line sold for £100,000
6 May 1998, Rail Magazine, p.11
The future of the Mid-Norfolk Railway is now secure following the formal completion on April 11 of the sale of 11.5 miles of track and trackbed between Wymondham and Dereham.
The £100,000 purchase price includes Dereham station buildings and 6.5 acres of goods yard area. Subject to Railway Inspectorate examination passenger and freight services could start in earnest this summer.
In a seperate deal, the British Rail Property Board has accepted an offer of £25,000 for the 4.5 miles between Dereham and North Elmham. During early April, Breckland District Council granted the tenancy of County School and 1.5 miles of trackbed towards North Elmham pending purchase of the freehold.
This has given the Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust the "green light" to reverse the neglect County School station has suffered since original restoration in 1990. It is hoped to have the exhibition room and cafeteria open again by the end of May. The company hopes to run through EWS freight trains to and from Railtrack metals.
Ramillies eases Mid-Norfolk power problem
22 April 1998, Rail Magazine, p.65
The Mid-Norfolk Railway sees a Class 50 as the solution to its current motive power shortage. The Class 50 Locomotive Association has agreed to the transfer of 50019 Ramillies from the Spa Valley Railway at Eridge, where it has been undergoing restoration for the last seven years.
Once reliability is guarenteed, it is intended that 50019 will work on 1,200 tonne trains over the Dereham-Wymondham line later this year.
Army boost for rail line revival
November 3rd 1998, by Ian Clarke, Eastern Daily Press
A fleet of army vehicles rolled into Dereham on two trains yesterday as the rebirth of a rail line was given another huge boost.
A total of nearly 60 tracked combat vehicles arrived back in Norfolk after the 9th/12th Lancers, based at Robertson Barracks, Swanton Morley, completed an exercise in Wales.
The Mid Norfolk rail line between Wymondham and Dereham - which was closed for many years - has been carrying trains again for several months, but yesterday's convoy was the biggest so far.
The Army is keen to transport vehicles on the line rather than on roads to improve relations with the local community.
It is also cheaper than using low loader lorries.
The regimental padre, the Rev Nick Cook, who is also a member of the Mid Norfolk Railway, devised the idea of using the train and described yesterday as "a triumph".
"The railway is a real community project which has vast potential and by carrying our vehicles on the train we can help give funds to help the Trust progress its aim of providing regular passenger services," he said.
MNR spokesman Pete Eldridge said: "We are delighted to be working so closely with the Army in this way.
Once the trains arrived, the Army vehicles were unloaded and driven to Swanton Morley.
Freight and "Fifty" for Mid-Norfolk Railway
August 1998, Railway Magazine, p.15
Following the granting of Railway Inspectorate permission on June 14, freight ran on the Mid-Norfolk Railway three days later when a train of Army vehicles was operated from Dereham to Wymondham junction.
The development came in the same week the railway took delivery of its largest and most powerful locomotive to date - English Electric Class 50 No. 50019 Ramillies - but it was another Type 4 - EWS/RfD Class 47 No. 47241 - which traversed the line on the MoD train.
The train, a trial working of "Warflat" and "Warwell" wagons and an EWS-observation saloon, operated empty as 6Z01 from Eastleigh to Dereham and was then hauled by resident Class 20, No. 20069, with the Class 47 in the rear.
It is expected to be the forerunner of a number of Army trains annually along the line en route to barracks at Swanton Morley.
The Inspectorate's visit on June 14 did not sanction passenger trains to Wymondham (at present they run to Yaxley), as more ballasting, station lighting and safety barriers are needed. This work is planned for early July ahead of a further inspection.
Anglia Railways unveils new image
August 1998, by Darren Ford, Railway Magazine, p.13
Anglia Railways unveiled its first new-look train at a major media event in Norwich on June 10.
For the launch of the £8m upgrade, class 86 No. 86218 was turned out by Norwich Crown Point depot in the company's new turquoise and white livery. A non-standard addition is a silver roof, reminiscent of the days of Stratford depot's "customised" locos.
The new style sports rounded base corners to the yellow front ends, while the electrical cover plates to the TDM cables are no longer finished in the once-mandatory orange to indicate electrical equipment.
In the train itself, the coach interiors have a new decor, including revised style carpets, seat covers, wall moquettes and, in First Class, new curtains. In Coach K, the smoking cariage, a mid-length full-height dividing door has been incorporated to allow the non-smoking part of the coach to hopefully remain smoke-free.
A new public address system will enable the volume to be changed according to the noise level inside the vehicle at the time. Internal handrails have been painted yellow to make them more visible to the partially sighted.
Although not immediately visible, much of the refurbishment has focused on the vehicles' electrical and mechanical equipment with a view to enhancing service reliability.
Externally the vehicles have been repainted in the same colour scheme as the loco, although the work was undertaken by GEC Wessex Traincare at Eastleigh. The launch train was formed of vehicles 3368/99, 5922/73, 6036, 6152, 6800/27, 9709 and 10214.
The entire AR fleet will receive full refurbishment over the next 18 months.
Following the launch on June 10, the train operated the 07.55 Norwich - Liverpool Street and 10.30 return on June 11, giving the public the chance to see both the livery and Anglia's new turquoise and gold staff uniforms.
"Hastings" DEMU to operate Anglia's regular Norwich - Yarmouth services!
August 1998, Railway Magazine, p.13
The privatised railway is about to throw up probably its weirdest motive power situation yet.
As we closed for press, Anglia Railways was negotiating with Hastings Diesels to hire "Hastings" DEMU 1001 for use on regular Norwich - Yarmouth/Lowestoft services for a whole year.
In early June, ahead of contract-signing, the set was taken to Norwich Crown Point depot for driver and fitter training. It was then returned to Hastings to fulfill other commitments before returning to Norwich in July to work from the late summer until mid-1999.
The set will receive day-to-day maintenance at Crown Point and be principally used on low-mileage, high passenger-carrying services.
Its use will enable a Class 153 to be sub-leased to Great Eastern Railway for use on the Sudbury-Marks Tey line.
By mid-1999, Anglia will have received its first Class 170 sets and a revised set of duties will then be introduced which will probably see the Hastings set returned to its preservation owners.
Norwich freight terminal
8 April 1998, Rail Magazine, p.10
Railtrack is building a new freight terminal close to Norwich station on the edge of a new industrial park. The are, known as the Riverside development, previously contained a number of sidings which were lifted in January prior to redevelopment.
However, EWS had run a number of trial trains and Railtrack agreed to build a replacement single siding terminal with concrete loading pad to allow future development. The siding, being built by GrantRail, is expected to be complete in April.
Track problems will delay Mid-Norfolk re-opening
8 April 1998, Rail Magazine, p.69
The Mid-Norfolk Railway has had to abandon its plans to run a full passenger service between Dereham and Wymondham this Easter because of the poor condition of a short section of track.
The route will eventually be extended to 16 miles if it can raise the £50,000 needed to take over the freehold of County School at the northern end of the route, plus the two miles of route from North Elmham.
The first works train to reach Wymondham since the withdrawl of freight traffic by BR in 1989 discovered unstable track in the vicinity of the bridge carrying the line over the River Tiffey at Wymondham. The embankment has now been reinforced with flints and a new shoulder of ballast laid, and it is hoped Railway Inspectorate clearance will be granted for the start of military freight trains at the end of April, with passenger services to start on May 23.
An additional problem has been the construction of the station at Wymondham Abbey, where test boring has shown a deep strata of peat alongside the trackbed. Deep piling would double the cost of the planned brick and concrete structure, so it has been decided to install a temporary platform similar to that used at Rashes Green, Dereham, before the main station was re-opened last year.
The railway is actively searching for main line diesel power following the recent sale of Class 20 20206 to RFS at Doncaster, transfer of Class 37 37099 to the North Norfolk Railway, and the lack of success in the recent EWS Class 31 sale.
The offer by Breckland District Council of the ownership of County School station comes with the freehold of the 1.5 miles of track between the station and North Elmham, and another half-mile of trackbed.
MNR spokesman Horace Wilkinson said, "We are very happy to exercise a caretaking role for the property and have started clearing the footpath beside the track. We hope to get the tea room and exhibition centre open by the summer, but we shall not be runing trains."
First train in decade heralds a railway revival
29 March 1998, Malcolm Perkins, Eastern Daily Press
The train now approaching platform...
Well the platform is not due to arrive for a week or two.
But the diesel-hauled works train was spot on time at Wymondham yesterday - the first to cover the 11 miles from Dereham in nearly a decade.
Pullng half a dozen wagons, the locomotive blasted its hooter as it slowly moved towards the level crossing, where a crowd had gathered to greet it.
The cameras clicked and there was a round of applause from the 150 spectators who had turned out to see the Mid-Norfolk Railway write another chapter in its plans to restore services through the heart of rural Norfolk.
The scene was Cavick level crossing, almost within the shadow of Wymondham Abbey, and the train was the first to run the route since 1989.
But within months it will be witnessing regular arrivals and departures.
Yesterday's run was to bring sleepers to the Wymondham end of the line.
More had been dropped off at various points along the way where replacements will need fitting.
Plans for the platform to be built close to the Cavick crossing are still being finalised.
The cost of piling work needed to build a new Wymondham Abbey halt means that the MNR may switch to a concrete raft type of construction, explained spokesman Horace Wilkinson. If necessary a scaffold platform may be erected as a temporary arrangement.
"What is certain is we will have a platform in place for Easter," he said. That is when the first rail passenger service will operate between the two Norfolk towns.
And by about June it is hoped to have a steam-powered service in operation for the summer months. That should prove a major crowd puller, said Mr Wilkinson.
Next month the Railway Inspectorate will run an expert eye over the line to ensure the restoration work is satisfactory. Soon afterwards it is planned to run a test train carrying military vehicles over the line.
Then a monthly service of trains carrying army vehicles from the Robertson Barracks at Swanton Morley through to Wymondham and connecting with the main railway network should be in operation.
Looking further ahead there are plans eventually to run commuter services into Norwich while at the other end of the line an extension to North Elmham is on the stocks. And if negotiations for Euro-cash are successful the line would even continue to Fakenham.
A potential station site in the town has been agreed.
County School secure
17 March 1998, Norfolk By Rail
The turbulent events at County School station, near North Elmham, look to have drawn to a close with the Mid-Norfolk Railway signing a tenancy agreement which will allow it to move into the station site.
Len Elston, spokesman for the MNR, stated that the agreement would allow the railway to take control of the station until the company can afford to buy it outright.
Rolling stock belonging to the Great Eastern Railway (1989) Ltd has now been sold and/or moved off site and the station will be operated as a tea room and musem until it is linked to the rest of the route.
MGNJt anniversary to be celebrated
March 1998, Steam Railway, p.12
Planning for a major event to mark the 40th anniversary of the demise of the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway has begun.
The North Norfolk Railway has negotiations in hand to hire locomotives connected with the former MGNJt for the "requiem gala" earmarked for February next year.
Most of the 160 miles of the former MGNJt has reverted to farmland after being closed in 1959.
North Norfolk manager John Tinkler said: "There was much bitterness over the closure of this railway and we are striving to keep the spirit alive.
Bure Valley locomotive steam test success
March 1998, Steam Railway, p.27
The Bure Valley Railway's new locomotive, a ZB 2-6-2T, was successfully steam tested on December 17. Trials with the oil-fired engine were scheduled to take place following an inspection in January.
At the end of 1997, the BVR had reached 88,500 passenger journeys, including 5,050 during the Santa special season. With 2-6-2 No.7 "RAF Coltishall" topping the mileage table during the year, at 8,457 miles, and 2-6-4 No.1 "Wroxham Broad" following at 5,062 miles. The line's coaching stock accumulated a total of 146,000 miles.
Mid-Norfolk Railway to run MoD trains
December 1997, Railway World, p.5
The Ministry of Defence is planning to move equipment over the Mid-Norfolk Railway between Dereham and Wymondham. Railfreight Distribution will operate the trains on the main railway network to and from Wymondham.
The reopening of a former base will see considerable traffic moved over the Dereham-Wymondham line which closed to freight in 1989.
Army personnel have been on site at Dereham to supervise tracklaying into the station. A loading ramp has now been installed at the end of the relaid line in the up platform to facilitate loading and unloading of equipment which will comprise of armoured vehicles.
A trial run will be undertaken as soon as current engineering works at Kimberley and Wymondham are completed to assess future requirements and operational matters. The army specials will be hauled by two class 20 diesels, Nos 20069 and 20206, which the MNR will use to haul the Mk2 coaches on the Dereham-Wymondham passenger services commencing next Easter.
Meanwhile, the MNR will be running passenger services between Dereham and Yaxham on Sundays at 14.00 and 15.00, using Class 122 diesel railcar No 55006 until Christmas.
The ups and downs of preservation
August 1997, Railway Magazine, p.14
Two totally contrasting aspects of railway privatisation are presently visible just a few miles from each other - although to the untrained eye, it would be hard to tell them apart!
At Dereham station, in Norfolk, the weeds are in retreat as track is relayed back through the platforms as part of the rapidly-expanding Mid-Norfolk Railway project. This line is due to formally open from Dereham to Yaxham on July 26 as part of a grand plan to eventually re-open through to Wymondham.
Meanwhile, six miles further north on the same ex-GER line, the weeds are encroaching at County School station, as dereliction begins to set in on what until recently was a classic example of a beautifully-restored country station, refurbished and painted with financial assistance from Breckland District Council, and complete with a mile of running line.
This (article) was (written) on May 4 following the eviction of the Great Eastern Railway (1989) Co and the removal of its stock to various locations, including some stabled in the yard about a quarter of a mile north of the station, which may go to private site at Thuxton. A privately-owned Class 115 DMU has moved to the Colne Valley Railway.
Mid-Norfolk buys 12 mile line with four more soon
30 July 1997, Rail Magazine, p.60
The Mid-Norfolk Railway will soon be the owner of 16 miles of track between Wymondham and North Elmham following successful talks with the BR Property Board. The first trains ran out of Dereham on July 26, the 150th anniversary of it's original opening.
Contracts have been exchanged for the freehold of the 12 mils of route between Dereham and Wymondham, paving the way for a full re-opening from Easter 1998.
The current limit of operations is Yaxham, two miles south of Dereham, with steam at weekends (hourly between 1100 and 1600) and a DMU service during the same times on Wednesdays.
The land deal includes all the track in situ, the 6.5 acre Dereham station site, ancillary buildings, and the goods shed. This has been made possible by grants from Breckland and South Norfolk District Councils, and Norfolk County Council.
At the same time, the Property Board has also accepted the MNR's bid for the 4.5 mile Dereham-North Elmham section, whose re-opening will inevitably be progressed at a slower pace.
Norfolk council takes action to protect threatened rail museum
6 November 1996, Rail Magazine, p.66
A Norfolk council has brought in security guards and dogs to stop the tenant of County School station museum stripping the property after it was given 28 days to quit the site.
Years of concern over the erratic conduct of the Great Eastern Railway Company came to a head in mid-October when Breckland District Council served an eviction notice for breach of the terms of it's occupancy agreement. It expires this week.
At the same time, Breckland is offering vigorous support to the rival Mid-Norfolk Railway Society (MNRS), which is mobilising itself to take over the disused 17-mile Wymondham-Dereham-North Elmham freight line within a few weeks. This line is separated by less than a mile of rail-less trackbed from County School, which it may also now target to include in it's scheme.
Having served its eviction notice, Breckland staff moved quickly to change door locks, and secure the gates. A firm known as Rottweiler International has been employed to patrol the grounds.
Breckland's Central Services director, Trevor Bevan, said he was concerned that rolling stock, and even track, would be removed by people who did not rightfully own it.
The GER Trust (1989) Ltd company has been the centre of controversy many times over the last four years. It had an acrimonious split with the MNRS, and then failed in its counter bid to take over the Wymondham-Dereham line.
These included plans to lift three-quarters of a mile of good track from this line to fill the gap between County School and North Elmham.
The Yorkshire Bank called in the receiver to sort out the GER's affairs 18 months ago. The railway blamed it's troubles on the MNRS which by then had withdrawn most of the rolling stock from County School, including two Class 20s, which were moved down the line to Yaxham.
At the same time, the GER surprisingly announced new expansion plans for the County School site, including extensive workshops and half a mile of running track. In July 1995, police were called in to investigate the sudden and unauthorised road transfer of two MNRS Mk 2 coaches to a breaker's yard at nearby Lenwade.
Although the future of the County School site is now likely to concern the MNRS again, it is fully occupied with gaining agreement for full access to the two miles between a temporary platform on the other side of Dereham level crossing and Yaxham.
The station occupies a town centre site, and it is hoped to reinstate the track into one platform by the end of this year, to be quickly followed by the bay.
The project is hampered by the total lack of sidings anywhere on the railway, and passenger trains have had to operate with a Class 20 at each end.
Council bids to stop steam line
July 1996, Railway Magazine, p.18
A legal row is brewing in rural Norfolk following a threat by Breckland District Council to stop trains running at County School station.
The council, which owns the land on which the track and buildings are located, argues that it leased the land to the Great Eastern Railway Trust and that as this company is now reportedly in receivership, the lease is not transferable. A spokesman said the council was taking legal advice to stop any trains running illegally if it was found that someone other than the leaseholder was operating them.
Trains at County School are operated by the Great Eastern Railway Company, which is not in receivership and spokesman Andy Thompson said: "If the council takes action, we will challenge it.
Green light for takeover of rail line
April 24th 1996, by Ian Clarke, Eastern Daily Press
A 22-year dream to restore a regular train service in Mid-Norfolk moved a step closer to reality last night as rail enthusiasts were given the go-ahead to buy a disused line.
The Mid Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust predicted that a commuter service from Dereham to Norwich - which could help ease chronic road congestion - could be running by the turn of the century.
The trust was celebrating news that the all-clear had been given by the British Rail Property Board for it to buy the freehold of the line between Wymondham and Dereham, plus Dereham station, for £100,000.
It is hoped that work will start within two months on clearing undergrowth from the line and laying new track to Dereham station.
The trust, which has 600 members across the country, is also keen to restore the rundown station at Dereham quickly to its former glory.
Works trains should be running on the line between Dereham and Wymondham later this year - and it is hoped to run weekend and market-day services between the two towns next spring.
Trust chairman John Hull said the operation of daily trains from Dereham to link into the current service to Norwich was the long-term goal, but he hoped it could become a reality by the turn of the century.
"It has always been our intention to run through trains to Norwich," he said.
The trust, which is also bidding to buy the line from Dereham to North Elmham, has been given nearly £200,000 in loans and grants from Breckland and South Norfolk councils and is hoping for cash from County Hall to help pay for all the improvements necessary.
Mr Hull said: "The announcement of the agreement with the British Rail Property Board is excellent news for all those who have worked so hard over the years to restore the Mid Norfolk railway to a useful role.
"It is also good news for the economy of the Dereham and Wymondham areas which will surely benefit from the railway's reopening."
"In particular it vindicates the efforts of a small group of people who, back in 1974, felt against all the odds that the railway had a future."
"They, and all who have worked so determinedly since, have real reason to feel proud today."
Trust public relations officer Horace Wilkinson said: "We are delighted that protracted negotiations have resulted in a very satisfactory outcome."
"We are grateful to the board for their cooperation in allowing us to run trains on specific occasions while talks have continued."
"Having the support of Breckland and South Norfolk councils, we see this project as a prime example of public and private enterprise cooperating to provide a valuable asset for the people of Norfolk and a service for the benefit of the local community."
East-west link a step closer
11 October 1995, Rail Magazine, p.9
Plans for an east-west rail link have come a step closer with the commissioning of a study which will look at three route options.
The study, from consultants Steer Davis Gleave, is being funded by 25 local authorities. The project is being led by Ipswich Borough Council.
The consultants will identify what route any railway would be able to take. The easy option would be to follow the former trackbeds, but recent commercial and residential development would prevent this in some places, such as between Sandy and Bedford on the central route option.
A east-west link would provide an alternative to travelling via London and has been studied in the past. The former British Rail Provincial business looked at providing a Swindon to Peterborough service in 1989, but this was ruled out on cost.
The consultants are expected to report by the end of the year.
Bridges could halt rail plan in its tracks
March 25th 1995, Eastern Daily Press
Plans to bring locomotives back to a stretch of mid-Norfolk railway track are facing an obstruction on the line - old bridges in need of maintenance.
Urgent negotiations are now in progress over who will pay to keep bridges and banks maintained along the Dereham to Wymondham line if BR gives up its present responsibility.
Breckland District Council is bidding to buy the 20 miles of track from BR and plans to lease it to the Mid Norfolk Railway Society.
It hopes to have trains running as a tourist attraction by the end of the summer on what would be Britain's third longest stretch of restored track.
Alex Byrne, chairman of Breckland railway steering committee, said yesterday the structures could be a major problem but the council was working hard to find a solution.
He said: "If our bid is successful we will become responsible for the structures but we don't want to saddle ratepayers with a massive bill."
"We can insure the structures and hand the maintenance on to the operators, and we are discussing MNRS possibly paying for the insurance, and possible help from South Norfolk District Council and from the county council."
"This is one of the most exciting things that could happen to Dereham and I believe it will come to fruition very soon. It will rejuvenate the town."
He said that Breckland's bid had one advantage in that British Rail could only end its responsibility for the structures by selling the line to another statutory body such as a council.
A rival bid from the Great Eastern Railway Company based at North Elmham is also being considered and would see most of the line leased to other businesses.
Horace Wilkinson, for Mid-Norfolk Railway Society, said: "If Breckland's bid is successful we aim to have Dereham station open by midsummer and to be running trains from Dereham to Yaxham."
Plenty of experience in rail society
February 21st 1995, by T Garrod, Railway Development Society, Letters, Eastern Daily Press
Your correspondent, Mr L Brown, criticises Breckland District Council for agreeing to buy the Wymondham-Dereham rail line and lease it to the Mid-Norfolk Railway Society, which he says "appear to be a group of volunteer amateurs."
Having had dealings with the society and its predecessor bodies over a period of 20 years, I can assure your correspondent that it has many members with professional railway experience.
Many of its members were involved in the running of some 20 excursion trains on the line between 1978 and 1988. Many of them also helped establish the railway centre at County School.
The society has a well-thought-out business plan to link Dereham back to the main rail network as well as to attract enthusiasts and tourists to the Dereham area.
It has always conducted its affairs to a high standard of professionalism, probity and openness.
Our own organisation, representing rail users nationwide, bought shares in the Great Eastern Railway Company (1989) when it was launched, and hoped that it and the Mid Norfolk Railway Society would be able to work together.
Over the past year or so we ahve, however, been less than impressed with the way in which the company has operated, and consider that Breckland District Council made the right decision in agreeing to deal with the Mid Norfolk Railway Society.
Rail line has potential for future
February 18th 1995, by A Byrne, Letters, Eastern Daily Press
Re: North Elmham to Wymondham Railway.
As chairman of the Working Group responsible for co-ordinating the efforts of Breckland District Council to regenerate the North Elmham to Wymondham railway line, it is sad to see from your letter pages that what is a marvellous opportunity for Breckland in general is degenerating into a battle of words. This is happening between the two enthusiast groups interested in operating the line once purchased.
Breckland sought to bring about a tripartite arrangement for the future operation of the line which involved both the Great Eastern Railway Company and also the Mid-Norfolk railway Society in conjunction with the council.
Despite our best endeavours it was the Great Eastern Railway Company which eventually declared its inability to operate in concert with what is now seen as its competitor.
Only than was Breckland forced into the position whereby it was necessary to choose.
The council has resolved "in principle" to purchase the line. A formal decision will not be taken until it has been satisfied as to the purchase price, the effectiveness of any leasing arrangements and the nature of any liability.
We are taking a long-term view. Without doubt an operating line will have a tremendous tourism potential and possibly also commercial.
Look to the future and it could be that which was once discarded will again play a major role in Breckland's economy."
Let us work together and realise this railway line's full potential.
What's wrong with being an amateur?
February 17th 1995, by D J Plyer, Letters, Dereham and Fakenham Times
Having read the letter "Who will pay for rail line?" (February 10), I feel that some of the points raised by Mr Brown need clarification.
Firstly, in the event of Breckland District Council being successful in tendering for the line, I am not aware that any final decision has been made other than that the Mid-Norfolk Railway Society has been selected as the most suitable operator for the line.
The financial package is still to be discussed and finalised. Until a few weeks ago an agreement to share the leasing of the line between the Mid-Norfolk Railway Society and the Great Eastern Railway Company (1989) Ltd was in place until the latter company withdrew.
The society, which pre-dates the GER Company, is the body which, in conjunction with the Breckland District Council, was the major participant in laying the track and level crossing at County School Station, the council undertaking the renovation of the station building by means of a job training scheme.
Yes it is impressive and well worth a visit! Oh, and the rolling stock at County School, well about 85 per cent is owned by society members and when passenger trains run the use of the vehicles is by agreement with our members. The society also owns some of the track and artefacts at County School and members hope our links with the station will be resumed.
Mr Brown infers that the society is a group of volunteer amateurs, and he is correct that, from a railway operating point of view, we are amateurs, as is the rival GER Company.
However, with a current membership of over 500, the society includes in its ranks many professional railway employees, past and present, providing the expertise and training of our volunteers and future permanent staff.
Job opportunities will be created under society control and we have stated that it is our intention to support local industries wherever possible in suply and sub-contracting functions. Countrywide, societies such as ours have proved their ability and success in revitalising the tourist trade.
It may not have escaped the lay readers that there must be a deep-seated reason for these two similar bodies to split after so much hard work and dedication was put into the County School operation. Suffice to say that 90 per cent of the society members voted with their feet to withdraw support for the GER Company and proceed independently.
I Trust the track message is now clear...
February 8th 1995, by D Gilbert, Letters, Dereham and Fakenham Times
As a direct result of the article "Battle plans on track" (Derehama and Fakenham Times, February 3), please will you let me put the record straight.
The article stated: "Trouble flared more than a year ago when members of Great Eastern Railway left to join the Mid Norfolk Railway Society after a fall-out over the management of the Great Eastern Railway Trust."
The Great Eastern Railway Trust was not formed a year ago, it was only set launched on July 23, 1994, as a result of the Mid Norfolk Railway Society, in March 1994, withdrwaing its support for the Great Eastern Railway Company.
For further information on trust membership, I would be pleased if readers would write to me, the Membership Secretary, GER Trust, County School Station, North Elmham, Dereham.
Who will pay for rail line to be handed over to amateurs?
February 8th 1995, by L Brown, Letters, Eastern Daily Press
Also published in Dereham and Fakenham Times
After reading the article "Society could get trains back on track this year" (EDP, February 1), I was rather perturbed that Breckland District Council has agreed in principle to buy the disused railway line between Dereham and Wymondham and lease the whole line to what appears to be a group of volunteer amateurs.
How does Breckland intend to fund this purchase? Are we to assume the money is to be taken from out of our council tax, possibly resulting in a greater rise next April or will some already-stretched services be further cut or completely curtailed?
I, for one, am not at all happy at either of these thoughts, and will be making my views known to my local councillors.
Furthermore is it in Breckland's mind to rip up the line and put a road between Dereham and Wymondham if the Mid-Norfolk Railway Society falters in its lease?
It appears from the article that the Great Eastern Railway has far better ideas - incorporating a footpath and cycleway. By franchising 80 per cent to other businesses more local jobs will be created.
For the report to indicate that the MNRS fears that the rail link would be lost forever would appear to be ludicrous.
Perhaps, as I have done recently, everyone interested in the future of this line should visit County School station and see for themselves the work of the GER and what it is capable of.
Society could get trains back on track this year
February 1st 1995, by Catriona Cummings, Eastern Daily Press
Passenger trains could be running on the line between Dereham and Wymondham by the end og the year, it was claimed last night.
The long-running story reached its end behind closed doors at Breckland District Council's policy committee, whose members looked at rival bids from the Mid Norfolk Railway Society and North Elmham-based Great Eastern Railway Trust (GER).
Breckland agreed in principle to buy the disused line from British Rail Property Board and lease it to Mid Norfolk.
Last night's announcement is far from the end of the line, as GER pledged to push on with its bid to buy the track and vowed to try and enlist the support of Transport Secretary Brian Mawhinney.
Breckland's decision was greeted with delight by Horace Wilkinson, Mid Norfolk's press officer, who said: "it is a start of something very big. We are delighted to have the opportunity to run it."
The society would now be withdrawing its registration with British Rail as a potential buyer.
Once the line was open, the economic effect for the area's industry and tourism would be tremendous, according to Alec Byrne, chairman of the council's rail steering committee.
"I think it is one of the most exciting things that has happened to this area. The potential is enormous."
He said that if all went to plan trains could be using the track within 12 months.
Mid Norfolk's plans, which have been backed by Norfolk Transport 2000, would begin by opening the two miles from Dereham to Yaxham, including restoring Dereham station to its former glory using Euro-cash.
GER managing director Mick Gore said that he was taken aback by the decision but was convinced the company's bid stood a good chance.
He said: "I am very surprised by the news."
If the company was successful it would franchise 80 per cent of the line to other businesses, he said.
Council officers will now carry out negotiations with British Rail to prepare a bid for the line.
Battle for control of disused rail line comes to head
February 1st 1995, Eastern Daily Press
Snaking quietly through the countryside, it is hard to believe that the Dereham to Wymondham line has been at the heart of such a fierce tug-of-war.
But two groups of enthusiasts have long been at odds over what was best for the 17-mile track which British Rail had put up for sale.
Each had its own ideas on how to restore the rusting line - last used by freight trains in 1988 - and signal a return to its former glory.
Their battle came to a head yesterday as Breckland District Council decided in principle to bid for the line and chose Mid-Norfolk Railway Society to run it.
The Great Eastern Railway Trust and Mid-Norfolk Railway Society, which tried and failed to resolve their differences, both put forward blueprints for the future of the track in a bid to win control of it.
GER announced ambitious plans to spend £3 million transforming the derelict railway into a booming tourist attraction.
It included a steam engine museum, restaurant and information centre with hopes of providing a public train service to the proposed Forties theme park at nearby RAF Swanton Morley. But its plans to take up 12 miles of track in poor condition between Dereham and Wymondham added fuel to its battle with the Mid-Norfolk Railway Society.
Although GER, which runs County School Station at North Elmham, near Dereham, said it planned to restore the stretch of line and incorporate a footpath and cycleway, society members feared the link would be lost forever.
The Mid-Norfolk Railway Society wanted to run trains between the stations as a tourist attraction and a regular passenger service. The line was last used by a passenger trains in 1969. Two mini-stations built at Wymondham could eventually link the proposed private service to the public railway with long-term plans to run commuter trains between Norwich and Thetford, it said.
Ripped-up track costs more to replace
January 16th 1995, by E Woolley, Letters, Eastern Daily Press
I am disappointed to hear that the Great Eastern Railway Company is proposing to rip up the railway line between Dereham and Wymondham with a possibility of restoring it in the future.
May I assure that organisation that it is 10 times more difficult and expensive to re-lay new track than to renovate what is already laid.
The alignments, cants and clearences are already in existence and do not have to be recalculated. Furthermore, labour and materials for upgrading can be easily transported to site by means of works trains.
I am concerned that it is deemed necessary to destroy 12 miles of track in order to restore two half-mile sections. Surely it would be preferable to purchase track materials from outside sources to fill these two gaps and retain the track to Wymondham in a mothballed condition as at present rather than take the short-term financial gain of disposing of the materials for scrap value?
The Great Eastern Railway Company has only recently removed the track and pointwork from Dereham Railway Station and a visit to this site will highlight the difficulties that will be encountered when re-laying the line, the removal of track ballast and the destruction of the drainage system being most significant.
As the integrity of the rail link to Wymondham has been maintained for five years since the closure to freight traffic it would be most disappointing if a sale to the Great Eastern Railway Company resulted in its destruction. After all, most of the successful private preserved railways do have a rail connection and interchange station with the main British Rail network.
We need council support
January 6th 1995, by K Burton, Railway Development Society, Letters, The Mercury
The Railway Development Society has written to Breckland District Council expressing concern at developments affecting the future of the Wymondham-Dereham line, especially in view of reliable reports about the future of the track should certain interests gain control.
We are pleased with the positive way in which Breckland District Council has been involved in work to re-open the line from Wymondham to Dereham and beyond.
We trust, therefore, they will give every support to Mid-Norfolk Railway Society in their endeavour to provide a train service to Wymondham and possibly beyond, particularly as that society recently had permission from British Rail Property Board to run two diesel locos from Dereham to Yaxham following an inspection by the Railway Inspectorate.
Railplan to attract tourists and shoppers
January 3rd 1995, by Malcolm Perkins, Eastern Daily Press
Railway enthusiasts planning to bring back services to a disused Norfolk line want to build two passenger halts at Wymondham when the scheme gets off the ground.
The Mid-Norfolk Railway Society's business plan includes running steam and diesel trains on the line between Wymondham and Dereham as both a tourist attraction and a regular local passenger service.
But to give the service a flying start they plan to build the mini-stations at a level crossing near Wymondham Abbey and another close to the existing Wymondham railway station, linked to it by a footpath.
Society publicity officer Horace Wilkinson said they could be ready within a year. It would enable them to operate services into Wymondham without having to go into the main line station.
However, chairman John Hull believes the private line could eventually link up with the public railway and link with trains to Norwich on the Norwich-Peterborough line through Wymondham. The society has even discussed a long-term plan to bid for a franchise to run commuter trains between Norwich and Thetford, stopping at all the minor stations.
The North Elmham to Wymondham line, last used by freight trains in 1988 and passenger trains in 1969, is being sold by British Rail this year. The society hopes that Breckland District Council will buy the line and lease it to the society to run.
Initially the diesel trains would run between Dereham and Wymondham on Fridays and Saturdays, with passengers paying a maximum of £3 return fare. Steam trains, aimed more at the tourist market, would probably run at weekends.
Trains would stop at Yaxham and perhaps Thuxton and Hardingham if access can be arranged.
The society also plans to run Dereham station as a traditional station buffet and ticket ofice, souvenir shop and museum. Other buildings will be let as offices or workshops.
The museum will be housed mainly in the existing goods shed and is to be a museum of goods handling equipment. Visitors will also eventually be able to see trains and railcars that are not working on display at the station and watch them being maintained and repaired.
However, the Great Eastern Railway Trust which has its own offer on the table would rip up the 12 miles of track between Wymondham and Dereham. Businessman Mick Gore, who heads the group, says it is on poor condition and would cost about £3 million to put right.
Instead it would use the best to complete the rail link between its base at County School station, near North Elmham, and Dereham where more would be used in the goods yard for the museum and for standing rolling stock.
The trust would aim eventually to restore the rail link between Dereham and Wymondham as a tourist attraction, but also incorporating a footpath and cycleway along the trackbed.
"Hidden accounts" spark anger of shareholders
December 24th 1994, Eastern Dail Press
Shareholders are fuming after being denied their right to scrutinise the original accounts of a Norfolk company.
Although they have seen copies of the figures they claim they do not give sufficient detail.
They want to see the books and are calling on the Department of Trade and Industry to step in and fight their corner.
North Elmham-based Great Eastern Railway was forced by the Department of Trade and Industry to convene an extra-ordinary general meeting after complaints that is failed to present the 1992/93 accounts.
But disgruntled shareholders claim they were refused the right to see the books or ask questions at the meeting by GER's managing director Michael Gore, who chaired the meeting.
Shareholder Malcolm Cook said: "We were adsolutely disgusted with the way the meeting was run."
"We were refused access to the books and answers to the questions we asked. It was not a meeting - it was a legal requirement."
Mr Gore said that under law the shareholders should have given him 14 days' written notice of their wish to inspect the books and any questions they wanted answering.
And he said he was unable to answer their questions because he had only taken up his post earlier in the year.
But a DTI spokesman had never heard of any such regulations and confirmed it was not a rule set down by the Company Act.
"There's nothing in the Act that says you have to give 14 days' notice. Since the reason for the meeting was to inspect the accounts the DTI would have expected that to happen.
He said the DTI would pursue the matter further if contacted by the shareholders.
A shareholder who did not wish to be named said: "I have sent a report of the meeting to the DTI and asked them what action they are now going to take.
"Choppers" moved as Norfolk revival begins
21 December 1994, Rail Magazine, p.32
The arrival of Class 20s Nos. 20069 and 20206 at East Dereham is the first sign that the troubles of the Mid-Norfolk Railway are beginning to subside.
The Mid-Norfolk Railway Society has been granted caretaker ownership of the Dereham-Wymondham line, and the "Choppers" are approved for use on the section passed fit to use by the Railway Inspectorate.
The Class 20 owners have therefore withdrawn their threat to move their machines away from East Anglia. There was substantial interest to the small article in RAIL No.236 which did not reveal the identity of the locomotives, but indicated that a new home in the South or Midlands was sought.
The costly road transfer of the 20s from County School has been necessary because of the removal of 400 yards of track leading to the County School site since the eruption of the long-running and near-disasterous split with the Great Eastern Railway Company based there. NOTE: This section was actually lifted by BR in the late 1980s. Norfolk By Rail
Other rolling stock is now likely to head south to East Dereham, including the three-car Class 115 DMU, and Class 08 shunter 08631.
It could pave the way for the medium-term move of Class 37 No.37032 from the nearby North Norfolk Railway, where it was sent for safe-keeping at the height of the Mid-Norfolk's troubles, and Class 117 DMU 51346 + 59516 + 51388 also maintained temporarily at Sheringham.
"The sound of a pair of Class 20s in East Dereham will at last show everybody that we mean business. It is the breakthrough we have longed for", said a Mid-Norfolk spokesman.
The first section of line to be cleared for use will be to Hardingham, where the privately-owned station offers a secure working head-quarters.
Rival groups off rails again over line plan
December 14th 1994, Eastern Daily Press
Squabbling Norfolk rail enthusiasts, who buried the hatchet in a bid to see their dream come true, are at loggerheads again.
The Great Eastern Railway Trust (GER) and the Mid Norfolk Railway Society both want to rejuvenate the disused railway line between Wymondham and North Elmham, near Dereham.
After a long-running dispute the two groups finally settled their differences and agreed in principle to share the 17-mile strectch of track if Breckland District Council decides to buy it.
But negotiations came off the rails. GER has now put in its own bid to purchase the line - and Society members have threatened to put in a counter-bid if the district council's plans fall through.
Horace Wilkinson, press officer for the Mid Norfolk Railway Society, said, "We have had two business plans prepared and they confirm that we should be able to make it pay."
Managing Director of GER Michael Gore was confident the Trust's bid would be successful.
Breckland's Director of Central Services, Trevor Bevan, said: "Breckland acted as a catalyst to try to bring the railway dream to life."
Under the agreement GER would have run the North Elmham to Dereham stretch while the Society would run the Dereham to Wymondham section. The two groups planned to share Dereham station but were at odds over how to divide it up, Mr Bevan added.
District councillors are due to meet in the New Year to decide whether to buy the line.
Norfolk clash
August 1994, Railway World, p.6
In an atmoshpere of growing acrimony and distrust, there has been a rift between the Mid Norfolk Railway Society and the Great Eastern Railway. The two bodies have been collaborating on the project to rebuild and reopen the line from County School, the current base, to North Elmham, and in due course extend over the disused freight line to East Dereham and then to Wymondham on the Norwich-Ely line.
Following growing tension and dissatisfaction, which had been kept behind the scenes, the Society went public with its concerns in mid-June, when it announced that it was witholding further funds from the GER. The reasons given included concern about the GER's financial practices, with a number of bills believed to be unpaid for unacceptable periods of time, claims of inadequate and unsatisfactory annual accounts and other worries. As we went to press, the GER had yet to reply to the allegations which amount to a charge of mismanagement, and it was unclear what effect this would have on the future development of the project.
Railway enthusiasts start work on facelift
July 25th 1994, Eastern Daily Press
Work started on Saturday to transform one of Dereham's worst town centre eyesores.
Members of the Mid Norfolk Railway Society got out their shovels, put on their gloves and got down to work on improving the derelict railway station and track to Wymondham.
The day's efforts were the first of dozens of similar Saturday's work - with the society intending to restore the track and building.
It is being carried out in agreement with British Rail as a prelude to the society putting in a bid for the line.
The society's public relations officer Horace Wilkinson said: "We are clearing away rubbish, tidying up broken glass and putting a coat of paint on the building."
"We are out to make it look better and make it a much more attractive town centre site. Eventually we would like to see it open again to passengers for the first time since 1969."
Row hots up over control of rail line
June 17th 1994, Eastern Daily Press
The gloves are off in the contest between two contenders seeking control of a 16-mile Norfolk branch line being sold by British Rail.
Revealing it would make it's own bid, the Mid-Norfolk Railway Society has declared "no confidence" in the structure of the rival Great Eastern Railway Company.
And in a statement to its 550 members this week the Society said it was withholding any further financial support for the GER.
The decision by it executive committee comes after pouring thousands of pounds into GER since 1989 to help pay for track, equipment and stock at the County School station near North Elmham leased to the GER from Breckland Council, said the society.
The line up for grabs runs from Wymondham through Dereham and finishes at North Elmham just short of County School where the GER are laying track to connect.
The row has been simmering for months with the Mid-Norfolk Railway Society particularly angry at its failure to get involved in decision making after giving so much cash and working support.
Relations between the two sides are tangled. Many of the individual members have interests in both the society, a registered charity, and the GER Company.
The Mid-Norfolk Railway Society itself has a 9.3 per cent holding in the GER, which its spokesman Horace Wilkinson said it would continue to hold.
He described the split between the two groups as "clear cut" but added: "It remains to be seen whether there is any dialogue between us and the company over any way forward.
Trevor Cleaver, managing director of the GER Company, described the contents of the statement as "absolute rubbish and il-informed" and something he would be passing to his solicitor.
Withdrawl of the financial support was something they could live with.
He agreed publication of the company accounts had been late because of the complexity of the company structure. But as soon as they were ready they had been sent to all shareholders.
He said that if the society wanted to join the board they must accept responsibility.
Mr Cleaver added that the GER had now formed a supporting trust which members of the Mid-Norfolk Railway Society were welcome to join if they wished.
Top-level study on railway of hope
April 19th 1994, Eastern Daily Press
The dream of trains powering between Dereham and Wymondham will be strengthened or shattered over the next two months.
A powerful block of interested parties are paying for a feasability study into whether passengers and freight could make the line pay again.
Financed by the county and local district councils, the Rural Development Commission and two goups interested in taking over the line, the report should be ready in June.
The organisations united to form the Mid Norfolk Railway Development Group after part of the area covered by the train became eligable for European Union grants for poor rural areas earlier this year, making the project more viable.
It is hoped the 16 miles of line, which stretches from North Elmham to Wymondham, through Dereham, could carry commuters to Norwich, holidaymakers in the summer as well as freight.
An extension of the line as far as Fakenham has also been mentioned.
The county council representative on the group, Pat Holtom, said: "We are all ver positive about it."
"But it will all depend on what the study reports. It might say it is totally uneconomic and ridiculous.
The Mid Norfolk Railway Society, formed after the line closed with the sole aim of getting it running again, is one of the groups to have expressed an interest with BR.
Spokesman Horace Wilkinson said they would be working with the councils for their bid, but would also be looking for a partner with financial clout to help.
The development group is also in contact with the company looking into converting RAF Swanton Morley into a 1940s theme park.
Unique project possible on old rail line
January 19th 1994, Eastern Daily Press
For sale - one railway station, 17 miles of track and a childhood dream for whoever snaps up the offer of a real-life train set from British Rail.
The track, which stretches across mid-Norfolk, could soon rattle to the sound of trains as BR says it wants to sell it to somebody who will make it run - creating one of Britain's longest private railways.
A price has not yet been put on the package of the line - which runs from Wymondham, through Dereham and on to North Elmham - and Dereham station, which will come with more than six acres of land.
"I'm expecting a fair bit of interest. It's unusual," said Ken Burgess, a BR Property Board marketing executive. "If it went as a private railway as far as I know it would be one of the longest in the country.
The sale of the track, which had been used by freight trains up to 1989, was planned before privatisation. New legislation could make life easier for the buyer.
But Mr Burgess warned: "There is an awful lot of liability that goes with a project like this. They will be responsible for the fences that guard the track, the repair and maintenance of bridges and level crossings."
One bid will come from the Great Eastern Railway Company, which has been planning for the sale of the line and station since the track first closed. It already has some rolling stock kept at County School station at North Elmham.
The company aims to run a commuter service to Wymondham and then send on to Norwich along BR track. Income would be boosted by tourist steam train rides during the summer.
Managing director Trevor Cleaver said he would eventually like to extend the line to Fakenham.
Horace Wilkinson, of the Mid Norfolk Railway Society, which supports any bid to get the line working again, said there were rumours of other companies also interested in running the service.
He said a survey showed 500 people commuted from Dereham to Norwich, creating a large potential market for the service.
Rail idea runs into opposition
August 12th 1993, The Mercury
Angry owners of railway stations along the former King's Lynn to Hunstanton railway line confronted a television star and campaigner pushing for the line to be re-opened.
Mavis Leeson, who lives at the former railway station at Snettisham, faced Bill Pertwee, of Dad's Army fame, and campaigner Bryn Robinson, of Bagge Road, Gaywood, as they prepared to make a video for the campaign at the historic Wolferton Station, near Sandringham, on Saturday.
And she was supported by the owner of the former Royal retiring room at the station, Mavis Kilham, and the owner of Wolferton Station Museum, Roger Hedly-Walker.
Mrs Leeson told My Robinson that the line could not be re-opened along its former route because people who had bought stations along the line did not want trains running through their gardens.
"The line should never have been closed but it has been closed and so it is dead, it is finished. It will never be what it was," she said.
She added that people living at former stations had not been consulted by the campaigners hoping to get the line opened.
Mr Pertwee, who has published a book about railway stations, listened to her protestations but said the line did not have to be opened along the old route.
Lines had been re-opened in Derbyshire and Leicestershire with new stations, he said.
He added that new railways could help relieve pressure on the roads.
"I don't know how much could be re-opened but the line from King's Lynn to Hunstanton is a pretty valid plan," he said.
Mr Hedley-Walker had given permission for the introduction to the video, made by Mr Pertwee, to be filmed at the museum, which is part of the former Wolferton station, but he insisted that his opposition to the new line running through the station be stated on film.
The video is to be used to encourage private investors to fund a feasability study into the opening of a Lynn to Hunstanton line.
Rail route to Hunstanton is safeguarded
March 17th 1993, Extracted from a report by Bob Osborne, Rail
West Norfolk county planners, in a new environmental consultation document, have outlined their interest in protecting the trackbed of the former King's Lynn to Hunstanton line, from any future development which would prevent any possible reopening.
The planners also want to safeguard other routes - the former line from Wisbech to Watlington, because of its strategic importance for a through route to Peterborough, and the former freight route from Denver, just south of Downham Market, to Wissington. This line was used for freight traffic from the British Sugar Beet processing factory.
The planners feel that they should do this to allow for adequate transport developments as needs arise, especially ones that are less environmentally intrusive than a road. Once protected there could be the possibility of reinstating some form of rail service.
Mid Norfolk Railway extends south
22 July 1992, Rail Magazine, p.13
The Mid Norfolk Railway Society has started laying track on the one mile section of trackbed between it's base at County School and North Elmham. The aim is to complete the work by the end of the summer and this will allow the railway to connect with the line to Wymondham which is being purchased by the Great Eastern Railway (1989) Company. At present GER has exchanged contracts for the 13 acre site at Dereham but purchase of the rest of the branch awaits the outcome of a Light Railway Order application. GER is also negotiating with Breckland District Council for the freehold of the North Elmham-County School section.
First public train at new rail centre
November 1991, Norfolk By Rail
On 2nd November 1991 the short line through County School station carried it's first official fare paying passengers. Passengers were carried in Mk 2 BSO E9393, which Mid-Norfolk Railway Society volunteers have converted into a fitted DBSO, and the train was hauled by a Bagnall 0-4-0 diesel.
Future of rail line is secure
April 12th 1991, Eastern Daily Press
An agreement has been reached which has saved the Bure Valley Railway from "asset strippers" who wanted to build houses on the Aylsham station site.
A buyer was announced yesterday for Broadland's troubled line.
Secret negotiations to find a new owner for the narrow gauge line between Aylsham and Hoveton have been concluded, Broadland District Council revealed.
Chairman David Hastings said a Rotherham-based family firm, Railway Wheelsets UK, had put down a deposit to buy the business and the rolling stock. The council will remain owners of the track and the station sites.
He said the deal was "super news", removing any doubt over the future of the railway.
Its fate had been in question since it was put into the hands of receivers earlier this year following financial troubles of the parent company.
It was announced earlier this week that the council had bought the stations and rolling stock from the receivers for an undisclosed six-figure sum, but that it would cost the poll tax payers nothing.
Mr Hastings re-affirmed that the deal was arranged on a "zero-budget".
He said he was relieved that the uncertainty over the future of the line had been removed. "We knew very well there was at least one asset stripper waiting in the wings."
"If the council hadn't acted and the receiver hadn't sold to us, the Aylsham station site could have been sold to a firm who wanted to build homes on it."
He said he had met the family behind the business and was "very impressed." He added they were, "very keen, very genuine, with a lot of experience."
Mike Hart, chairman of the new owners, said: "The receiver's only job is to get the best price, and he could have grabbed the money and sold Aylsham station site for housing."
"Between ourselves and Broadland we hope to continue to run a successful railway line. Things have happened very quickly. It was only a few weeks ago that we knew there was a railway for disposal."
Mr Hart's brother, Philip, is managing director of Wheelsets, and his father, Clifford, is financial director. They will be setting up a new company Bure Valley Railway 1991 to operate the line.
Although he said he had been impressed by the set-up, Mr Hart commented: "We have got to do more to entertain."
Plans include children's play areas, and a railway museum at Aylsham. He said it was also intended to have larger locomotives built at a cost of about £150,000 each, because he believed the line would become so popular more power would be needed to carry the increased number of travellers.
New Great Eastern Railway company is launched
March 1991, Steam Railway, p.8
A new steam centre and 17 mile private railway line is planned for Norfolk.
The Great Eastern Railway (1989) Company Ltd. has completed negotiations for the purchase of East Dereham station and 16 miles of track from North Elmham to Wymondham from BR, and paid a deposit.
The company hope to raise £1.25 million to re-open the line - last used for freight traffic until 1989 - and restore a mile of track to County School station, base of the Mid-Norfolk Railway Society.
Ambitious plans for the line were announced at a press conference at East Dereham station on January 28. These include a weekday dmu commuter and Saturday shopper service between East Dereham and Wymondham (junction with BR's Norwich-Ely line); plus a hotel, shop and pub complex with extensive car parking facilities within the station site; operational workshops and sheds, and a railway heritage museum.
"We are holding talks with a railway engineering company which wishes to move to a rail-connected site," said Trevor Cleaver, managing director of the new GER.
Track maintenance work has already commenced on the route, carried out by Mid Norfolk RS members. It is hoped that the East Dereham refreshment room will be open by the summer, together with an exhibition in the main hall and information on the fund-raising progress.
It is anticipated that it will take two years to re-open the line and obtain the Light Railway Order.
East Dereham station lost its passenger service to Norwich in 1969. It had been a through station on the former GER branch to Wells-next-the-Sea via Fakenham, and a junction for a branch from King's Lynn. A branch from Wroxham fed the line at County School.
MNRS members have been involved in re-laying track at County School, where their ex-British Sugar Corporation diesel shunter and items of rolling stock are stored.
First privately owned commuter line set to open in Norfolk
28 January 1991, Norfolk By Rail
Trevor Cleaver, Managing Director of the Great Eastern Railway (1989) Holdings Company Limited, announced today that they had completed negotiations to purchase East Dereham Railway Station and 16 miles of track from the British Railways Property Board, South East Region.
The company plan to raise £1.25 million to re-open the line, restore the station to its 1920's glory and run a daily DMU commuter service from the town to Wymondham, where passengers can connect to the main British Rail line from Norwich to Ely. Initially it will run a morning and evening commuter service and a shopper train on Saturdays.
If fundraising is successful, this will be the first privately owned commuter line to go into service in the United Kingdom, since the massive closure of rural stations, influenced by the Beeching Report of the sixties.
The Wymondham to East Dereham line was closed to passengers in 1964 and used as a freight line until 1989, when it went into suspension. The company anticipate that it will take two years to re-open the line and obtain the necessary Light Railway Order.
Today, approximately 500 of Dereham's residents work in Norwich and about 700 of Norwich residents work in Dereham. With ever increasing car parking pressures in both centres, local pressure groups have actively canvassed for a review of the passenger railway service and are actively lending full support to the reopening of the Great Eastern. Research suggests that up to 300 people would use the railway to commute to and from work on a daily basis. Additionally, special away-day trains have also proved popular in the region.
The Great Eastern, is fully supported by the Mid Norfolk Railway Society, formerly the Fakenham, Dereham and Wymondham Railway Society, based at County School Station. Negotiations are being opened with Breckland Council to lay around a mile of track north of North Elmham village to connect up with County School Station. If this is successful, then the Great Eastern will be able to run a service on 17 miles of track, making it the second longest privately owned line in the country.
The company are launching a major fund-raising programme for the project and are looking to obtain financial support from a number of key sectors including Local Government, Commercial Investors, Heritage Bodies and an EEC Regional Development Board grant. Donations, fund raising events and appeals countrywide to Railway Enthusiasts are planned immediately.
The company is anxious to encourage shareholder investment and a full prospectus will be available within a month. The Directors of Great Eastern are determined that this project will be financially viable and will establish a long term railway service and steam heritage centre, supported by a sympathetic and well managed commercial development. Initial plans on the 12 acre site at East Dereham Station suggest an opportunity for the construction of a hotel with conference centre, traditional railway tavern with restaurant and a period shopping arcade.
Intrinsic in the development plans is the establishment of a fully operational steam railway centre for enthusiasts and regional visitors. It will include operational workshops and sheds, railway heritage museum and other memorabilia. Negotiations are currently underway with owners of many famous steam engines to place them on site at East Dereham.
Owners of other clasic rolling stock, including a period restaurant car and observation train, have shown interest in being located on site.
Substantial track reparation work is needed on the whole line. The first phase will be undertaken by the Mid Norfolk Railway Society, whose members will be responsible for track and rolling stock maintenance at East Dereham.
By the summer, the Great Eastern hope to open the station refreshment rooms, so that the general public can view and participate in this essential restoration activity. There will also be a small exhibition on show in the main hall and information on the fundraising progress. The period restoration work on site will be undertaken as funds are raised with the aim of returning East Dereham Station to its former glory.
New name for railway society
October 1990, Norfolk By Rail
Members of the Fakenham and Dereham Railway Society were recently sent ballot papers to vote on changing the name of the society. As a result of this vote the title of the Society was changed to the Mid-Norfolk Railway Society.
The reason for this new name is to progress the aims of the society and associate it with the entire Fakenham to Wymondham line rather than just the Fakenham to Dereham section. The Society has also been involved with the Mid-Norfolk Railway Project which has been a liason organisation for groups interested in saving the whole line.
This also clears the way for groups such as the Wymondham and Dereham Rail Action Committee to join the MNRS, as well as other constituent members of the Mid-Norfolk Railway Project.
The Society will also provide volunteer workers for the Wensum Valley Railway at County School, and at a later date, for a typical Great Eastern country branch from County School through Dereham to Wymondham. A further extension towards Fakenham will remain a long-term aim.
New railway centre opens
15 June 1990, Norfolk By Rail
Following agreement with the Railway Inspectorate a private opening ceremony was held at County School station on Friday 15th June. The station was opened at 6.00pm by John Timson of Radio 4 fame after he had been brought into the station by a train running on the short demonstration line.
The station has been restored by volunteers of the Fakenham and Dereham Railway Society with help from Breckland District Council and Manpower Services.
Red faces as new railway hits snags
June 11th 1990, Eastern Daily Press
Red-faced officials admitted overloading the first train on North Norfolk's £2.5 million miniature steam railway after a series of hitches at the opening yesterday.
About 200 VIP passengers on the Bure Valley Railway stepped from the carriages after faulty brakes halted the Hoveton to Aylsham train for 30 minutes at Coltishall.
At the start of the journey, children waving Union Flags shouted jibes as the train slipped on the tracks due to the weight of the passengers.
Shouts of "Do you want a push?" and "You're going the wrong way" were heard as officials sprinkled sand on the line to give more grip.
Public relations manager Mike Souter later revealed the problems were due to overloading.
"In an ideal world, we would not take any more than about eight carriages, but we have got about 12 on it now," he said.
"I think we were a little nervous about having such a big number on. But people kept writing and asking if they could come on the train."
The delay at Coltishall was for safety reasons because the brakes were partially jammed on and were not working properly, said driver Richard Batten.
"We have got a fairly steep gradient ahead. If we went down there without any brakes it would not be sufficient to stop the train," he said.
But marketing director Tony Shorthouse said the delay was to be expected on opening day.
"The important thing is to get it right for the public. The official guests seemed quite cheerful about it. The British are at their best in times of adversity," he said.
Broadcaster and writer Miles Kington, who opened the Broadland Line, joked about the delay.
"Those of you who were waiting at the station wondering whether the train was going to arrive, should take comfort from the fact that openings are always bedevilled by hitches. It gives the Press something to write about when they get back home," he said.
About 60 pupils travelled back to St Michael's First School, Aylsham, for lunch while they were waiting - then headed back to Aylsham station with deserts and flags in hands.
"I think it's brilliant. I like the colour and the way they've built it with little engines," said Michael Cramp, aged eight, who hopes to spend his pocket money on a ride.
Flags will be out for rail opening
June 1990, Eastern Daily Press
Hundreds of children cheering and waving Union Jacks will line the route when North Norfolk's latest tourist attraction takes to the tracks on Tuesday.
Broadcaster Miles Kington will open the Bure Valley Railway after a four-year project to complete the £2.5 million narrow-gauge line from Wroxham to Aylsham.
Then, over 200 VIP guests will climb into carriages for a nostalgic trip on a double-headed train, pulled by steam locomotives Samson and Winston Churchill.
Stations at Wroxham, Aylsham and Coltishall will be decked with bunting for the first official run.
Two Norfolk schools will add music to the ceremony. Children from Broadland High School will play at Wroxham station and Reepham High School pupils will perform at Aylsham.
Pupils from Hoveton Junior School, Corby Primary School and Buxton Primary School and Aylsham schools will be involved in the celebrations as the train passes through.
Joint managing director Robert Hudson said: "This railway will become such an important and popular part of Norfolk life that everybody will remember being there on opening day. Obviously we can't invite everybody to be our guests and travel on the train, but we hope they can soak up part of the atmoshpere on this very special day."
Over 120,000 visitors are expected to take the nine-mile journey through the heart of Broadland countyside each year.