Travel

This could be a romantic scene from an old movie, but this is no film, because soon this will be a reality.

In the not too distant future, the disused Eden Valley Railway (EVR) between Appleby and Warcop will once again run as a passenger service.

Looking out the back of the train

While trundling down the line, you could be wining and dining, holding a businesses conference, or attending a birthday party while watching the glorious scenery go by.  These are just a few of the ideas planned for the train journey once it is up and running.  Of course, you might just be hitching a ride to Appleby.

The charity organisation the Eden Valley Railway Trust alongside the voluntarily run Eden Valley Railway Company, have been working on the rebuilding and restoration project over the last few years.

Volunteers have transformed the former goods yard site at Warcop from a wasteland into the headquarters for the EVR project.  Still a long way off completion, the team meet every weekend to carry out tasks.

Jaz driving the train with Roger

Many of the men, women and children involved, have helped to painstakingly rebuild the track, restore the trains, decorate and basically do whatever needs to be done in preparation for the grand opening.

Jaz the dog is one of the enthusiastic members of the EVR team and plays a crucial role at Warcop.  Her owner Keith, said: "Jaz has appointed herself Chief Vermin Control Operative and patrols the site seeing off unwanted pests.” 

Jaz also has another important responsibility; she gives a warm and friendly welcome to all human visitors to the station.  Her custom-made high visibility ensures that she is noticeable and safe at all times.

David and Pipa work on a coach door lock

If you fancy becoming a volunteer, you do not need any special skills or physical strength, as there are a variety of jobs to be done, just turn up at Warcop station at 9.30am on a Saturday or Sunday and after a nice warm welcome and a refreshing cuppa, you’ll be set to work helping with one of the many jobs on the to do list. 

If you would like further information about the The Eden Valley Railway project and how you can help, visit the website at www.evr.org.uk.