The Mid-Norfolk Railway (MNR) has launched a public appeal to raise funds to contribute to the rebuilding of the Kimberley Level crossing, which crosses the B1108 Norwich-Watton road.
The essential work follows on from the successful rebuilding of the Yaxham Road level crossing at Dereham last year. The appeal is to raise £25,000 towards the total cost.
“This work is essential to maintain and upgrade our operating line and must be done this year. As a result of Covid-19, the MNR like every other heritage railway, has had to deal with the financial impact of not operating last year. We have therefore launched this public appeal to help finance the work. Donations however small will be gratefully received”. Charlie Robinson Chairman of The Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust
Donations can be made by the following methods:
directly by bank transfer to MNRPT at NatWest Bank, Sortcode: 60-07-47, Account Number: 52109003 using the reference ‘Kimberley Appeal’
by cheque made payable to MNRPT to: Mid-Norfolk Railway Kimberley Appeal, The Railway Station, Station Road, Dereham, NR19 1DF.
Those who donate over £200 will receive a complimentary pair of tickets for a standard operating day. The tickets will allow the donor to book a travel day of their choice.
Refurbishing the level crossing is the next stage of the essential refurbishment of the running line from Wymondham to Dereham and in addition to the level crossing itself the line through Kimberley Park station will be replaced, as will the short section from the level crossing to the end of the recently relaid running line over Danemoor Bank that was relaid as part of the contract with Greater Anglia.
The newly laid line will therefore continue the gradual process of replacing the wooden sleepers with concrete for the running line, with the objective of ensuring easy maintenance for the long term. The crossing itself will remain a gated crossing, being operated by a MNR volunteer crossing keeper. The work will however see the rails and road deck renewed utilising the new state of the art technology that was installed at Dereham. This will be to the benefit of the local residents as it will reduce the noise from road traffic as it crosses the level crossing.
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