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As the Mid-Norfolk Railway works towards reopening on 30th April, the railway's Traction & Rolling Stock Department have been busy preparing coaches and have also carried out the first stages of a Pacer refurbishment. The Class 142 Pacer unit, 142061, has undergone a deep-clean on the interior with particular attention to the seats and floor. The seats frame have been stripped, treated for rust and then repainted. The floors have been deep-cleaned removing decades of dirt. The door lights in the foot wells have been stripped, rust treatment applied, painted and then re-fitted with new lights installed. Externally, the underframe has been cleaned and then repainted making the unit ready for this season's running. The work on the Pacer has been carried out by some of the Working Members of the railway under the supervision of Traction & Rolling Stock Maintenance Manager, Colin Makcrow. In the future, the railway plans to paint at least one Pacer in a different livery, but that will not be for some time as there are other coaches to be finished. The railway's Class 101 unit is also currently out of service, with various jobs needing doing before a repaint that will be the final step before a return to service. Which means there is significant work to do before any of the Pacer units at the MNR receive a new livery. In addition to the work on the Pacer, Colin Makcrow and Tony Dunford, Traction & Rolling Stock Restoration Manager, have carried out the annual 'C' inspection for all seven Mark 1 and 2 coaches that make up the railway's operational vacuum-braked coaching sets. All of the coaches have also received a deep-clean and minor interior repairs have been carried out. Working Members under the leadership of Tony Dunford have also continued the refurbishment of the railway's Mark 1 First Class FK M13225 coach in preparation for its launch later in the season into service following what will be the most extensive restoration ever undertaken at the MNR. The railway will reopen to the public with a steam service running over the May bank holiday weekend. Trains will be running on Saturday 30th April, Sunday 1st and Monday 2nd May. Tickets will be purchasable on the day. The 'kids-go-free'* promotion is also in operation for these days, which means two children (aged 5-15) can accompany an fare-paying adult passenger for free, under 5s are free.

Wymondham-based artist Amelia Bowman has teamed up with the Mid-Norfolk Railway to support the Railway’s Signal Box Appeal. Amelia is an artist who creates what are known as intaglio collagraph prints and hand-drawn, digitally-coloured pattern designs which she incorporates into her collagraphs using an additional technique called chine-collé. She then creates reproductions in the style of old rail posters for some of the locations she represents in her work. The railway is therefore benefiting from a specially created, limited-edition poster print, with the proceeds of the sale then being donating to the railway’s ongoing appeal. The money from the appeal is paying for the restoration, to working order, of the recently arrived Victorian signal box that is now at Wymondham Abbey Station on the Mid-Norfolk Railway. Amelia said: “Wymondham is my home town and the Wymondham Abbey Station is part of its inherent intrigue and beauty. I believe this signal box will be a wonderful addition and wholeheartedly support the pre-loved aspect. I can’t wait to see it up and running and to be able to say that I helped in some small way! The limited edition poster print created by Amelia for the appeal is available to buy online at https://www.jarrold.co.uk/departments/house-and-home/home-accessories/art-prints-and-ornaments/amelia-bowman-special-edition-signed-wymondham-abbey-poster Leading the restoration project for the Mid-Norfolk Railway is Peter Singlehurst and he said: “The railway is extremely grateful to Amelia for her generous support to the project and we hope that the new view at Wymondham will inspire her to create more art in due course”. The Wymondham Abbey Signal Box appeal is still open and donations can be made via the railways website at www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk/donations

The Mid-Norfolk Railway is pleased to announce that United Steel Company No.22, a Hunslet 0-6-0 Austerity saddle tank engine, has arrived at the railway for the 2022 running season. The steam engine will spend the season working in rotation with long-time Mid-Norfolk Railway resident BR Standard 4-6-2 class 4MT tank engine 80078 on the railway’s steam days. The steam engine is privately owned and is joining the railway from its current home Scunthorpe. Built in 1956 for the National Coal Board by the Hunslet Engine Company using a design first used by the War Office in World War Two it is therefore considered to a be an Austerity type locomotive. The engine began its working life at the Graig Merthyr Colliery in South Wales where it was used till June 1978 when the colliery closed. At the colliery it worked between the Graig Merthyr Colliery and the exchange sidings on the the Swansea District line at Graig Merthyr Colliery Sidings. Following the closure of the colliery the locomotive remained in the Graig Merthyr engine shed until 1986. It was then moved to the Cefn Coed Colliery Museum at Crynant near Neath to act has the Gate Guardian. In 1997, the locomotive was purchased by Chris Theaker to become part of the Appleby-Frodingham Railway Preservation Society. The locomotive was moved by the society to the former British Steel site at Scunthorpe where its restoration was started and it returned to steam in 2010. The steam engine during restoration was given its current identity as United Steel Company Limited No.22 and a crimson livery. The engine has previously visited the Rutland Railway Museum at Cottesmore, a former Iron Ore line, where the original No.22 worked. It has also seen service on the Nene Valley Railway, the Embasy & Bolton Abbey Railway and the Great Central Railway. Commenting on the season long loan Mr Theaker said: “I am please we could come to an agreement with the Mid-Norfolk Railway, that will see the engine in service on another heritage railway and the revenue earnt will contribute to the Society’s on going restoration projects”.

Long-term Mid-Norfolk Railway resident former Great Western Railway 'Toad' Brake Van 17438 has just undergone a refurbishment. The brake van is privately owned but like most heritage railways the Mid-Norfolk Railway, plays host to a number of privately-owned rolling stock items. The refurbishment saw the complete rebuild of the wooden body, with new oak timbers. This was then followed by a full-repaint into GWR Black livery, instead of the rather tired and faded livery it previously wore. The interior is set up as accommodation currently and is used by the owners, James and Chris Francis-Beck, when volunteering at the railway. James said: “since buying the brake van we have been looking to both restore and make the it both comfortable but also a useful asset. This we are confident we have achieved so far, but there is more work to be done”. Prior to coming to the MNR the van had a large amount of mechanical attention and is therefore mechanically sound. The next stage in the refurbishment, but at a later date is to replace the metal veranda side sheets James is however keen that the brake van is also used on the railway and as one of the few brake vans that is fitted with vacuum brakes, it can be used to carry passengers. This suggests a possible Brake van special might be in the offing at the MNR. The Brake van is already in regular use by the railway for weed killing trains on the line with the large veranda making it particularly suitable. The brake van was built 1941 for use on special perishable trains between Weymouth and Marazion in Cornwall. Later it was used by BR as a mess van during the rebuild of Liverpool Street station.

The Mid-Norfolk Railway and its specialist haulier contractor, David Watson Transport, have successfully moved the former Network Rail signal box from Spooner Row to its new home at Wymondham Abbey station despite Storm Eunice. The long-planned move had been scheduled for several months for the 18 February, but undeterred by the approaching storm the team from David Watson Transport had the experience to successfully delivered the 19th Century wooden signal box to its new home. Now that the box has arrived, the Mid-Norfolk Railway is relaunching the public appeal to raise £12000 to fund the transportation and then refurbish the box. Currently the appeal stands at £7500 and so a relaunch to coincide with the arrival of the box will look to raise the money needed to fully fund the refurbishment that is needed. Donations can be made via the Mid-Norfolk Railway website at www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk/donations The box had been identified by Network Rail as being available to be gifted to the Mid-Norfolk Railway but has until now not been able to be transported from its existing location at Spooner Row to Wymondham Abbey. The box was initially removed from the mainline during a weekend line closure that began on 3rd September. The box was then stored at Spooner Row playing fields. The wooden top half of the box has now joined a new brick base that has been built next to the level crossing at the Wymondham Abbey station site. The transport of the signal box has been made possible due to generous donations to the Mid-Norfolk Railway public fund-raising appeal, together with a Wymondham Town Council grant and also grants from South Norfolk District Councillor’s Robert Savage and Kevin Hurn. "This is a very important day for the railway, we knew this box would come to us for reuse and it has been a long wait, but we have been patient and we are extremely grateful to Network Rail for facilitating this important addition to the railway The hard work now begins however as first the box is restored and then my team can install the mechanisms that will be needed to allow the box to return to being a functioning box once again." Richard Pike Volunteer Head of MNR Signal & Telegraph Department The signal box base has previously been constructed by MNR volunteers and has been a familiar site to visitors for many years. “The arrival of the signal box from Spooner Row marks the first step in the development of the Wymondham end of the railway that will in due course see a new station at Wymondham Abbey. This new station is critically important to the long-term future of the railway as the railway seeks to develop its commercial activities and also build strong links with the local community in the town and surrounding area.” All at the railway are very grateful to those who have donated or assisted so far, including George Freeman MP, to allow us to get to this stage, but I hope that the public can continue to support the railway so that we can complete the project”. Charlie Robinson, Chairman The Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust

The Mid-Norfolk Railway has launched a public appeal to the raise funds to restore and equip the former Spooner Row Signal Box that will now be used by the railway at Wymondham Abbey. The signal box was gifted by Network Rail to the Mid-Norfolk Railway nine years ago when it became redundant, but it has taken until now for it to be released. This appeal seeks to raise the £12,000 needed to fund the transport, refurbishment, and the equipping of the box so that work can then commence to re-introduce signalling to this end of the line. Launching the appeal Charlie Robinson, Chairman of the Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust said: “The arrival and then commissioning of the signal box at Wymondham Abbey, will mark the first stage in a long-held aspiration of the railway to create a new station for the railway in Wymondham. This new Appeal is designed to raise the funds to begin turning that aspiration into a reality and I encourage all who support our efforts to donate as much or as little as they can, every pound will help”. The signal box is currently being stored in Spooner Row following the lifting of the wooden half of the box and the demolition and site clearance of the locking room in 2021. In addition to donations, sponsorship is also available for those who are able to be a little more generous. A £200 sponsorship is available for a signal lever and will be recorded by a plaque that will be mounted on the signal box wall with the name of the sponsor. The sponsor will also receive a pair of tickets for a standard operating day of their choice and will be invited to visit the box on commissioning to operate the signal lever they have sponsored. A donation of £100 will be recognised by a name plaque on the signal box wall and a pair of tickets for a standard operating day during the 2022 operating season to be redeemed by the donor on a day of their choice. A sponsorship package is also available for larger donations. Details of this package are available from the railway’s press officer and project manager for the refurbishment of the signal box via peter.singlehurst@mnr.org.uk All donations will be eligible to receive an occasional electronic update via email on the progress of the project from the Project Manager, to whom all questions should be directed. Donations can be made online via the MNR website at www.mnr.org.uk/WymondhamSBAppeal or directly by bank transfer to MNRPT at NatWest Bank, Sort Code: 60-07-47, Account Number: 52109003 using the reference ‘Wymondham SB Appeal’ or by cheque made payable to MNRPT to: Mid-Norfolk Railway Wymondham Abbey SB Appeal, The Railway Station, Station Road, Dereham, NR19 1DF.

UPDATE: Please be aware that we have had a further update and we will not reopen until 30th April. Read more here. The Mid-Norfolk Railway is planning a full programme of events for 2022. The events will include a Steam and Diesel Gala together with other special event weekends. The 2022 operating season will open on 6th March and as in previous years will feature a mixture of running days. New for 2022 will be specific Diesel locomotive running days, these will join the schedules as the orange timetable. Diesel services will feature either the Maroon-liveried vacuum-braked Mark 1 and Mark 2 coaches or the former Greater Anglia Mark 3 coaches depending on the traction that is hauling the train. On multiple train days the timetable will be a mixture of steam and diesel trains together with diesel multiple unit services. The first steam running day will be 27th March and the first special event will be an Easter-themed event. From 9th May, for at least two weeks the railway is planning to close to carry out a major engineering project. In June, the railway will be holding a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee event, running dates to be confirmed nearer the date. 26th June will also see the regular annual opening of Hardingham station as part of Hardingham Fête. This annual event is rare opportunity for the public to be able to use the station as the station grounds and buildings are in private ownership and this event is at the owner’s invitation. The railway is planning to hold a Steam Gala over 1st to 3rd July visiting steam engines will be announced in due course. On 6th and 7th August, the annual 1940s Railway at War weekend will be held once again with re-enactors setting up displays all along the line and visitors are encouraged to enter into the spirit of the event by dressing accordingly. The Diesel Gala will be one of the highlights of the coming year and will be run from 23rd to 25th September. The Diesel Gala will feature visiting mainline and heritage diesels to supplement the MNR home fleet. The railway is planning for the first time to be open for the Norfolk school’s autumn half-term break from 24th to 28th October and the year will end with the return of the ever popular Polar Express, that will run during November and December leading up to the Christmas. Throughout the 2022 running season, the railway will once again be running the popular ‘Breckland Fryer’ fish and chip trains in the evening and ‘Heart of Norfolk’ afternoon tea trains on selected running days. The railway will continue to run the ‘Kids Go Free’ group tickets that was successfully introduced in 2021. These tickets will be available for all standard running days but do not include special events or special trains. The MNR shop at Dereham station has had a refresh with new lines of merchandise and clothing that feature the railway’s new ‘Heart of Norfolk’ logo. Further details of events and timetables will appear on the railway’s website in due course at www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk

UPDATE: Please be aware that we have had a further update and we will not reopen until 30th April. Read more here. The Mid-Norfolk Railway is updating its full programme of events for 2022. The main events including a proposed Steam and Diesel Gala together other special events weekends remain, however the railway will now reopen 27 March. The reopening will coincide with Mothering Sunday and will feature the railway’s resident BR Standard 4 MT steam locomotive 80078 and the BR maroon liveried vacuum-braked coaches. Tickets will be on sale both via the Mid-Norfolk Railway website and on the day from both Dereham and Wymondham Abbey Station. Last year’s popular ‘kids go free’ promotional tickets have been retained for normal running days, so the opening running day is intended as a family day at the railway enjoying the sights and sounds of a working steam locomotive. “Everyone associated with the railway is looking forward to welcome back our passengers and Mother’s Day is an ideal family time to mark the reopening. We are sure our passengers will see the difference that the long winter closure has allowed us to make to the railway for the better”. Charlie Robinson, Chairman The Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust Following reopening, April will see a mixture of Steam locomotive and Diesel Multiple Unit running days until the 24 April which will feature the first Diesel locomotive-hauled train timetable of the year. Details of running days can be found on the Mid-Norfolk Railway website at www.mnr.org.uk The railway during the closure has carried out a number of engineering tasks and also developments during the closure. These are being carried out by staff and volunteers from the railway but are taking slightly longer to complete due to the ongoing impact of Coronavirus restrictions. Work includes the resignalling of Dereham station and yard which will mean the sight of operational semaphore signals once again at the station for the first time since 1969. The resignalling is especially important as it increases the capacity of the station and is an important precursor to the eventual reopening of the line north of Dereham to full passenger service. Other work has included, work on Crownthorpe Bridge waybeams, lineside flailing and sleeper renewal together with the fitting of new timbers and point motors at Dereham station together with maintenance of the platform at Wymondham Abbey station. “This time of the year, when the railway is closed to public running, is so important as it means the railway gets the essential maintenance and development work that keeps us going done but also hopefully makes the railway better each year." “It is hard work and I would like to thank all of our Staff and Volunteers for their efforts and to issue a general invitation to come and join the team. There are many roles not all directly railway related that need doing and we always need more people to help run the Mid-Norfolk Railway." George Saville, General Manager, Mid-Norfolk Railway

All aboard the The Polar Express™ Train Ride this Christmas as the Mid-Norfolk Railway announces that this year's tickets will be going on sale via the railway's website from 10am on Tuesday 22nd March. Do you believe? Will you be joining The Polar Express™ Train Ride as it travels to the North Pole to meet Father Christmas? Trains will be running from November right through to Christmas. Details will be on the railway's website at www.midnorfolkthepolarexpressride.com Prior to general sales, those who booked for the final week of the 2021 season, which was cancelled due to Covid-19, will be emailed with instructions on how to get priority booking for this year's tickets from 10am on Monday 21st March to 9:30am on the following day. This year, the cast for The Polar Express™ Train Ride will once again be overseen by MNR Theatrical Director, Paul Andrew Goldsmith of the Twisted Reality Theatre. Again, the trains will be made up of the railway's ex-Greater Anglia Mark 3 coaches that have all been refurbished. The former airline-style seating has been removed and four-seat bays around a table refitted for all standard-class seats. Premium tickets will once again be available to travel in the former first-class coaches for those wishing for a little extra. "This is an important day for the railway, as the revenue we receive from The Polar Express Train Ride experience forms a vital part of the railway's income that ultimately pays for the railway. "The refurbished coaches, with the return to the original seating arrangement, proved to be a great success and made the coaches significantly more family-friendly and we are sure it enhanced The Polar Express Train Ride experience for all of our passengers." Charlie Robinson, Chairman Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust This year's The Polar Express™ Train Ride will begin at Dereham station, where passengers will be transported into the magical world of The Polar Express™, before being invited aboard the train by The Conductor. On the journey look out for the Hobo and the Chefs amongst others before you get to see the "Big Man" himself if you truly believe

BR Standard Class 4 MT 80078 has left the railway for its winter travels but will be returning for next year's running season. 80078 has now departed to first join the Swanage Railway for service on their Christmas services and will then undergo a period of maintenance away from the Mid-Norfolk Railway, following a very busy busy season including daily service during the Flying Scotsman visit. Picture courtesy of Anthony Dunford, MNR Head of Restoration

The Mid-Norfolk Railway has announced that two more days have been added to the schedule for visits to see Flying Scotsman at Dereham station. Tickets are now be available for Thursday 7 and 14 October. Tickets for Wednesday 6 and 13 October are now sold out. The tickets priced at £8 each give access to the station platform for a fifty minute slot and can be booked online on the Mid-Norfolk Railway website and (if still available on the day) at the station. The slots start at 9am and the last slot is 4pm. Ticket holders can also purchase on the day, on a first come first served basis a ticket to visit the actual footplate and sit in the driver’s seat during their slot. Charlie Robinson, Chairman of the Mid-Norfolk Railway said: “We knew the visit of this iconic steam engine was going to be popular but until you are directly involved with it, you do not fully realise what that means. We are therefore adding these two extra days as everything else has now been sold out and as such we want to make sure as many people as possible have the opportunity to see Flying Scotsman while it is with the Mid-Norfolk Railway”. Platform tickets are being sold via the railways website at www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk/flyingscotsman or if still available can be purchased on the day.

The Mid-Norfolk Railway has confirmed the earlier announcement that Flying Scotsman hauled trains will be travelling from Dereham to Brick Kiln Junction just north of Kimberley Park station, before returning to Dereham. Flying Scotsman will be arriving at the railway on the 1 October and is expected to be facing southwards towards Wymondham. The trains will therefore have Flying Scotsman at the front of the train when departing from Dereham, but will have resident BR Standard Class 4 MT steam engine leading for the return journey. Photos courtesy of MNR member, Ian McDonald The journey time for the round trip is expected to be approximately one hour ten minutes. Once passengers have departed the train will be cleaned ready for the next trip. When not running the Flying Scotsman will be available to visit on Wednesday 6 and 13 October with the opportunity to purchase a guided tour of the engine also available. Passengers will enter the platform at Dereham via a large marquee that has been erected to create a one-way system, the buffet and station shop will however be open to use before exiting the station via a second marquee after their journey. The Dereham station car park will only be available to blue badge holders and pre-booked coach parties. Public parking is available in the town centre. Charlie Robinson, the Chairman of the Mid Norfolk Railway said: “We, at the railway are looking forward to greeting our passengers and are confident that they will enjoy the iconic experience that is The Flying Scotsman, the world’s most famous Steam Engine. We want this to be a memorable regional event for Norfolk.” During the running of the Flying Scotsman trains the foot crossing at Rashes Green will be controlled by MNR volunteers and security staff to ensure the safety of the general public. For similar reasons Yaxham and Thuxton stations will not be open to the public during the Flying Scotsman runs as the platforms do not have the capacity to hold substantial numbers of spectators safely plus there is no available car parking at either station. George Saville the MNR’s General Manager highlighted the railway’s safety first policy when he said: “it is a criminal offence to trespass on all railway land including heritage railways. Safety is our number one priority and despite being limited to a 25 mph line speed, all railway engines have significant stopping distances. This means special training is required to be track side. Members of the public who trespass on the railway therefore put themselves at significant danger. He added: “Can I also ask the public to please respect our neighbours property and ask that members of the public do not cross privately owned land to get to the lineside unless they have the permission of the owners. During the visit the railway has also employed additional security staff in addition to the extensive CCTV that is installed at Dereham station and yard. As such when the station is closed the public are asked not to attempt to enter to see Flying Scotsman. In addition to the visit of Flying Scotsman the railway will also be busy with the return of the Direct Rail Services, Rail-Head Treatment Trains that will operate across the region once again. These trains are designed to clear leaves from the national railway lines and will be operating from Dereham until Christmas as such members of the public can expect to see activity at the station.

Coming up tomorrow, our Diesel Weekend - running on 25th & 26th September. With a variety of residents locos and units running. Rover tickets can be purchased on the day for £18 for adults (which include 2 free children) or £36 for families (up to 2 adults and 4 children) - other ticket options are available. Our loco allocations on the timetable have been updated this evening, unfortunately due to maintenance issues 33202 will not be running. However we are pleased to confirm D9520 (Class 14) will be making its passenger debut on the railway. Along with the three Stratford 47 Group's 580 (County of Essex), 367 (Kenny Cockbird), D1933/596 (Aldeburgh Festival) which will be running with our Mark 3 former Greater Anglia coaches for the first time in passenger service. Our restored Mark 1 & 2 coaches will be running also. Our Pacer 142061 will also be running and will be our first departure (on Saturday only) from Dereham at 0845 and Wymondham Abbey 0930 and later running shuttles to/from Thuxton station. Further information available at mnr.org.uk/dieselweekend

The tickets to travel on trains hauled by the world famous steam engine the Flying Scotsman during its visit to the Mid-Norfolk Railway in October nearly sold out in three days. Photo credit: Ian McDonald A small number of additional tickets have now however become available and are now for sale via the railway’s website. James Oakley the Mid-Norfolk Railway’s Commercial Manager explained the situation when he said: “The railway in addition to selling tickets direct to the public also made availability some blocks of tickets to some of our commercial partners, who sold these on as part of package deals. It is these unsold returns that we have now got back and have been made available via the website.” The iconic steam locomotive will be hauling eight coach trains at the railway on the 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, and 16th October, with trains leaving Dereham station at 10am, 12noon, 2pm, and 4pm. There will also be a departure at 6.30 pm on the 2nd, 9th, and 16th October. Flying Scotsman hauled trains will travel from Dereham to Brick Kiln Junction just north of Kimberley Park station before returning to Dereham. This is due to operational reasons, principally the track configuration at Wymondham that does not support eight coach trains. Charlie Robinson the Chairman of the Mid-Norfolk Railway said: “This is an incredibly important event for the Railway, as it will be the first time the Flying Scotsman will have run on a heritage railway in the region. The tickets having sold so quickly demonstrates the enthusiasm to see this iconic engine in action and to be part of the experience. I can only apologise that we cannot run more trains and therefore offer more tickets.” He added: “we are grateful to the owners of the Flying Scotsman, the National Railway Museum for this opportunity to showcase this world famous engine here on the Mid-Norfolk Railway.” On the static days there will be a chance to buy, on the day an extra ticket that will give them a guided tour of the Flying Scotsman. Platform tickets will also be be available nearer the date of the visit for those wishing to get close to the engine. On the 4, 5, 11 and 12 October, the Flying Scotsman will be available for schools to book a visit learn about the history of engine. Booking details will be advertised in the near future. ​ Platform tickets and static display tour tickets when available will be sold via the railways website at www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk/flyingscotsman

The Mid Norfolk Railway has announced that the railways diesel weekend is planned to feature a number of firsts for the railway. The weekend will see diesel hauled trains only over the 25 and 26 September, will subject to availability feature the debut of the newly resident privately owned Class 14, working the maroon liveried Mk1 and 2 coaches for the first time. The second first for the railway will see the Stratford 47 Group’s newly returned 47580 County of Essex and freshly repainted and refurbished D1933 Aldeburgh Festival hauling the new ex GA Mk3 coaches in public service for the first time. The third of the Stratford 47 groups engines 47367, and privately owned 33202 will also be taking their turns on the Maroon MK1 and 2 sets. Finally a pacer set will also be running as part of the programme. A two train service is currently planned with trains passing at Thuxton Station for the first time in nearly two years following both the Covid -19 pubic running closure and the recent relaying of part of the down loop. Tickets for the weekend will be priced at £ 18 per adult will be daily Rover tickets allowing multiple journeys. The Railway’s ‘Kids Go Free’ promotion will be available for the weekend. Full details can be found on the railway's website, where tickets will be available to purchase (in the next couple of days) as well as Dereham and Wymondham Abbey stations on the day. Trains will operate to the Railway’s Purple Timetable, together with a Pacer departing from Wymondham Abbey station at 0920 on the Saturday. Commenting on the diesel weekend George Saville, the Mid Norfolk Railway General Manager said: “This event is going to be an important weekend for the railway as it marks the full reopening of the railway following the Covid-19 lockdown. The staff and volunteers at the railway are looking forward to sharing what is new at the railway with the weekend’s visitors and we are all sure they will see the difference.”

We are very disappointed to announce the cancellation of the Wedding Fair at the Mid-Norfolk Railway on 12th September. This is due to a small number of exhibitors confirming attendance. Further information about what the Mid-Norfolk Railway can do for your wedding, reception or anniversary is available at https://www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk/weddings

The Mid-Norfolk Railway has announced that this summer, at the railway, it is ‘Kids Go Free’ time on all services including special events. As part of the summer staycation season, as the UK emerges from the Covid-19 lockdown, the railway has introduced a new range of tickets for the summer. Now a family ticket will allow up to 4 children to travel for free and every individual adult ticket sold will allow up to 2 accompanying children to travel for free. The Mid-Norfolk Railway designates that the age range for children for this special offer is from 5 to 15 inclusive. Those under 5 already travel free regardless and unaccompanied older children will still need to pay the child fare. “We are delighted to make this special offer this year, as we recover from the difficult times that we have all experienced due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We can all see that many families this summer have chosen to take their holidays in the UK. We therefore hope this little encouragement will see many come to visit our fantastic railway and enjoy a journey through the Heart of Norfolk aboard our heritage trains.” James Oakley, Commercial Manager Mid-Norfolk Railway The offer in addition to the standard train timetable days, will include the tickets for the Vintage Bus Day on the 1 August, the Railway at War weekend on the 7 and 8 August, the Summer Steam Weekend on the 28 and 29 August and will come to an end on the railway’s Diesel Weekend on the 25 and 26 September. Further information including train timetables is available on the railways website at www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk where tickets can also be purchased before the day.

The Mid-Norfolk Railway’s popular Vintage Bus Day event is returning for 2021 and will run on Sunday 1 August. The event will see in addition to the opportunity to ride on Heritage buses and trains the rare chance to visit the privately-owned Hardingham station on the MNR. Further information about the event can be found on our website at www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk/vintagebusday This year’s event will be based at Dereham railway station, where around 30 vintage and modern buses together with coaches are expected. In addition to the static display at Dereham Station there will be free bus trips available on a variety of local routes to the Mid Norfolk Railway stations at County School, Yaxham and Hardingham, as well as Dereham's Market Place and Theatre Street/Cherry Tree Car Park for free Park & Ride journeys. At County School, the restored station and grounds plus the popular tea room will be open for drinks and light refreshments. The privately-owned Hardingham Station will be available to be visited courtesy of the owner, with MNR trains stopping allowing a train and bus connected journey to be made. Hardingham Station is only accessible by either bus or train. The event is kindly sponsored by locally based Konectbus who will have some of their modern buses on display. “As Dereham's local bus company we are delighted to once again sponsor this event that showcases our shared transport heritage and also allows us to demonstrate our modern buses to visitors at the event". David Smith Commercial Manager Go East Anglia The Railway is currently planning to run an enhanced service of steam and diesel trains, which will include one of the railway’s recently acquired 'Pacer' railcars / diesel multiple units - which was appropriately based on the Leyland National bus design of the 1980s. The event will start at Dereham Station at 1000. The MNR will also be running an earlier than usual train from Wymondham Abbey Station for visitors to access the event from the south. This year’s event will be the fifth year that the Vintage Bus Day has been run and with the exception of last year’s cancelled event is a now well-established MNR event. “We are delighted that this event is able to run this year, it marks another step forward as we recover from the difficult times that we have all experienced due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I would also like to thank our volunteer team that have organised this years event and offer a warm welcome to our visitors who will I am sure enjoy a great day experiencing the important and oft forgotten heritage of how the rural railway network was supported by a bus network in the past.” Charlie Robinson, Chairman Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust Further information including train timetables will be available on the railways website at www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk

Work will begin shortly on the next track renewal project at Thuxton station on the Mid-Norfolk Railway. The preparatory works has been ongoing for a while and the main work is due to begin soon and last for approximately four days. The work, the latest in a programme of upgrades to the permanent way and associated infrastructure between Wymondham South Junction and Dereham, will see the replacement of the 'down' running line north of the level crossing at Thuxton station with concrete sleepers and flat bottom rail to the passing loop point. The major track works will be conducted by contractor Sonic Rail Services, with the railway's own working members (staff & volunteers) assisting. "This is an extremely important upgrade as this passing loop is vital to the operation of multiple trains on our railway. The work also brings to a conclusion the refurbishment and upgrade of this section of the line." George Saville, General Manager Mid-Norfolk Railway The work will also see another step forward in the long-standing MNR project to re-signal the line. At Thuxton, this has meant the construction of a new signal box and the gradual return of signals and installation of point motors, all of which are controlled by Thuxton Signal Box. This phase of the project will see the signalling and associated equipment installed and commissioned for the long siding to the south of the station and brought into use. The entire resignalling project is being carried out in phases by the railway's own Signalling & Telegraph (S&T) team. "With the successful conclusion of this part of the project by the railway's S&T volunteers, another important step towards the long-term ambition to re-signal the whole line has been made. Our attention turns now to the resignalling of Dereham station and the yard. Much work has already been completed there and we anticipate to fully commission the Dereham Central Signal box soon." Richard Pike, Head of Signalling & Telegraph Mid-Norfolk Railway As the Mid-Norfolk Railway expands, there are always plenty of opportunities for volunteers to become involved in the railway. To volunteer, you will need to become a member and full training will be given for the role. Details can be found on our website.

Unfortunately due to the ongoing Coronavirus restrictions, we felt that we are unable to hold the Craft Fair, planned to take place on 17th July, with a variety of restrictions to make it a successful event. The stall holders have been contacted directly about this news. We are now investigating a future date to hold this event. We would like to thank Kathy Lloyd for their tireless efforts and working with the stallholders.