Thursday 26th January 2011
Restoration of rail line to Endon ready to begin

A Churnet Valley Railway working party has already cleared years of vegetation from the line to allow a full survey of the track's condition, explained CVR Chairman Anthony Hancock. "The survey has given us a clear picture of the scope and cost of work that will need to be done by our volunteers who will also be supported by contractors where necessary.

"Thankfully there are no major problems with bridges and structures between Leekbrook and Endon, but a significant number of life expired wooden sleepers will need to be renewed with hardwood replacements," said Mr Hancock. At the same time, plans are in hand to develop passenger facilities at Endon, bringing the village station back to life after decades of disuse. "Subject to the level of financial support we receive via the share issue, we hope to run inaugural passenger trains to Endon by late spring.

The line will then be used for special events on the Churnet Valley timetable during the rest of 2012," Mr Hancock added. "Reaching Endon will be a major milestone for our expansion project and will mean that passenger trains will reconnect the outskirts of the Potteries with the Churnet Valley and Leek area for the first time since the cut backs of the Beeching Axe.

We know there is real enthusiasm for the project in the Endon and Stockton Brook area and hope to receive support for the project from local residents.

Moorland & City Railways, who already own the line between Leekbrook Junction and Cauldon Lowe, have plans to operate regular freight and passenger services in to the Leek area, connecting to the Manchester to London main line near Stoke Station.

Churnet Valley Railway shares - which will also help fund improved facilities at Cheddleton Station - cost £1 each and are available in any amount from £100 upwards.

In addition to a range of benefits and travel concessions, shareholders may also qualify for tax relief on investments over £500 under the Government's Enterprise Investment Scheme.

To obtain a copy of the share prospectus and application form, contact the Railway on 01538 758490, email shares@churnet-valley-railway.co.uk or click here

Wednesday 7th December 2011
2012 Steam Gala Date Announced

The Churnet Valley Railway are pleased to announce their next Steam Gala on Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th of February 2012.

- 5 Steam Locomotives
- Double headed Black 5's to Cauldon Lowe,
- Banking on trains to Cauldon Lowe,

and much more...
see Events Page for details

Left: ‘George Stephenson’ at Lady Meadows on MCR's Cauldon Lowe Branch
Photo © Dave Gibson

Thursday 3rd November 2011
MCR expansion plans get £1.65m backing from Government

Churnet Valley Railway's plans to create the largest heritage railway network in the country have been given a major boost with the news that Moorland & City Railways is to receive £1.65 million from the Government's Regional Growth Fund.

Please click here to read the full story...

Left: The Road/Rail Flail machine clearing the track just south of Endon Station on MCR's Stoke line in October 2011.
Photo © Dave Gibson

Black 5 4-6-0 No. 44767 ‘George Stephenson’ has returned to the CVR !

Seen right on a test run through Cheddleton Station on 28th October 2011, George is expected to stay on the railway until March 2012 and may be one of the first Steam Locomotives to run to Endon in 2012 as MCRs plans to reopen the Stoke line become a reality.

Photo © Dave Gibson

Wednesday 2nd November 2011

GIFT IS BOOST FOR CVR

Latest arrival at the railway is a huge steel building - courtesy of Sainsbury's.

The 90-foot-long structure previously stood on land where the firm is building its new store in Macclesfield Road, Leek.
Now it's set to be rebuilt at Cheddleton to help house the Railway's collection of historic steam locomotives.
Sainsbury's donated the building after being approached by a member of the heritage railway's charitable arm, the North Staffordshire Railway Company, who had spotted its potential on the former Industrial & Agricultural Engineers site in Leek.

The building was carefully dismantled and its parts transported to the station.
"This will be a real benefit to the railway," said CVR Operating Director Gregory Wilson. "When we have raised enough money to rebuild it, we will be able to extend our loco shed so that the engines will stand under cover rather than out in the open as at present.

"Without the gift of the building by Sainsbury's, an extension like this would be completely beyond our resources, so we are very grateful for their support."

Sainsbury's Project Manager, Nick Alston, said: "We are only too pleased to be able to support a local organisation in this manner and it's good to see the building reused rather than scrapped.

Friday 23rd September 2011
CVR's SHARE ISSUE CLOSING DATE EXTENDED !

Over £300,000 has been raised so far making the new share issue a tremendous success...

Now the deadline for applications has been extended until December 31 to give the public greater chance to take part. And with restoration of the Leekbrook to Stoke line underway, the Railway expects to run a limited number of trains as far as Endon before the end of the year!

You too can give us your support to help us reach our target. To read more details or register now for a prospectus please click here

Friday 2nd September 2011
Countryfile filming at the Churnet Valley Railway

BBC1's COUNTRYFILE team have visited the railway to record a feature on the Churnet Valley and tourism. John Craven spent an afternoon filming on the railway at both Cheddleton and Consall Stations and interviewed Sarah Long, a representative from Visit England. The DMU was provided as transport for the guests and film crew to give a panoramic view of the valley.

The programme is about more people taking holidays in this country (staycations) and was a great opportunity for us to promote the railway and show off the beautiful Churnet Valley Tourism Corridor.

The programme went out on BBC 1 on Sunday 18th September and can be viewed on BBC IPlayer for a limited time (click here).

Left: ‘John Craven and Sarah Long at Consall - Photo © Mgt

Saturday 23rd July 2011
‘George Stephenson’ to make a return visit!

The Churnet Valley Railway are pleased to announce a return visit by unique Black 5 4-6-0 No. 44767 ‘George Stephenson’.

The locomotive will be arriving at Cheddleton during the middle of October and shall remain on the line until March 2012. The CVR are grateful to Ian Storey and Mel Chamberlain for making the return visit possible. Anyone who missed out on the sight of a Black 5 working hard over the steep gradients to Cauldon Lowe is recommended to come and see this magnificent engine in full cry during its visit.

The CVR in conjunction with MCR are planning to open up further parts of the MCR network later this year, and 44767 will be a central part of these reopening celebrations.

Left: ‘George Stephenson’ at Lady Meadows on MCR's Cauldon Lowe Branch
Photo © Dave Gibson

Monday 11th July 2011
CHEDDLETON "GOODS SHED TEA ROOMS" OPEN

The new "temporary" catering facility on Platform 1 at Cheddleton opened its doors on Saturday 9th July.
The wooden building was provided by Olympian Sheds and funded by the NSRC. It has been superbly fitted out by CVR volunteers. Permanent facilities are planned for Platform 2 later this year depending on the CVR's new Share Issue reaching its target. Pictured right is Leah who has provided Tea facilities at Cheddleton since the Tea Room was removed last year and Katherine a new member of the catering team. The cafe will be serving hot and cold drinks and snacks.

Monday 16th May 2011
END OF THE LINE FOR CAULDON LOWE ?

Permanent Way staff have installed a buffer at the end of the recently shortened run around loop at Cauldon Lowe. This marks the end of the current running line on the Cauldon Lowe branch and will allow locomotives to run around their trains at that end of the branch. MCR will now turn their attention to the Stoke line and work on the Leekbrook to Endon section is expected start within the next two weeks.

The CVR meanwhile has raised over half its £450,000 share issue target in little more than a month as share buyers rushed to take advantage of early benefits. Total sales passed £260,000 by early May, taking the plan for the UK's biggest heritage railway a major step closer to reality. Read more here.

Thursday 31st March 2011
CVR's NEW SHARE ISSUE LAUNCHED !

The CVR launched its new 2011 Share Issue on 30th March and more than £25,000 was pledged within the first hour!
By the end of the day, £42,000 had been raised – almost 10 per cent of the £450,000 target.

The Directors were "overwhelmed" by the response and their ambition is to turn the Churnet Valley Railway into the country's largest heritage line, as well as building a new station in Leek took a big step nearer. The launch was celebrated with a special steam train service running non stop to to Cauldon Lowe.

During the event, a £100 shareholding was presented to the Railway's most loyal supporter, 81-year-old Mrs Sylvia Bunce, who lives at Froghall just yards from the station.
"I have always supported the Railway and their latest plans are wonderful," said Mrs Bunce. "We all used to travel by train in our younger days and it's marvellous to see them running again."

You too can give us your support to help us reach our target. To read more details or register now for a prospectus please click here

Friday 11th March 2011
NEW TEMPORARY CATERING BUILDING AT CHEDDLETON

Cheddleton Station has been provided with a new wooden building to provide a much needed temporary Catering Outlet with room for seating.

Kindly funded by the NSRC the building fits neatly between the station building and platform 1. For the 2011 season it will serve visitors as a refreshment room and replace the existing Caddy Shack that came from Froghall.

The new share offer to be launched on 30th March will provide a permanent catering and toilet facility on platform 2. This facility will also serve as a multi-function room for school groups and community groups . Click here for more details.

(22nd March - see also press release here)

On Train Cream Teas

Dates for the 2011 Cream Tea & Steam trips have now been published. The Cream Tea's Launched in 2010 were an instant success and sold out quickly. Click here for more information and details of other On Train Catering Services such as Pie & Pea Suppers, Curry Nights, Fish & Chip Specials.

Tuesday 1st March 2011
CVR CAULDON LOWE EXCURSIONS ANNOUNCED !!!

In agreement with MCR, the CVR will now be running regular Steam and DMU trains to Cauldon Lowe!
The trains will run in parallel with the normal passenger service based on the yellow timetable. Cauldon Lowe trains will depart from Kingsley & Froghall Station at 10:30 and 13:20 and from Cheddleton Station at 10:55 and 13:45 on the dates below. Tickets will cost £5.00 for a single return journey on top of a valid rover ticket (no concessions). A new timetable supplement will be issued for the 2011 season.

Thursday 17th February 2011
CVR ANNOUNCE MAJOR NEW SHARE ISSUE

We are about to launch our 4th Major Share Issue to fund the purchase of a share holding in Moorland & City Railways Ltd and fund other Capital Expenditure Projects.

This gives the Railway a direct hand in the reopening of the line to Stoke and the extension into Leek and to fund other capital expenditure projects such as a new catering outlet at Cheddleton Station.

We need your support to make all this happen!
To read more details or register now for a prospectus please click here

OR come and travel the new Cauldon Lowe Branch Line - we have special trains running on February 26th & 27th from Kingsley & Froghall departing at 10am, 12:15pm & 2;30pm (90 minute round trip - non stopping) The trains which will be Steam hauled to Cauldon Lowe, will NOT be stopping at Consall or Cheddleton Stations.

Wednesday 16th February 2011
MARCH DIESEL GALA to include CAULDON LOWE

The CVR are to stage a Diesel Gala on 26 & 27 March which will include running down MCR's Cauldon Lowe Branch. This is the first advertised public event that the CVR have organised which includes running over MCR's metals.

Work is in hand to bring the loop into service so that locomotives can run round their trains at Cauldon Lowe.

The gala will be utilising the CVR's current on site Diesel Loco's 37109, 37075, 33021, & 33102. More details to follow...

Monday 10th January 2011
CVR Nominated for "Screamie" Award !

The Churnet Valley Railway's Ghost Train: "Dead on Arrival on the Graveyard Express" has been nominated for a "Screamie" Award, the UK's only Scare Attraction awards! Our event is in the same category as Alton Tower's Scarefest!
Please vote NOW for our event on the following link:-
http://www.screamieawards.co.uk/ Voting closes at 11.59 p.m. on 31st January 2011