2013 Operating Dates, Times and Special Events

TIMETABLE 2013

Main and Branch line trains run every 20 minutes

between 12 noon and 5pm,

on Sundays and Bank Holidays

from Easter Saturday to the end of September

and on Saturdays in July, August & September

Additionally, trains will operate on selected days

in the Autumn School Half Term holiday

SPECIAL EVENTS in 2013

Easter Weekend

30th March to 1st April inclusive

…including a special event for children

May Day Holiday & Teddy Bear Weekend

4th to 6th May inclusive

…accompanied children with a

Teddy Bear (or cuddly toy) travel free

Spring Bank Holiday

25th to 27th May inclusive

…normal train services running

Fathers’ Day

16th June

…accompanied Fathers travel free…and…

have the opportunity

to drive a loco on the branch line !

New Event ! …… Model Railway Weekend

27th & 28th July

August Bank Holiday Weekend

24th to 26th August inclusive

…every available locomotive working or on display

Autumn Half Term Holiday

27th, 29th, 31st October & 3rd November

…trains operate between 12 noon & 4pm

…accompanied children travel for just 50p !

Best Value ! ...... Santa Specials

7th & 8th December from 11am to 4pm

...take a train ride into Santa’s Grotto

and the Elf train on our branch line

NO ADVANCE BOOKING.

Boarding Cards are issued on arrival

Santa Specials 2012

Our Santa Specials this year are on the 8th and 9th of December, 11am-4pm.
Join us for this very popular event, and take a train ride right into Santa's grotto. Your ticket will also include refreshments, a present for the children, and a branch line ride on the Elf Train. No advance booking necessary, just turn up.

HRH the Duke of Gloucester opens Sandy Hill Lane Crossing

On the 6th April 2011, HRH the Duke of Gloucester, in the company of the Lord Lieutenant, visited the Ecclesborne Valley Railway to officially open their line from Duffield to Wirksworth before making the very short trip to visit the SGLR.

On arrival, HRH was introduced to a number of Society and Company officers at Steeplehouse before being invited to view the Engine House and learn something of the history of the line and area.

The line was proved by battery electric locomotive, Lady Marjorie, in advance of the 'Royal Train', comprising Greenbat and a Bevercotes Manrider, making the ascent of the incline to Sandy Hill Lane Crossing. HRH took the controls, conducted by host Martin Smith, our Company Chairman. Our diesel locomotive, Horwich, hauling two Ladywash Manriders, followed at a discrete distance.

After further introductions to SGLR officers and members, HRH spoke to children and staff from the Middleton Community Primary School and Middleton Toddler Group who were the special guests of SGLR on this momentous day and provided a colourful, warm and rousing welcome.

HRH and Martin rejoined Greenbat to officially open the crossing, breaking the ribbon to mark the final stage of the push towards Middleton Village.

The ribbon was held by Geoff Ross and Joseph Marsden representing the oldest and youngest active volunteers who have done much to progress our unique railway line.

HRH finally propelled the train back though the crossing to alight on the short temporary platform provided for the event. Further questions followed from a clearly enthusiastic Duke and Martin Smith presented HRH with a print of the line as it would have looked in the early 1960's. After HRH departed for his next engagement at the nearby ECO Centre, the two trains were coupled and free rides were provided to our special guests.

Why not join the Society ?

become a member...

membership fees are very modest......

Family £10.00

Joint Adult (same address) £8.00

Adult £6.00

Student £4.00

Membership provides you with our newsletters, free rides and insurance when engaged in activities including driving for members 18 years of age and over.