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Ecclesbourne Valley Railway joins the heritage ‘big league’

IF the requirement for entry to the heritage railway world’s ‘top division’ in the 21st century is a presence on the main line network map, then Derbyshire’s Ecclesbourne Valley Railway can now count itself among that elite.

As if to underline the importance of the fact that Duffield station is now a ‘junction’ (albeit not yet a physically-connected one), the top man at East Midlands Trains – managing director Tim Shoveller – arrived on the first morning of public operations, April 8, to travel on the inaugural steam-hauled service from there to Wirksworth.

Alighting from one of the EMT diesel units that call at Duffield, en route from Derby to Matlock, he proudly pointed out that his company’s timetables and ticketing structure are promoting the EVR’s services and told The Railway Magazine that he hoped the two railways would be able to help each other generate extra passenger figures.

“Duffield is now only two train changes from Paris,” quipped Wyvernrail plc vice-chairman Neil Ferguson-Lee, referring to the fact that the EVR now taps into connections to St Pancras International.

Royal opening

The full story of how Wyvernrail plc has brought train services back to this part of Derbyshire was told by Neil in a major feature article in last month’s RM. The official opening took place on April 6 when HRH the Duke of Gloucester – himself a railway enthusiast – travelled on the new line and graced the railway by unveiling a plaque at Wirksworth in a royal opening ceremony.

Two days later, the historic first public service was the 10.20 from Wirksworth, formed of three-car Class 101 DMU set M51188, E59303, E50170 (the latter two in BR green livery). That was followed at 12.20 by the equally-significant first steam service, hauled by a locomotive hired in especially for the opening gala – Great Central Railway-based BR Standard 2-6-0 No. 78019.

Due to the gradient on the 8½-mile line, the engine ran tender-first for the first leg, meaning that most photos were taken on the northbound return part of the journey.

Throughout the whole three-day opening weekend, the gala was blessed by brilliant sunshine verging on an unseasonal heatwave, bringing crowds to the event and to the Mortons Media stand at Wirksworth station.

“It’s been the realisation of a dream for us,” said a delighted Mr Ferguson-Lee. For details of how to travel on the Midlands’ newest line, see www.e-v-r.com or phone 01629 823076.