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Return to Matlock

PEAK Rail is set to join the list of more than 30 heritage railways benefiting from main line connections, shared stations or cross-platform interchanges with Network Rail.

Such links open up the lines for railtours from other parts of the country, ease access for visitors travelling on franchised train services and put the privately-owned lines on the map … literally. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

For more years than many managers and volunteers at Peak Rail care to remember, there has been a desire to extend operations more than half-a-mile from the existing terminus at Matlock Riverside into the redundant down platform at Matlock – a station operated by East Midlands Trains.

Peak Rail general manager Jackie Statham told The RM that it has taken around eight years to fill that half-mile gap. It has been a frustrating period, having to wait for the construction of a supermarket, a new bridge and a bypass before the necessary track and points could be laid.

There have been a few false starts, some of the crucial issues becoming embroiled in paperwork or protracted discussions with Network Rail, the Office of Rail Regulation, local authorities and East Midlands Trains.

Trackwork completed

Initially, the Peak Rail team thought they would be in Matlock’s platform 2 by spring 2010, but the date has proved more flexible that anyone realised. Now the good news is that through running will finally start on July 1 – some 43 years after the ex-Midland line through Matlock to Manchester was closed.

The trackwork to connect Peak Rail’s line to NR was completed a few weeks ago, with a temporary stop block being placed at the north end of Matlock station. With the deadline looming, it was due to be all hands to the pump during the last ten days of May with a team of contractors laying track alongside platform 2 while another team cleared the former down platform of excess vegetation and carried out pointing work on the platform edging before final inspection by HMRI.

There is currently no access or exit on platform 2, but Sainsbury’s, which has been very supportive of Peak Rail, has agreed that access to the heritage line’s trains can be via a new footbridge and associated footpath spanning the station. To enable this, a section of pallisade fencing will be removed and replaced with a gate.

The arrival of Peak Rail services in Matlock is to be marked by a three-day festival – one of the biggest in the railway’s history (see details on facing page). A train will run on July 1 for shareholders and members only, double-headed by a pair of 0-6-0ST ‘Austerities’. The absence of a run-round loop means all trains will be top-and-tailed. On the following day, the ‘Austerities’ will work the first fare-paying passenger train over the new link. An official opening will take place at 11.00, with a plaque being unveiled in the memory of Jeremy Clegg, a former Peak Rail chairman.

Then on July 3, Peak Rail’s new engine shed at Rowsley South will be opened by members of the Rowsley Association, all ex-railway staff. Built on the site of the former BR steam shed, the four-road depot uses the original pits, which have been excavated. The railway’s engineering workshops will also be formally opened, being named the Roger Bennett Workshops in memory of a former volunteer and supporter.

The final ceremonial event is on July 4 when a plaque, presented to Peak Rail to mark the reinstatement of the turntable, is unveiled at Rowsley at 14.00.

Train fares for Saturday and Sunday are £9.50 adult for one return trip, £8 senior, £5 child (3-16) with under-3s free. A limited number of day rover tickets will be on sale.

Peak Rail’s special weekend is being supported by Mortons Media’s three railway titles – The Railway Magazine, Heritage Railway and Rail Express. Members of the magazine’s marketing and editorial teams will be at Matlock at selected times over the weekend to talk to readers or provide advice on subscriptions.