A century and a half of train travel across the district was celebrated on Friday (April 24).

It was 150 years to the day since the Great Eastern Railway opened the line from Loughton to Ongar, and staff and volunteers at the Epping Ongar Railway held a day of celebration attended by a number of politicians and members of the public.

Special train services were put on, followed by speeches and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.  

Managing director Roger Wright said: “Everyone has worked very hard to restore the line to its present condition over the past few years.

“However, today, when I see the tremendous support there is for the railway, especially after we have nudged that much closer to Epping station, I look forward to the next 150 years with pride and to the day when we have a connection with the underground at Epping.”

The official ceremony was followed by a three day Eastern Steam Gala showcasing locomotives that would have run on the lines.

Epping Forest Guardian:

David Campbell Bannerman MEP, Cllr Tony Boyce, Eric Pickles, Roger Wright and Wendy Fisher at the celebrations (Photo courtesy of Epping Ongar Railway)

Business development manager Dean Walton said: “We knew it was important to mark this event and hoped that it would be a fantastic three days and it has been.

“We are delighted by the support from enthusiasts and local people.”

The attraction will continue its 150th anniversary celebrations with a Western themed gala on June 5-7.

The railway recently drew national attention after it was revealed that a hardcore porn film was shot at the attraction earlier in the year.