What a fantastic start to the season it has been on the Railway.
Our Steam Gala was a great success, featuring Wightwick Hall, also known as the Hogwarts Express, Pitchford Hall and Large Prairie No. 4144.
Held over three days from April 17 to 19, the event attracted crowds from far and wide.
We were fortunate with the weather and able to run a full service along the entire length of the line, right up to our boundary with the London Underground at Epping.
I would like to thank everyone who came along to support us during the gala. Seeing so many visitors enjoying the railway made all the hard work worthwhile.
Our normal services continue throughout May, and we are now looking ahead to a busy and exciting summer programme.
One of the highlights will be the Wartime and Rationing Weekend on June 13 and 14.
This popular event offers a chance to step back in time and experience what a rural British steam railway might have looked like at the height of summer during the 1940s.
Forties‑dressed civilians and re‑enactors portraying British and Allied forces, the Home Guard, ARP wardens and American GIs will mingle with passengers, while period road vehicles add to the atmosphere. Stations and trains will be specially decorated.
From the moment you arrive you will be immersed in the sights, sounds and spirit of wartime Britain, with music, entertainment and re‑enactments throughout the weekend.
Passengers are warmly encouraged to dress in 1940s‑style civilian clothing, and our beautifully preserved fleet of vintage buses will also be running, included in the cost of your ticket.
Later in the summer, from July 24 to 26, we will host our ever‑popular Real Ale and Cider Festival.
Visitors can leave the car at home and make use of our connecting vintage London bus services from Epping station on the Central line and from Shenfield, running on all days including Friday and Saturday evenings.
Heritage steam‑ and diesel‑hauled train services will operate throughout the festival, with trains running late into the evening on Friday and Saturday.
The event has grown year on year, and we expect that to continue, with more beers, more trains and plenty of fun on offer.
Full details of these and our other events can be found on our website at eorailway.co.uk.
If you have ever thought about getting more involved, we would love to welcome new volunteers.
No experience is needed and full training is provided, with opportunities across many areas of the railway, from acting, front‑of‑house and catering roles to operational and maintenance work.
Please do continue to support the Epping Ongar Railway. It is a valued part of our shared heritage, and we look forward to welcoming you back very soon.
- Robert Good is editor of Mixed Traffic at Epping Ongar Railway.
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