Middleton Railway have revealed that they are in the running for the prestigious Steam Railway magazine award from the Heritage Railway Association (HRA), but they need your help.
They have been nominated, along with the Vintage Carriage Trust, for the overhaul of Manning Wardle 0-6-0 ‘Sir Berkeley’, which we reported here.
This category is the only HRA award that is voted for by members of the public – that’s where you come in. If you would like to support Middleton Railway you can vote here, but hurry, the poll closes on Thursday (18 February).
Ian Smith, Vice President of Middleton Railway, said:
“We are truly honoured to have been shortlisted for one of the most prestigious prizes, The Steam Railway Award.
“The restoration and subsequent paintwork on Sir Berkeley is one of the most successful undertakings undertaken by the Middleton Railway and its dedicated volunteers.”
Middleton Railway is currently closed but will reopen for the 2024 season on Saturday 30 March.
The Middleton Railway was built in 1758 and is the first railway authorised by an Act of Parliament, the first to have commercially successful steam locomotives, in June 1812 and also the first standard gauge preserved railway, opening in June 1960. It has operated trains every year since opening in 1758.
Photo: The rededication of Sir Berkeley in April 2023. (L-R): Anthony Coulls, National Railway Museum; Roger Crombleholme; Ian Smith, Middleton Railway Trust; and Trevor England, Vintage Carriages Trust. Credit: Jeremy Morton
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