Monday, 31 December 2012
New Year's Eve 31st December 2012
Sunday, 30 December 2012
Progress Sunday the 30th December 2012
A leisurely day of gentle progress here today. The LMS brake van had new
parts made so that its stove doesn't jiggle around at 125 mph and
deposit Mr Oakes baked potatoes on the floor. A number of irritating
potholes were filled in station approach, although it was first
necessary to dry the holes using Mike Evan's hairdryer in order to get
the tarmac to stick. The DMU team undid some of their seating work of
yesterday in order to paint the seat frames a tasteful black as well as
varnish the north end of the second class compartment of the 119 with a
very small brush and only nine fingers. The DMU stores vehicle, now
known as Area 51(something to do with UFOs) underwent further sorting.
The embankment gardener addressed the assorted plant life and the
tree-felling next door neighbour of that fine piece of our estate. The
LMSCA carried on their merry way with the BSK, which continues to
receive door attention (it has, er, several doors) and the south end was
welded at the joint between the end bit and the roof bit, where the tin
mice had got in.
All the best,
Anton
Saturday the 29th of December
A very wet day on Derbyshires favourite friendly railway, infact it seemed the rain would never stop to allow the staff to get to grips with thier daily tasks
The Dmu team worked hard on the 119 assembling and cleaning the seats as well as remedial work in the guards area and a mass sort out in the stores area
A Big congratulations must go to the 8f groupwho had a magnificent day and achieved the removal of the mechanical stoker on Katherine
Bob was to be found painting Henry Ellison as the other members of the steam group toiled away preparing and painting the base plates for the buffers on No 3
The LMSCA were to be found preparing the window frames and machining the metal ready for instalation on the BSK
Elsewhere John A was to be found working hard on the bubble car , Anton looked after the booking office and some very wet visitors
whilst Tim was to be found to working inside the brake van
well its off home for me and I hope you all have a very Happy New Year
ATB John Evans
Friday, 28 December 2012
Progress Report Friday the 28th of December 2012
A day of intermittent moisture here in Wirksworth. Following yesterday's
successful charter for the clan Higham, we settled back into the regular
routine of small group work for the duration. Early on the scene was the
Winkleigh One, come to grant us the knowledge of drains, catch pits,
rodding, and digging out which is such an essential part of the
day-to-day effort of keeping the formation intact and free of water, so
that we don't suffer from trains falling over (particularly trains from
Peak Forest).
Down the yard intermittent banging indicated progress on the BSK doors
and other parts; the class 31 received routine maintenance; railcar
55006 had the interiors of the cab doors painted, and the DMU team went
over some newly unpacked seats for the second class compartment of the
119 with the Vax to reveal all their blue check glory. We look forward
to settling in to them.
All the best,
Anton
Monday, 24 December 2012
Christmas Eve 24th December 2012
Sunday, 23 December 2012
Progress Report Sunday the 23rd of December 2012
It falls to me to report on our final public operating day of 2012. We
did our best to spread some gentle happiness amongst our many small
guests as well as their more grown up helpers. Many thanks to our entire
Santa team for all their hard work and effort towards this purpose.
In the background repair work was undertaken on the Brake Van Lamp
Display; a fine blue lino floor was laid in the second class compartment
of the class 119; and the first replacement door was fitted to BSK 34625.
The site will close at lunchtime tomorrow and will re-open on Thursday
the 27th of December. The next public service will operate on New Year's
Day, starting with the 10.20 from Wirksworth, and running to the winter
timetable. There will be an additional operating day, again to the
winter timetable, on Thursday the 3rd of January.
Speaking now from Wirksworth, this very jewel set amongst the Peaks of
Derbyshire, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed in any
way to the forward progress of our railway during this year. May your
Christmas be joyous, may Santa empty his sack in your sock, and may
there be something intelligent on the telly for once.
A very Happy Christmas to you.
Anton Shone
Passenger Services Manager
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway
Saturday, 22 December 2012
Progress Report Saturday 22nd December 2012
The inclement weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of the Santa Special team who looked after our visitors with their usual good charm and expertise. I have attached a photograph of the crossing at Gorsey Bank which captures today's conditions.
Down the yard the LMSCA were in attendance replacing doors on the BSK. Members of the 8F group continued their endeavours in the shed with the automatic coal feed and John A. continued painting the the driver's cabs in the bubble car. The DMU restoration team were out in force today as their restoration of the class 119 gains momentum. The interior team continued preparing the floor for the fitting of new linoleum tomorrow and mounted the original mirrors in the passenger compartment. The external team have now connected both alternators and have fitted the air tanks.
Compliments of the season,
Tom
Thursday, 20 December 2012
Progress Thursday 20th December 2012
>
> Please be advised that all employees planning to dash through the snow
> in a one-horse open sleigh, going over the fields and laughing all the
> way, are required to undergo a Risk Assessment addressing the safety
> of open sleighs.
> This assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use
> only one horse for such a venture, particularly where there are
> multiple passengers.
> Please note that permission must also be obtained in writing from
> landowners before their fields may be entered. To avoid offending
> those not participating in celebrations, we request that laughter is
> moderate only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance.
> Benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available for
> collection by any shepherds planning or required to watch their flocks
> at night.
>
> While provision has also been made for remote monitoring of flocks by
> CCTV cameras from a centrally heated shepherd observation hut, all
> facility users are reminded that an emergency response plan must be
> submitted to account for known risks to the flocks. The angel of the
> Lord is additionally reminded that prior to shining his/her glory all
> around s/he must confirm that all shepherds are wearing appropriate
> Personal Protective Equipment to account for the harmful effects of
> UVA, UVB and the overwhelming effects of Glory.
>
> Following last year's well publicised case, everyone is advised that
> EC legislation prohibits any comment with regard to the redness of any
> part of Mr R. Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr R Reindeer
> from reindeer games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary
> action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence.
>
> While it is acknowledged that gift-bearing is commonly practiced in
> various parts of the world, particularly the Orient, everyone is
> reminded that the bearing of gifts is subject to Hospitality
> Guidelines and all gifts must be registered. This applies regardless
> of the individual, even royal personages. It is particularly noted
> that direct gifts of currency or gold are specifically precluded under
> provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Further, caution is
> advised regarding other common gifts, such as aromatic resins that may
> initiate allergic reactions.
>
> Finally, in the recent case of the infant found tucked up in a manger
> without any crib for a bed, Social Services have been advised and will
> be arriving shortly.
>
> Merry Christmas,
>
> Risk Management Team
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
Progress Wednesday 19th December 2012
Santa Specials - Last Tickets Remaining
Please click here for more information and to book online.
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
Progress Tuesday 18th December 2012
Sunday, 16 December 2012
Progress Report Sunday the 16th of December 2012
Another pleasant day helping Santa with his sack at the EVR, with both
trains happily busy, and many thanks to all involved in keeping our
small guests occupied and amused.
Down the yard, the LMSCA carried on with the fitting of doors to the BSK
(BR mark 1 carriage 34625), or more specifically, the adjusting of parts
to enable the doors to fit properly. In the class 119, one team dealt
with stripping the old lino floor of the second class compartment in
readiness for its replacement, another team fitted the charming new
curtains to the first class compartment and a third team researched the
history and operation of pillar drills.
As far as next week is concerned will Booking Hall staff please note
that Santa Trains on Sunday are absolutely full, but that we have space
on both trains (11.15 and 14.15) on Saturday. Will Booking Hall staff
please also note that we can now accept cheques made payable to the
"Ecclesbourne Valley Railway" as well as to "Wyvernrail Plc" for company
activities.
All the best,
Anton
Saturday 15th Decemberfrom Santa
Saturday the 15th of December 2012
On a cold but sunny day staff at Derbyhires favourite friendly railway geared them selves for the seasonal rush of children and their families eager to travel on the santa specials to the North Pole.
upon their return it was lovely to see their smiling faces whilst the adults were seen to be carrying the goody bags the children had recieved from Santa .
It was also nice that many of these families praised the staff manning the trains for the proffesional way in which they were looked after them , Well done to you all.
The Pullman buffet staff also recieved praise for the warm food which it had to offer the passengers and vistors to our railway.
The Lmsca group braved the cold weather as they toiled away within the coaches before Derek and Dan tried the guessing game of which door will fit into the doorway of the coach
Down the yard the Dmu team worked hard Leigh and Brian could be heard stripping in the 119 as Ben and Rob tinkered with hammers ( with alot of ouches as they missed the target ) whilst repairing the alternator.
The steam group where to be found hard at work on Katherrine as Bob was found to be rubbing down Henry ( ready for his new coat of paint ) .
Late in the morning the brake was seen sending out smoke signals from where the Hot chesternuts should have appeared however it was late into the afternoon when Mr Oakes turned up with his warm nuts , which the staff rapidly eat.
Im sure as we close the doors on another day the Malt Shovels warmth would be more enjoyable than a trip to the supermarket.
Seasonal greetings to you all and may your New Year be a happy one
ATB John Evans
Friday, 14 December 2012
Progress Friday 14th December 2012
Thursday, 13 December 2012
Progress Thursday 13th December 2012
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
Progress Wednesday 12th December 2012
The Pullman Buffet Car was frozen up all day but benefited from our customer's need for sustinance. Santa bookings still challenge the Booking Hall and it was good to see a toe in the water addressed to potential coach tour operators.
Tuesday, 11 December 2012
Progress Tuesday 11th December 2012
Monday, 10 December 2012
Progress Monday 10th December 2012
Sunday, 9 December 2012
Progress Report Sunday the 9th of December 2012
A slightly damp start to Santa's Sunday, but the sun came out and Santa and his boudoir chugged quietly down to North Pole with its happy and occasionally musical load. A very fabulous time was had by all and much joviality was spread around together with mince pies and a strangely tea-coloured mulled wine.
In the background, the undergrowth was tidied up, the LMS brake van had finishing touches applied to its interior paintwork and the DMU team spent the day trimming themselves.
All the best,
Anton
Saturday, 8 December 2012
Progress 8th December 2012
Friday, 7 December 2012
Progress Friday 7th December 2012
Thursday, 6 December 2012
Progress Thursday 6th December 2012
Facebook Competition
Currently, we have a competition on the go. Simple 'like' our page with a chance to win a pair of Day Rover Tickets for 2013. The tickets will go to the 400th 'like'!
Pop over to http://www.facebook.com/wyvernrail
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Progress Wednesday 5th December 2012
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Progress Tuesday 4th December 2012
Sunday, 2 December 2012
Progress Report Sunday the 2nd of December 2012
A very chilly day during which Santa's elves gathered in the Training
Room to engage in a great deal of sorting, packing and stuffing. This
was followed by some decorating in the train.
The chilly fitters worked tirelessly on unit 50599 but have decided the
best thing is wrap it up and put it at the bottom of the tree. The
remainder of our chilly volunteers gathered in the warmth of the LMS
brake van, which has now acquired some lovely seats round its fire. Down
the yard, the stores had its screws sorted and the class 119 got a good
hoovering. The guerilla gardeners gathered round their new shed and
inspected their icy plants. The buffet staff endeavoured to defrost
their pipes.
The outer extremity at Duffield reported signage work. The Booking Hall
got a new door handle (its very stiff) and the Idridgehay gate was
painted ready to be re-hung in time for Idridgehay's role as North Pole
next week and so to prevent little blighters running on to the lane. I
apologise for the gate being in the Mess Room, but its the only place
the paint will dry in time.
All the best,
Anton
Saturday, 1 December 2012
Saturday 1st December 2012
Progress report Saturday 1st December 2012
After a cold and damp start Iris set off on her last day of service for 2012 and plodded down the line of Derbyshires friendly railway and for the passengers who braved the cold it proved an enjoyable day out with plenty of warm food and drink available in the Pullman buffet many thanks to Graham , Andrew & Richard for crewing Iris on such a cold day..
Down the yard the Dmu team where busy working on the 119 or so they said as the curtains on the dmu where installed and tested then what sounded like snoring came from within , whilst young jack excelled himself with a brilliant repair job on the faulty engine part which allowed the engine to burst into life once again.
The steam team worked hard again trying to warm the bolts up under Katherine to allow them to further dismantle the mechanical stoker whilst Bob was seen to be grinding & sanding away on Henry.
On the Ravenstor section Stuart and jake cleared away the brash left after the felling of a tree south of Cromford Rd Bridge and the blocked culvert was also cleared to allow the water to flow away again .
Congratulations also go out to the four members of staff who completed the advanced site shunters course although the mind still boggles with some of the answers offered , anybody got an aspirin as Ive suddenly got a headache .
As we close the doors for another day the temp has dropped and another jack has frozen our car windows and although we have gritted the car park and station platforms the yard may become slippy so extra care should now be taken by all members of the staff now the winter has arrived upon the railway once more
Well its now off home for me a nice cuppa and hot shower await.
ATB John
Training and Santa
Please note the following dates for training in the Training Room
New Entrants Induction Saturday 5th January 14.00
First Aid Saturday 5th January 10.00
PTS Saturday 5th January 13.00
Railwayman's Saturday 24th January 10.00
New Entrants Induction Saturday 23rd February 14.00
Shunters Saturday 23rd February 10.00
In preparation for the upcoming visit of Mr Nicholas S Claus, decoration
activity is scheduled for this Sunday the 2nd from 11.00 and for
stations on Wednesday from 10.30 (meet at Wirksworth).
All the best,
Anton