North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) has been celebrating this week with 10 volunteers reaching 50 years of service. To celebrate the anniversary a special Pullman Dining service was held as a thank you for their service and dedication to the registered charity.

Those celebrating their ‘Golden Anniversary’ year included drivers John Hunt, Terry Newman and Chris Cubitt. Infrastructure volunteers - Neil McDonald, Dave Torbet, Nick Carter, Ian Varty and Nigel Trotter. Carriage & Wagon team members - Ray Sowerby and NELPG Trustee Chris Lawson.

Chris Price, General Manager said, “It is a privilege to volunteer alongside such a dedicated team. I am truly humbled to have celebrated this special occasion with such amazing people.”

“These volunteers have been here since the start of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Trust. 1969 was a key date with the first rail movement taking place from Pickering to Grosmont, after the line closed with the infamous Beeching Report. This is a major accomplishment for all 10 members.”

10 Key Dates:

1. March 1965: Malton to Whitby passenger service withdrawn (line closed Pickering to Grosmont).
2. February 1969: First rail movement from Pickering to Grosmont.
3. July 1971: First steam passenger train, Grosmont to Pickering.
4. May 1973: HRH Duchess of Kent officially opened the NYMR.
5. August 1979: Pullman Dining Train service commenced.
6. October 1987: First through train from Whitby to Pickering in the preservation era.
7. 1990: Extension to Pickering up platform came into use.
8. April 2007: Commencement of NYMR passenger operation to Whitby.
9. April 2011: Pickering Station roof restored.
10. August 2014: Second platform at Whitby opened for NYMR trains.

Today the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Trust is a not-for profit charitable organisation run as part of the local community. The railway operates with the support and commitment of over 1,000 volunteers. The railway is always looking for interested people who can spare some time. There are a wide range of volunteering opportunities available, covering virtually every aspect of running a heritage railway. For more information visit nymr.co.uk/volunteer

NYMR is a registered charity which provides a high-quality, safe and authentic evocation of the steam age for the public and is currently fundraising £1m as part Yorkshire’s Magnificent Journey appeal. The £9.7m project has received £4.4m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and £1.75 million from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), as well as contributions from local organisations and private donors. 

The National Lottery Heritage Fund: Using money raised by the National Lottery, we inspire, lead and resource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. www.heritagefund.org.uk.

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