Goodbye to 2009 – Looking forward to 2010 – our 25th Anniversary Year

As 2009 comes to a close…..

Sunday 13th December was the second day of our very successful Santa Specials weekend and our last passenger operating day of 2009. Despite the difficult financial times facing many, we have enjoyed sharing our unique narrow gauge railway throughout the year with our usual volume of visitors.

To all who have visited us, supported us and volunteered throughout 2009, our sincere thanks. We know that many of you come to see us time and time again and we are very grateful for your continuing support, comments and encouragement.

Again in 2009 we have striven to improve the railway, it’s environment and facilities. Our achievements have been very rewarding for all involved but doubly so when we hear that our efforts are acknowledged by our visitors and our local friends, many of whom see the railway on a daily basis!

This year we have completed the extension of the Branch Line, further extended the main line, erected a toilet and moved tons of material to expose the fascinating geological features alongside the railway and to improve the condition, tidiness and appearance of our structures and lineside. Our major project of the year has been the installation of our very own electricity supply, completed in December.

Looking forward to 2010…….

2010 is our 25th Anniversary and in addition to our usual events starting at Easter we are planning some special features to celebrate this milestone.
Having established agreements with the adjacent National Stone Centre and our neighbouring land owner, we shall continue to extend and improve the railway and the experience that we offer.
Whilst we consider ourselves to be a charitable enterprise, with all monies raised put back into the improvement of our heritage preservation and educational experience, we are not currently a ‘Registered Charity’ but plan to achieve this in 2010.
Having our own 3-phase electricity supply opens up the opportunity to become an energy producer as well as a consumer. With a good geographical location for both Wind and Solar energy, if we can attract suitable grants to assist, the prospects of even becoming a net producer is a real possibility, delivering global benefits and reducing operating costs. It is hoped that we can make a start with this ambitious project in 2010.
Serious consideration is being given to the planning and erection of a workshop and museum building. If this goes ahead it will be principally due to a generous donation from a regular SGLR benefactor.


All the good work done in 2009 is dedicated to our dear friend and regular member, Geoff, who has been battling with illness throughout the year and to other members, friends, supporters and visitors who are facing their own challenges. Our very best wishes for 2010 and we hope that a visit to SGLR will provide you with a treat in our 25th year.