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You are here > Visitor Info > More Information > Visit Devon News > A Christmas update from South Devon Railway
23rd December 2020
Categories: Visitor News
Along with the rest of the country, South Devon Railway is planning to reopen in 2021, but in what it describes as what will be a year of consolidation as it emerges from the pandemic. At this stage, there are still a number of imponderables.
The line’s recently expanded commercial team is working on a set of proposals for the New Year. Speaking about the coming year, Dick Wood, chairman said: “We face a number of very difficult decisions, not least having to plan for a whole range of different scenarios ranging from a return to near normal to further possible lock-downs continuing into the summer.”
The SDR’s view is that it better for their loyal customers to promote a basic train service, which is better than outlining a full programme of events in advance that may have to be cancelled at short notice. Because of this, the SDR will not be advertising their usual range of events but will take things one step at a time instead, however, they have already agreed to host a Day Out with Thomas, which is eagerly awaited, as well as two Rails and Ales Beer Festivals.
With the challenges of predicting how and when restrictions will be lifted next year, the railways plans to move the season’s opening date to 20/21 March and then close for the following mid-week but open for daily running on 27th March onwards. An extended programme of staff training, including trial runs is planned beforehand to rebuild staff competencies and test Covid protection measures, including new cleaning regimes. The South Devon Railway’s popular twin partner attractions, the Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies and the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, will both open concurrently with the railway.
Other recent news from the South Devon Railway is that they have sold our flagship steam engine, the former GWE 4-6-0 no. 4920 Dumbleton Hall to an unnamed buyer. This was not only good for the railway, but also for the loco, which will hopefully steam again soon once overhauled, something South Devon Railway isn’t able to do currently.
The emergency SOS funding appeal continues to rise bringing the total to £309,223.54. This alongside the Culture Recovery Fund grant from the Government and an Emergency Recovery grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund has really helped. The next stage of fundraising is to reach £1 million, you can find out more about the fund and donate by visiting www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/fundraising
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