A RAIL37 Churnet Valley Railway picture report

SHAREHOLDER'S SPECIAL 5th JANUARY 2002

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It's Shareholder Special day on the Churnet Valley Railway, the Directors have invited all shareholders to visit Cheddleton for a ride down the Valley as a way of saying "thank you" for all the support. The duty locomotive is Stanier Class 5 number 45337 and the coaches are already steam heated and ready to go. However, the weather is awful, cold, foggy and there is still snow on the ground - will anybody turn up?

WILL THEY....the first train is full with standing room only and not too much of that either. At Cheddleton both car parks were filled and the approach roads were fully "parked up".

Off down the valley, the first of two trains on the day. The fields are still covered with snow and the cold air accentuates the steam - pity it wasn't a blue sky.

Through the cold deserted valley (apart from one or two fishermen on the banks of the Churnet!) and into Consall station where the station building is looking picturesque and colourful and the newly positioned signal box is now visible.

The ladies behind the train buffet are busy doing a magnificent job as always and the many people who are going along the train handing out sherry and mince pies also deserve much praise.

There is no stop at Consall today so it is on now to Froghall, the valley looks good in the snow but I am glad I am on the train!

Many people detrain at Froghall to watch the locomotive run round and there is steam a plenty.

Out come the cameras and up goes the steam.

You want more steam? We got plenty...

Back under the road bridge and onto the train for the return journey to Cheddleton via Leekbrook. There is a serious looking, 3 man, camera crew on the up platform - where will those shots turn up?

Non stop to to Leekbrook and a dramatic deterioration in the weather, the fog has started to descend and visibility is dropping as the "Black Five" runs round the train.

Back at Cheddleton and the train and staff prepare for the second run down the valley. Chairman Hancock keeps a watchful eye on the proceedings.

Light levels indicate it is time to revert to black and white as 45337 storms off into the gloom with the 15.00 special for Froghall, complete with sherry and mince pies or coffee and other goodies if you wish. It has been a tremendous day and the spirit and atmosphere on the train was warming and friendly. One of the best days I have spent on the C.V.R., yes I have said it before, but the whole scene just keeps getting better and better. Any visitors to this website who have not yet ridden on the Churnet Valley Railway - make sure you do when the new running season starts, you won't regret it.
To the Directors of the CVR, thank you for the gesture, it was much appreciated and good luck for 2002.