We are delighted to announce, that for the second year in a row, we have received a 2015 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.
A Certificate of Excellence is awarded to accommodations, attractions, restaurants, and vacation rentals that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor.
This is a credit to all our of staff, the vast majority of whom are volunteers, and whose passion for the travel of yesteryear is maintained by the operation of heritage trains services on our railway line between Froghall and Leek Brook Junction that once formed part of the North Staffordshire Railway's Churnet Valley Line between Macclesfield and Uttoxeter. CVR also operate a selection of services along part of the steeply Cauldron Branch, having acquired operating rights for this in 2011.
The award has arrived just as the railway begins its main summer season with trains operating every Weekend and Wednesday until September, which in 2015 has started earlier than previous years following an increase in passenger numbers in recent times.
Operating the railway involves a huge effort from our volunteers, who turn up week-in week-out to keep the wheels turning.
Each day requires a volunteer crew of driver and fireman to operate the locomotives, and volunteer cleaners help assist with the early morning prep work required to get these vintage machines looking their best.
Volunteers also guard the train, blowing their whistles and waving a green flag to give the crew the “Right Away” for departure, whilst the Crossing Keeper operates the level crossing gates at Cheddleton to ensure a train can continue its journey through the scenic Valley.
Each of our three stations has a dedicated team who assist all passengers when they first arrive on the railway, as well as ensuring their period features are lovingly maintained to preserve the unique character of each individual station.
On-board the train Travelling Ticket Inspectors walk up and down, not only checking tickets but greeting our visitors and helping to answer any questions they may have about the history and operation of this idyllic rural railway.
We are always looking for our next volunteer to join our railway family, and there are plenty of opportunities to do so. As well as offering the main service, the railway operates a number of additional trains including Afternoon Cream Teas and Sunday Lunch Dining Trains, plus special charter trains for private bookings such as weddings, which are all again operated by our dedicated volunteer teams.
So why not get in touch, and come be a part of this award winning team? With plans currently formulating that will see the railway extend into Leek, there really is no better time to get involved!
For further information on volunteering please see our Volunteer Pages.