Juliet, who reached the finals of “Train Driver of the Year” award at the ‘RailStaff’ 2008 award ceremony, held at the ICC in Birmingham on Saturday 1st November was pipped at the post by a driver from 'First Capital Connect'.

Juliet who originally started as a volunteer on the Bure Valley Railway two years ago became the first female driver in the railways history in May of this year.

Quotes Juliet "Naturally I was disappointed not to win the award but I was up against strong competition. I was honoured to be the only finalist in the awards to be representing the ‘Heritage Railway’ movement and also the only woman in the Train Driver of the year category. "

Bure Valley Railway General Manager Andy Tunwell said "Despite Juliet not winning, she has still achieved so much in such a short time. The railway is now running weekends throughout November and our Santa Specials follow. I dare say that Juliet will be seen driving on many occasions during this period. "

The Bure Valley Railway introductory Drivers Experience Course was a dream come true for Radio Broadland DJ Rob Chandler on the last weekend of September.

Adults had the opportunity to drive a BVR engine as one of the activities at the Radio Broadland Thunder Train Fun weekend contributing to the local children’s charity, Radio Broadland Kids.

Rob Chandler made a guest appearance on Sunday to wave off the Thunder train.  Whilst greeting families Rob was invited to drive a BVR engine with volunteer driver David Lowe.

Rob said "The best part of the day would have to be driving the BVR engine.  It is every boy’s dream of driving a steam train.  The Driver Experience Courses are often auctioned or given as presents and are very popular gifts.  The highlight would be arriving back at the platform and sounding the whistle to let everyone know the engine was arriving.”

Chairman David Barnes said "The weekend has definitely provided fun for all the family.  The introductory Driver Experience Course was a new initiative to attract adults and parents to the railway.  Other activities, for children, included donkey rides, a circus workshop and face painting at Wroxham station before travelling to Aylsham.  Both stations had bubbles for the children to play with whilst waiting for the Thunder engine, nicknamed “Bubbles” with its Radio Broadland bubbles design.  The fun sheet enticed the children to enjoy train spotting and find out more about the history of the railway.  Entertainment at Aylsham provided the traditional “rabbit out of the hat” and “Punch and Judy” for the children.  The event has raised the profile of the Bure Valley Railway and raised money for local charities”.

Juliet, who recently qualified as a steam driver on the Bure Valley Railway is a finalist in the ‘Train Driver of the Year’ section of the ‘RailStaff’ Awards.

Juliet is the only representative from all the heritage railways in this year’s final. The winner will be announced at the RailStaff awards party on Saturday 1st November at the ICC in Birmingham.

Bure Valley Railway General Manager Andy Tunwell said "We are all thrilled that Juliet has reached this stage in the competition. Not only is she the railway’s first female steam driver, but we are the only steam railway representing the entire heritage movement."

Nominate Juliet now by clicking here

Over twelve layouts of various gauge railways will be running at Aylsham Town Hall on Sunday October 19th (10 -30 – 16.30 Admission £3, children and concessions £2).
This includes “Overlord” an inspirational portrayal of the Port of Southampton prior to the D-Day landing in 1944. (Codename ‘Overlord’ - hence the title).  The model combines the interests of railway, military and boat modelling in the layout.
Also running will be the popular “Orwell St Johns” the famous model railway based on Ipswich station in the 1970s and named after the nearby River Orwell.

The exhibition is expected to attract a following of model railway enthusiasts.  There will also be a Bure Valley Railway trade stand with their large stock of model railways, one of the biggest in East Anglia.  A display of Classic Cars will be present at the Aylsham station in the afternoon.

Broadland Model Railway Club Chairman and also Treasurer of the 'Friends of the Bure Valley Railway' Brian Lowe is working in conjunction with Brian Willcocks to raise the profile of this event.

Brian Lowe said "It as an opportunity to promote both the model railway collections, the Bure Valley fifteen inch, narrow gauge railway and the beautiful Broadland area surrounding Aylsham.  The Friends of the Bure Valley Railway have a stand at the event for anyone wishing to join or become a volunteer on the railway."

Brian Willcocks said "To reduce the carbon footprint and have transport related fun a 'Park and Ride' is available on the Bure Valley Railway from the Wroxham station.
Free Parking will also be available at the Aylsham station with a 'Routemaster' bus service to and from the Aylsham Town Hall, 50p per person per single journey.
An all inclusive discounted ticket will be available on the Bure Valley Railway 10.05 and 13.05 additional trains from Wroxham which includes the Routemaster fare and admission to the exhibition.
Catch the National Express, 'Bittern Line' train to Wroxham from Sheringham and Norwich, or the Norfolk Green bus service from Norwich, Sheringham and Cromer.
Light refreshments will be available at the Town Hall provided by the British legion, Aylsham Branch, women's section and a full menu available at the Bure Valley Railway Whistlestop.
It is a great day out for the enthusiasts and the family".

Notes:

ORWELL ST JOHNS - A MODERN IMAGE LAYOUT IN OO 
Owned and Operated by Kevin Dickerson & Nick Goward
Scale: 4mm / 16.5mm gauge

Orwell St Johns’ although not prototypical is based on Ipswich station, the name is derived from the Orwell River that for many years, now to a lesser degree, was a significant trading route linking this region with many parts of the world.
St. John conjures up Ipswich's links with the infamous medieval Cardinal Wolsey and his abortive attempt to create a college in this area – the site of which is but a stone's throw from Orwell St John's station.
The layout incorporates a main line passenger terminus where mainline passenger trains terminate. Much of the passenger traffic links Ipswich with London catering for the great number of residents who commute to London for work, business and commerce. Freight has since the early days been a significant factor for the railway in this area. It still has great significance and is the hub of many links to European and worldwide commercial markets.
Continental ferry services have long been associated with this area Orwell St. John's plays an important role in the support of those services
All track work is Peco Streamline Code 100 and the signals and point work are operated via DCC using JMRI’s PanelPro, allowing for prototypical operation. The stock comes from a variety of sources, including a number of kit built items all of which have received some form of detailing and weathering.
Operation is done to a loose sequence; this helps ensure that there is always a variety of different stock and operations being carried out, and everyone knows what they are doing – an important consideration when relieving a driver or signalman for lunch!
It also helps to make sure that stock and locos are in the correct position when required for specific operations!
Layout Size: 20' x 8' The layout will be a continuous run and set for the 1970s.

OVERLORD - 4MM ‘OO’

The inspiration for the exhibit came from a book describing the part played by the Port of Southampton in D-Day landing in 1944. (Codename 'Overlord' - hence the title). It also provides an opportunity to combine the interests of railway, military and boat modelling. The buildings and cranes are loosely prototyped at Southampton, Liverpool and Sharpness Docks. Over 80 vehicles are depicted, these are mostly standard Airfix and Matchbox kits & the unusual tanks come from war-gaming specialists. The model ships themselves are a mixture of kits and scratch built items. The landing craft was scratch built from plans and from the memories of Reg walker. The centre piece destroyer, 'HMS Grenville' took two years to build and is a fully working radio-controlled model.

Other Exhibits include:

Signed copies of the first hardback book of the Bure Valley Railway will be available at the Broadland Model Railway exhibition in Aylsham. The book has been commissioned by Halsgrove Books for their Railway Moods series. Andy Stansfield is a freelance photographer, feature writer and author based in Lancashire who has wrote the captions and taken the photographs.

Andy could be spotted along the Aylsham to Wroxham line in July. One of his previous works was the successful Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway book. Andy is also a member of the Outdoors Writers and Photographers Guild.

Andy Stansfield said "This is a great opportunity to raise the profile of many beautiful characteristics of the fifteen inch narrow gauge railway. There are many excellent photo opportunities to capture the essence of the steam locomotives passing by. The Bure Valley railway has the foot and cycle path which runs along side the line. Then there are also many bridges with photogenic views along the way. The Bure Valley also has picturesque countryside and wildlife features. I am looking for the wow factors through the camera lens. This will include many of the local features around the Bure Valley. Both the captions and the photographs will help readers to relive their experience or entice them to visit the Bure Valley Railway for the first time."

Bure Valley Railway Chairman David Barnes said "The railway is one of the young railways in the heritage association. The Aylsham to Wroxham Line was opened in 1990. In a short time the line has become very popular with the steam enthusiasts and as a tourist attraction.
It transports up to 130,000 visitors a year. This is more than was ever dreamed of in the days of the old Aylsham line. This book will represent another milestone in the success of the railway. Not only will it be available in the Bure Valley Railway Souvenir Shop but in national book stores. This is not just a souvenir of a day out. It is a memento to treasure, one which shows how the Bure Valley Railway experience blends in with the fantastic landscape of the area."

Signed copies of the book are due to be launched at The Aylsham Model Railway Exhibition, Aylsham Town Hall on the 19th October 2008. A promotional price of £12.99 will be available on the day and at Bure Valley Railway Souvenir shops at Aylsham and Wroxham. It will also be available at the normal price at most books stores.

Bure Valley Railway is re-launching locomotive No. 8 "Thunder", a ZB class 2-6-2 tank engine at the Super Power Gala on the 13th & 14th September. The official naming will take place At 11.00 on the Saturday by Bure Valley Railway Chairman David Barnes.

The locomotive was designed specifically for the railway by Winson Engineering, based upon the Indian Railway’s ZB class, 2’-6" gauge, design. The outline of the body is based on a Vale of Rheidol Railway locomotive, in Wales. It was originally assembled in the Aylsham Workshop in 1996/7 from components supplied by Winson Engineering and was first steamed on 19th December 1997 as an oil-fired loco. Now after a major overhaul and conversion to coal firing, it is returning to traffic. "Thunder" first steamed again on the 25th of May 2008, during re-acceptance trials.

Bure Valley Railway, chairman David Barnes said "The re launch of ‘Thunder’ demonstrates the Bure Valley Railway’s behind the scene expertise. The staff and volunteers have dedicated their time and passion to rebuild this locomotive. As a heritage railway, this is one of many features that attract the enthusiasts.
For a family day out, the Bure Valley Railway provides nostalgia for the grand parents and the novice factor for the younger generation. The Bure Valley Railway would like to encourage this interest and recruit potential volunteers or members of staff in the future to pass on this knowledge to future generations."

"Thunder" will also take part in the Bure Valley Railway "Super Power" Gala on the 13th & 14th September 2008, which will see all five Bure Valley steam locomotives in action, plus four visiting locomotives. A "Thunder" fun weekend is also planned for the 27th & 28th September, in conjunction with Broadland Radio.

The Bure Valley Railway Super Power Gala ran an intensive service with over two thousand passengers at the weekend. Visiting locomotives included "Hercules" from the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway in Kent, American outline locomotive No. 24 from the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway, a German built locomotive from Bressingham Steam Museum and the most powerful 15 inch gauge diesel locomotive ever built from the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway in Cumbria. The timetable consisted of both passenger and freight trains so that the five steam locomotives that normally run on the Bure Valley Railway and the visiting locomotives could all demonstrate what an intensive service could be operated along the nine mile long, 15 inch gauge railway, in Norfolk.

At Aylsham, special Permanent Way equipment was on display including a rail mounted flail / chemical spray unit for weed killing, together with the recently "type approved" diesel shunter No. 4. At the end of platform 3 at Aylsham, the "Friends of the Bure Valley Railway" manned their hut and were able to provide information about the line, as well as explaining how volunteers are essential to the running of the railway.

Visitors came from all over the country. A steam enthusiast from Sussex, John Wenham, said ‘The whole day has been fantastic, with so much movement, which gave an opportunity to travel behind many different engines. The production of the Bure Valley Railway "Super Power Gala" souvenir guide, which included the last minutes locomotive changes due to the non availability of the German built "Black Prince" from the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway in Kent, was one of the best gala guides I have ever seen.’

The guide was compiled by BVR volunteer driver Roger Danes. A few copies of the limited edition guide, which give details of all of the locomotives in action, are still available from the BVR shop at both Aylsham and Wroxham, or by mail order.

David Barnes, BVR Chairman, said "I am pleased that our visitors were able to see so many locomotives in action. The Bure Valley Railway is very fortunate to be able to call upon such a dedicated team of staff and volunteers in order to make the weekend such a memorable event. I would also like to thank both the visiting drivers for all of their efforts and the management of the four railways who provided their locomotives over the weekend.

The next BVR event will be the BVR 'Thunder' weekend on the 27th & 28th September, which will be held in conjunction with Radio Broadland. During the two day event, two children will be able to travel free with each return adult fare. There will also be special attractions for children at both Aylsham and Wroxham and also a short introductory 'Drivers Experience Course' for the adults. A percentage of the BVR revenues from the event will be donated to the Radio Broadland’s 'Kids Charity'. "

Bure Valley Railway is re-launching locomotive No. 8 "Thunder", a ZB class 2-6-2 tank engine at the Super Power Gala on the 13th & 14th September. The official naming will take place At 11.00 on the Saturday by Bure Valley Railway Chairman David Barnes.

The locomotive was designed specifically for the railway by Winson Engineering, based upon the Indian Railway’s ZB class, 2’-6" gauge, design. The outline of the body is based on a Vale of Rheidol Railway locomotive, in Wales. It was originally assembled in the Aylsham Workshop in 1996/7 from components supplied by Winson Engineering and was first steamed on 19th December 1997 as an oil-fired loco. Now after a major overhaul and conversion to coal firing, it is returning to traffic. "Thunder" first steamed again on the 25th of May 2008, during re-acceptance trials.

Bure Valley Railway, chairman David Barnes said "The re launch of ‘Thunder’ demonstrates the Bure Valley Railway’s behind the scene expertise. The staff and volunteers have dedicated their time and passion to rebuild this locomotive. As a heritage railway, this is one of many features that attract the enthusiasts.
For a family day out, the Bure Valley Railway provides nostalgia for the grand parents and the novice factor for the younger generation. The Bure Valley Railway would like to encourage this interest and recruit potential volunteers or members of staff in the future to pass on this knowledge to future generations."

"Thunder" will also take part in the Bure Valley Railway "Super Power" Gala on the 13th & 14th September 2008, which will see all five Bure Valley steam locomotives in action, plus four visiting locomotives. A "Thunder" fun weekend is also planned for the 27th & 28th September, in conjunction with Broadland Radio.

The first hardback book of the Bure Valley Railway has been commissioned by Halsgrove Books for their Railway Moods series. Andy Stansfield is a freelance photographer, feature writer and author based in Lancashire who is writing the captions and taking the photographs.

Andy can be spotted this week along the Aylsham to Wroxham line. One of his previous works was the successful Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway book. Andy is also a member of the Outdoors Writers and Photographers Guild.

Andy Stansfield said "This is a great opportunity to raise the profile of many beautiful characteristics of the fifteen inch narrow gauge railway. There are many excellent photo opportunities to capture the essence of the steam locomotives passing by. The Bure Valley railway has the foot and cycle path which runs along side the line. Then there are also many bridges with photogenic views along the way. The Bure Valley also has picturesque countryside and wildlife features. I am looking for the wow factors through the camera lens. This will include many of the local features around the Bure Valley. Both the captions and the photographs will help readers to relive their experience or entice them to visit the Bure Valley Railway for the first time.

Bure Valley Railway Chairman David Barnes said "The railway is one of the young railways in the preserved heritage association. The Aylsham – Wroxham Line was opened in 1990. In a short time the line has become very popular with the steam enthusiasts and as a tourist attraction.
It transports up to 130,000 visitors a year. This is more than was ever dreamed of in the days of the old Aylsham line. This book will represent another milestone in the success of the railway. Not only will it be available in the Bure Valley Railway Souvenir Shop but in national book stores. This is not just a souvenir of a day out. It is a memento to treasure, one which shows how the Bure Valley Railway experience blends in with the fantastic landscape of the area.

The book is due to be launched at The Aylsham Model Railway Exhibition, Aylsham Town Hall on the 19th October 2008. It will also be available at the Souvenir Shop at The Bure Valley Railway and most books stores.

Bure Valley Railway is launching a new DVD. It has been designed not only to promote the railway but also the surrounding picturesque countryside. A brief introduction about the history of the railway is followed by a Bure Valley Railway locomotive journey. The DVD is fifty minutes long with a relaxing commentary and soundtrack complimenting the different features. These include the different stations, the wildlife and the cycle path that leads you into the different areas of Broadland along the Bure Valley. A bird’s eye view is given of the Wroxham boat trip on the Broads. The Boat train is a popular day out itinerary. It also features the popular Bure Valley Railway "Driver Experience Course." Enthusiasts from all over the country attend these course, a ideal present also for a "do different" experience.

Bure Valley Railway Chairman David Barnes said "For the visitor the DVD is an ideal souvenir of a great day out on our heritage railway. For the steam enthusiast it provides background information on the day to day running of the railway. It reveals the commitment of the staff and volunteers, especially outside the normal operational hours. With a minimum number of permanent full-time staff, the volunteers play a vital part in the running of our railway. However it is more than a job, it is a passion. This DVD is a tribute and a 'Thank you' to the dedicated people involved in the successful running of the Bure Valley Railway"

The Bure Valley Railway DVD is available at the Souvenir Shops at our Aylsham and Wroxham Stations, price £4.99. Or by Clicking here.

Notes:
The DVD was produced by Argus productions a local company with a comprehensive collection of titles.

The Bure Valley Railway in Aylsham will be hosting a "Super Power Gala" with locomotives galore throughout the weekend 13th & 14th September with visiting engines from other 15" gauge railways.
An extensive train service will operate throughout the weekend. Locomotives will include The Bure Valley Railway’s featuring the newly refurbished number eight and the following:

• Hercules, Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway
• Douglas Ferreira - Ravenglass and Eskdale Rilway
• Sandy River No. 24 - Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway
• Männertreu - Bressingham Steam Museum

Notes - In the case of any unforeseen circumstances the scheduled locomotives may vary.

"Schools Out" - Time to pick a up a "Bure Valley Railway Baffler", a fun sheet for the children during the summer holidays. Find out more about the Bure Valley and the Railway. The sheet will provide an informative and interesting competitions with a day out on the train. Discover what is on your doorstep in the county. Explore the workshop and find out what makes the steam engine and the railway tick with Bob the engine fitter. Follow the clues for the Station Trail. Answer the questions to complete a word search; spot the difference and colouring are all included in the fun sheet.
Or come prepared for a day out, walking or cycling. A purpose built footpath and cycle path runs alongside the entire nine mile length of the track. A return ticket allows you to travel on and off the train all day. Park your car at The Bure Valley Railway or catch a local or coast hopper bus which stops at the station. The train travels to Brampton, a small village, then Buxton a picturesque watermill village, to Coltisahll by the Broads, finishing at Wroxham, where you can catch a boat. Plan your timetable along with the train to ease the length of the journey. There are many nice paths which also spur from here, details are available at the Aylsham Tourist Information Centre at the station. Remember the summer holidays are six weeks long, you could walk or cycle more next time. Purchase the Friends family membership to receive reduced fares.
Quotes Chairman, David Barnes :
"This is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of the heritage of the railway but also the Bure Valley. It is also a fun opportunity to get children interested in the engineering side of the railway. The Bure Valley Railway hopes to encourage this interest in the younger generation. The staff at the station are always willing to answer any questions. The Bure Valley Railway offers a great train day out".

The Bure Valley hosted a privileged visit from the "End of the World Railway" in Argentina. Heritage Railways Association overseas liaison officer David Madden accompanied Ruben Diaz (General Manager), Hugo del Valle (Chief Engineer), Sabrina Midlettone (Commercial Manager and interpreter) and Miguel Taurel (Guard/guide). As part of a steam powered tour of the country they travelled by train from Norwich to Wroxham, making a one-way journey to Aylsham. A small presentation of a gift representing the "End of the World Railway" was made to the Bure Valley Railway.
Back in Tierra Del Fuego National Park, more than one hundred years ago the End of the World railway used to transport convicts. Now the railway is used to haul tourists. The aim of the visit to Bure Valley railway was to learn how the steam railway operated and take tips back home.
Quotes Chairman, David Barnes :
"We are very honoured that 'The End of the World railway' has included our railway in their schedule. Five 'ZB' locomotives were built by Winson Engineering in the 1990s - No.6, 7, 8 and 9 for the BVR - plus one more, 'Camilla', for the railway in Argentina.
There are many railway enthusiasts worldwide. However it is not everyday you have the opportunity to meet them".
For more details of the End of the World Railway visit www.trendelfindelmundo.com.ar/tfm_base_en.html

Visit Bure Valley Railway and purchase a half price Father's Day ticket with a full price accompanying adult to provide that great day out on June 15th. There is also a chance to win that extra special treat "a Steam Driver experience" with a year’s free membership to the Friends of the Bure Valley Railway.
Bure Valley Railway are offering you the opportunity to win that special something for Father's Day. Enter a free prize draw to win a great gift. For anyone that has wanted to be a train driver, it is a dream of being able to drive a real steam engine. It is never too late to make dreams come true. The day is designed to enable any physically fit person over the age of eighteen to experience the aspects of running a railway, which most passengers are unaware of. You will learn about the principles on which a steam locomotive works and it will get you behind the regulator of one of our unique narrow gauge locomotives at Bure Valley Railway.
Norfolk's longest fifteen inch gauge line runs between the ancient market town of Aylsham and Wroxham, the 'Capital of the Norfolk Broads' with country stations serving the villages of Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall. The 18 mile round trip runs through the picturesque Bure valley countryside following the meandering river through meadowland and ancient pasture stopping occasionally at small country villages. The Aylsham station hosts a souvenir shop with steam memorabilia to purchase that additional gift. A visit to the Whistlestop restaurant will provide a variety of light snacks or full lunches, with small portions for children. The Broadland Tourist information centre is also situated at the station to help you plan that great day out.
Make your Father's Day Special at Bure Valley Railway this year.

The Bure Valley Railway which operates the nine mile line between Aylsham and Wroxham is pleased that it now has a female steam driver for the first time since it opened in 1990.
Juliet who originally started as a volunteer a year and a half ago after returning to Norfolk from Australia has just qualified and become the first female driver in the railways history.
Quotes Chairman, David Barnes :
"Our summer service begins on the 24th of May and we are all delighted to see that Juliet has become a fully qualified steam locomotive driver in time for our summer services which operate daily until the 2nd of November.

The Bure Valley Railway is delighted to have received the last instalment which completes the purchase of steam locomotive ‘Wroxham Broad’.
After an official handing over ceremony on the 26th of April to the "No.1 ‘Wroxham Broad’ Preservation Group", which consists of the railway’s own keen volunteers and staff, will look after and manage steam locomotive ‘Wroxham Broad’.
The engine will still continue to haul passenger train services between Aylsham and Wroxham with occasional visits to other fifteen inch gauge railways in the UK.
Quotes Chairman, David Barnes :
"The Bure Valley Railway is pleased that this group of enthusiastic volunteers and staff members are taking over the responsibility for this well liked steam locomotive.
‘Wroxham Broad’ will continue to be permanently based at the Bure Valley Railway on long term loan from the preservation group.

The Bure Valley Railway were pleased to welcome back Paul Conibeare, to the railway at the beginning of January to drive locomotives he had not driven for nearly six years.
From 1995 until 2002, Paul Conibeare, now General Manager of the West Somerset Railway, held the position of Managing Director on the Bure Valley Railway.
Quotes Chairman, David Barnes :
"Mr Conibeare had the opportunity to drive his favourite locomotive ‘Spitfire’, lately inherited from Dr Denys Armstrong OBE, which has recently been modified, and ‘Blickling Hall’ which returned to traffic in 2004 after being radically overhauled incorporating many new ideas including new cylinders.
It was good to see Paul driving once more on the Bure Valley Railway and we hope that in the future, if he comes to Norfolk he will visit us again.