NYMR Wins Lottery Grant

NYMR Wins Lottery Grant

As well as covering Crime and Parliamentary Affairs, Tim Hicks is also the NYE correspondent covering the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR). Tim maintains that his is by far the most enjoyable part of his duties and the NYE is very happy to support this important local asset.

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National Lottery funding safeguards the future of world-famous visitor attraction and popular movie location, North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR)

Background

The NYMR is a wonderful asset for Yorkshire. Owned and operated by a 10,000-member community-based non-profit charitable Trust, the NYMR delights more than 350,000 passengers every year – more than any other heritage railway in the world. Taking visitors on picturesque journeys along an 24-mile railway line aboard steam and heritage diesel trains the railway passes through stunning scenery, from wooded valleys to beautiful countryside, stopping at charming villages and spectacular seaside locations. It is a fully accredited museum, providing memorable experiences for visitors through the operation of Britain’s most popular heritage railway.

The NYMR cares for and operates the railway it owns from Pickering to Grosmont and operates over Network Rail from Grosmont to Whitby.

It gives pleasure to hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area, thereby improving the tourist trade and local prosperity. It has also been used as a film set for Harry Potter, Downton Abbey and Dad’s Army, giving millions of people pleasure from viewing quality films and TV programs.

Last year it was my sad duty to cover the vandalism of some of the historic carriages on the NYMR. I felt that the attack on this wonderful local amenity was an attack on the local community, including most particularly, the NYMR volunteers, who help keep it running.

At the time the NYE ran a photoon which stated that the NYMR volunteers would never give in and would carry on running train services despite this despicable act. The NYE also ran appeals for information from North Yorkshire Police.

After a very determined and skilful investigation by North Yorkshire Police the eight perpetrators were convicted. NYE report here. Sad to relate, the cowardly perpetrators of this act were not jailed.

I am delighted to report that:

• The NYMR reacted quickly and skilfully to the vandalism, and continued to run a full service. Their determination and dedication was rewarded by only a small drop in sales revenue and minimum disruption to the services.
• Generous public donations financed the costs of the repairs to the carriages.
• The service was not interrupted and the public continued to enjoy historic steam travel in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

But best of all……

• “North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s ambitious ‘Yorkshire’s Magnificent Journey’ project will start this spring thanks to a £4.4m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund! 

The 180-year-old North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) runs along 24 miles of steep inclines, remote landscapes and breath-taking vistas, carrying over 300,000 visitors every year. A popular film location, NYMR has featured in many award-winning movies including Phantom Thread starring Daniel Day Lewis. One of NYMR’s most magical features is Goathland Station, which doubled as Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film. 

The DSP, part of Endemol Shine UK, documentary ‘The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard’ was watched by more than 3.5 million last year. Series Two airs on Channel 5 on Friday 17 May, at 8pm. Scheduled to run for six weeks, the documentary will go behind the scenes meeting the staff and volunteers that keep the railway on track. 

NYMR’s ambitious ‘Yorkshire’s Magnificent Journey appeal’ project is dedicated to preserving the railway for future generations. The work will take around five years to be completed, during which time the railway will remain open for its daily services as advertised. 

NYMR is a registered charity which provides a high-quality, safe and authentic evocation of the steam age for the public, and over the past 18 months the railway has been finalising the shape of the project and raising urgent funds. The £9.7m Yorkshire’s Magnificent Journey project has also received £1.75 million from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), as well as contributions from local organisations and private donors. As a result, NYMR can now begin work to preserve the railway’s historical infrastructure and assets and improving visitor services and experiences. 

The railway is an educational charitable trust providing an interactive experience for all ages. The grant will enable NYMR to invest in new opportunities for curriculum-based learning for young people as well as better accessibility from north of the National Park. The conversion of four carriages will provide greater access, tailored seating, wheelchair facilities and accessible toilets on every train. 

The impact of the project is expected to be significant, with an emphasis on a volunteer development programme. This will include the recruitment of a new post to drive awareness of volunteering within the local community and a new volunteer centre, where families can be accommodated. This is essential to the development of the current junior volunteer scheme and the long-term recruitment of volunteers. New training opportunities will also include a line side conservation programme and the recruitment of 12 apprentices. 

A major part of the project is the preservation of the railway for future generations to enjoy this includes the renewal of Goathland Station bridges, with three iron bridge spans being replaced. A new carriage stable close to Pickering Station is also being built, which will enable the charity to store and house its historic vehicles, preserving them for the future. 

John Bailey, NYMR Trust Chairman, said: 

“This is just incredible news – and I am so proud of everyone at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway who has worked so hard to achieve this amazing success. We’d like to thank the National Lottery Heritage Fund, RPA and the York, North York and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership who have made this possible. 

The project is the result of two years of careful planning – with staff and volunteers shaping the seven projects. We couldn’t do this without the help and support of local people – and are so grateful for the donations we have already received. 

These are exciting times for everyone who cares for the railway, our visitors, supporters, staff and volunteers. This is the most ambitious project we’ve ever undertaken and will build on our successful growth in recent years, so we can all achieve even more in the future.”

With a combination of donations and grants, the railway has raised 90% of the funds to deliver the project. However, NYMR still needs to raise an additional £1 million over the next five years to be able to complete the project. 

RPA Chief Executive Paul Caldwell said: 

“I am delighted that we have been able to support this project to protect this important slice of history in the North Yorkshire landscape. 

The funding will help to safeguard the cultural significance of the railway. With 27,500 new visitors to the area expected by 2024, it will also provide a boost to the local economy as a renewed appreciation for its landscape and heritage.” 

Friday 9^th of May 2019

This video covers how the money will be spent: NYMR Appeal

So please support this historic and prestigious Yorkshire Railway by buying a ticket and having a cracking day out.

Details of the timetable can be found here: https://www.nymr.co.uk/

Interactive Map here: NYMR Map of the railway