TENS of thousands of visitors to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway will be stepping back in time this month for the 20th annual Railway in Wartime weekend – and we have put together a guide to make sure that you know what is happening, and where.
The three-day extravaganza, which takes place from October 12-14, commemorates the crucial role Britain’s railways played in the Second World War and provides a taste of life on the home front in 1943.
Many people come from far and wide to get involved, dressing in 1940s civilian clothing and uniforms while they visit stations at Pickering, Levisham, Goathland, Grosmont and Whitby, all of which come to life with re-enactments, displays and entertainment.
There are also parades in Pickering and, for the first time, the wartime theme extends to Pickering Showground, where there are stalls, battles, dances and parades.
“In many respects the men and women who worked on the railways during the war were the forgotten heroes,” said Philip Benham, general manager of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
“They often worked very long hours and had a great sense of discipline and duty. It was a risky occupation yet despite this, what they achieved, was remarkable. Our event serves as a reminder of their vital role to help win the day.”
How to get there
ALTHOUGH travelling by steam train is the main focus of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s Railway in Wartime weekend, visitors will need to make their own way to Pickering or one of the other stations to pick up the train and enjoy the events en-route.
There are no mainline trains to Pickering itself, but visitors can take a train from Scarborough, York, Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool to Malton and get a taxi to Pickering or pick up the Coastliner bus. Alternatively, if you are travelling from Leeds, York, Scarborough, Bridlington or Whitby, take the Coastliner bus which can take you directly to Pickering.
See www.yorkbus.co.uk for details of services.
If you prefer to travel by car, there is parking at various car parks in Pickering, including a Park and Ride from Pickering Showground, and there are also station car parks along the route.
However, the main aim is to catch the train and embark and disembark at each station to enjoy the entertainment as there are plenty of services everyday throughout the weekend.
What's on at stations along the route
Visit www.nymr.co.uk for details.
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