Heritage railways across the country, including Lappa Valley, are joining forces this summer to raise awareness of their importance as a tourism destination, educating and telling the story of Britain’s railways whilst also providing local jobs and volunteer community engagement.
Following the enormous success in 2021, the second annual ‘Love Your Railway’ campaign, brings together organisations from as far afield as Scotland, Snowdonia, Leighton Buzzard and the Lake District in the nationwide campaign which shines a spotlight on heritage railway organisations, encouraging visitors to support them this summer.
Spearheaded by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR), ‘Love Your Railway’ is a six-week campaign which runs over the summer holidays from 25th July to 4th September, with weekly themes covering conservation, education and research.
Lappa Valley and its fellow heritage railways from across the UK carry over 13 million passengers each year, over 560 miles of railway line and contribute £400 million in economic impact. 22,000 volunteers and over 4,000 paid employees keep the UK’s heritage railways on track, highlighting the significant role railways played through the industrial revolution.
In 1843 J. T. Treffry, a pioneer of Cornish railways suggested building a tramway between Par and the growing port of Newquay, with a branch to the prosperous East Wheal Rose mine, which today is home to Lappa Valley.
Keith Southwell, Managing Director at Lappa Valley, said: “Lappa Valley’s trains run on one of the oldest railway track beds in Cornwall and we’re proud of our rich railway and mining heritage. We’re passionate about keeping it alive for future generations to enjoy.
“In 1896, the Cornwall Minerals Railway was taken over by the Great Western Railway which saw an opportunity to boost its passenger trade in Cornwall. However, the line eventually closed and just over 10 years later, in 1974, Lappa Valley was founded.”
Stephen Oates, Chief Executive at The Heritage Railway Association, said: “In 2021 ‘Love Your Railway’ secured collaborations from as far afield as Cornwall, Suffolk, North Wales, North East Scotland and Northern Ireland, with over 55 heritage railway organisations taking part. We’re proud to back this campaign and look forward to seeing many more rail organisations get involved in the inaugural campaign.”
The six themed weeks are History, Conservation, Partnerships, Family, Volunteers and Education. Throughout the campaign, heritage railways are encouraging visitors and supporters to get involved and share photos and memories of their visits on social media using #LoveYourRailway.
For more information about Lappa Valley, follow the link below.
