Saturday 2nd July 2011 saw the inaugural run of the first steam hauled passenger train since 1969 into Platform 2 at Matlock Station by 0-6-0 Austerities Lord Phil and 68013.
The official opening took place at 11am and to mark this special occasion, a plaque was unveiled in the memory of Jeremy Clegg, former Chairman and Joint Managing Director of Peak Rail.
The line forms part of the old Midland Railway’s line between Manchester Central and London St Pancras which was closed in 1968.
When British Rail closed the railway north of Matlock it seemed that this part of the former Midland Railway’s main line between Derby and Manchester was lost forever.
However in 1975 a group of railway enthusiasts put forward proposals for the re-opening of the Matlock - Buxton railway line as a heritage and community railway offering a service for both tourists and local residents, and so the Peak Rail project was born.
The principle aim of the Peak Railway Association is to provide help, support and advice to Peak Rail plc, so as to ensure the successful implementation of its proposals to reopen the former Midland Railway line through the Peak District as an independent railway. This includes raising funds for specific projects, recruiting new members and volunteers, and helping to operate the existing railway from Matlock to Rowsley.
Peak Rail services operate throughout the year and are mostly steam hauled although the railway does operate diesel hauled services on specific dates. All trains have an on-board buffet coach and a specially adapted coach for wheelchair accommodation.
The railway is home to an extensive collection of steam and diesel locomotives, historic carriages, wagons and other railway memorabilia, which is either owned by the railway, private individuals or one of the groups
Waiting for the next train
This is well worth a visit. More details can be found at www.peakrail.co.uk
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