Britain's heritage railways virtually leading the way during the crisis

UNPRECEDENTED is a word that has suddenly entered the vocabulary of just about everyone in the country as the world is gripped by the coronavirus pandemic.

The situation has caused a major rethink on how every aspect of life is organised.

I feel the heritage railway sector has really stepped up to the ( foot) plate on this occasion.

The great majority, if not all, have launched appeals for cash to try and ensure they are there to provide their pleasure and entertainment they have always done to their followers when the crisis is over.

It is, however, the social media side that has really shown the way. In my own area, the Severn Valley Railway went ahead with its ( virtual) steam gala, where followers were treated to stills and videos from previous years' events over the weekend.

Not to be outdone, the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway went ahead with its virtual version of its always popular Wartime in the Cotswolds event. This not only featured stills and videos from previous years provided by the railway and reenactors who had visited the line, but also new and live performances from artists that were scheduled to appear at the railway.

I feel this shows our heritage railways to be truly innovative and compared with other organisations such as the National Trust who have not made the most of the opportunity to make best use of social media.

I cannot leave without saying how I enjoy the time when my copy of Heritage Railway lands on the doormat. Full from cover to cover with a wealth of interesting, up- to- date articles and, as they say, the photographs ' are to die for' - truly beautiful. I appreciate we are fortunate in having such a photogenic interest, but all are superb and a constant joy.

Best wishes to all in the current crisis.

Phil Whitehousee, mail