NetworkRail volunteers assistWicksteed Park line
NETWORK Rail engineers arehelping to getWicksteed Park’s 2ft railway ready forpassengers onceagain– after volunteering to do essential track repair and maintenancework free of charge.
Around 20 volunteers began work in late July, aiming to complete the work within days so that passengers can be taken around the park near Kettering again.
The park is owned by Wicksteed Charitable Trust, which has funded a new much- streamlined company, Wicksteed Trading Ltd, which is working towards a full reopening of its attractions next spring for the venue’s centenary.
BenDarling, Network Rail’s distribution and plant section manager for the East Midlands route, who lives in Kettering, answered the trust’s call for volunteers to help. Network Rail encourages workers to take volunteer leave, so that they can spend time supporting charities and other organisations.
Ben and his wife Gemma were among the volunteers helping with work on the track, which includes lifting a section and repairs to one of the curves, needed because of the length of time the track has been out of use.
Ben said: “As a local resident, the Wicksteed Park railway project means a lot to me and I’d like to thank everyone with their help so far.”
Wicksteed Park managing director Lee Scragg said:“We are incredibly grateful to Ben and his team, as without them we would not have been able to complete this work and get the trains which people love so much up and running again so quickly.”
Opened in 1921 by industrialist Charles Wicksteed, what is said to be Britain’s oldest theme park has had its own railway since 1931.