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A six-week summer campaign shining a spotlight on heritage railways is being held across the UK, with the Isle of Wight Steam Railway in Havenstreet set to take part.
The Love Your Railway campaign will run from today (Monday) until September 5, and will share the important work heritage railways do with regards to conservation, education and research, as well as highlighting how they have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is spearheading the new nationwide campaign, collaborating with more than 35 other organisations, including famous heritage railways; The Bluebell Railway, Crich Tramway Village, Severn Valley Railway and Snowdon Mountain Railway.
Chris Price, General Manager at NYMR, said:
“We’re optimistic and excited about the summer ahead, but the last 12 months have been like no other year, with lockdowns, reduced capacities due to social distancing, and staff and volunteers falling victim to the virus.
“There are more than 150 operational heritage railways, running trains over nearly 600 miles of track, which protect, conserve and bring to life part of the nation’s rich cultural heritage — giving enjoyment and learning to thousands of people every year.
“We want to do all we can to raise awareness of every heritage railway across the country and the challenges we face; all the participating railways will be posting their own social content across the six themed weeks, but we also want to encourage the public to get involved by sharing their favourite memories and inspiring imagery from their visits, using the hashtag #LoveYourRailway.”
Six themed weeks will focus on: Heritage, Education, Volunteers, Family, Sustainability and Future.