I have fond recent memories of inviting friends to join us for a Sunday lunch on the Avon Valley Railway which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month.
Our regional mayor Dan Norris has unveiled a plaque to mark the milestone.
A ceremony conducted on Thursday 4 April -which was exactly 50 years since the railway’s first public open day on the same date in 1974. It was done ahead of Mr Norris jumping on board a special anniversary dining train (with a 1970s inspired menu).
The plaque reveal marked the start of four days’ worth of special anniversary events (Thursday 4 April to Sunday 7 April). Other anniversary highlights included behind the scenes tours, and more.
The plaque was attended by dozens of locals including celebrity rail enthusiast and social media star Francis Bourgeois.
Bitton Station is an original Victorian Midland Railway station, which closed in 1966 under the Beeching Cuts before being painstakingly restored by volunteers nearly a decade later.
There are now three miles of re-laid track, and locomotives and carriages have been returned to their former glory – as has the original Victorian railway station building.
Opened in 1869 by Midland Rail, today locals can take a trip back in time with steam and diesel train rides throughout the year.
Dan Norris, West of England Mayor, said: “Avon Valley Railway is a Bitton gem that for the last 50 years has been loved by people of all ages in the West of England.
“I am chuffed to be able to mark this special anniversary, and celebrate an important part of a lot of people’s identities. It’s testament to Mark and the other custodians of this amazing railway that is so intertwined with the West of England’s rich history and heritage.”
Mark Simmons, General Manager, added: “We are really pleased to be welcoming Dan Norris back to the railway to help mark this major milestone in the history of the Avon Valley Railway.
“It is testament to our volunteers back in 1974 that they had the vision to preserve Bristol & Bath’s railway heritage which we have built on since then to create such a wonderful and unique attraction.”
