OPEN DAY - 17th MAY
COME AND SEE BEHIND THE SCENES AT A WORKING HERITAGE RAILWAY AND TALK TO THE PEOPLE WHO KEEP IT RUNNING.
Visitors have the chance to see behind the scenes at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway. Speak to the volunteers who keep the railway operating - it's a railway run entirely by volunteers - and see the varied and different jobs they do.
The Open Day is being held between 10.00am and 18.00pm on Saturday 17th May.
Volunteers will be acting as guides at Chinnor Station, with teams giving 'behind the scenes' displays and demonstrations. Visit the signal box currently under restoration; meet the team who maintain the carriages and wagons; see the steam and diesel locomotives and meet the drivers and firemen. See what is done to maintain the track, provide catering, run the shop, and look after seven miles of line side vegetation!
Visitors will be given a full insight into how the railway operates - and the opportunities that are available for getting involved in helping to run a railway! The railway needs more volunteers to help, and with the proposed extension into Princes Risborough station coming every new volunteer is welcomed.
The working railway is a friendly three and a half mile branch line in the style of the former Great Western Railway. It is an attraction for tourists, families and enthusiasts alike. The railway has steam and diesel services running every Sunday from Chinnor Station, and the line runs along the foot of the Chiltern Hills, parallel to the historic Icknield Way and it passes through attractive countryside with some outstanding views across the Vale of Whiteleaf.
The railway originally opened in 1872 and was closed by British Railways in 1989. In that same year the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway Association was founded and the first volunteer-run passenger train operated in 1994. Today it carries more than 15,000 passengers a year.
The Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway offers you an invitation to come along and find out more about how a heritage railway is run and meet with current volunteers. The shop will also be open and refreshments will be available in the unique 100 year old Cambrian carriage. Further details are available from the Railway on 01844 354117 or on-line at www.cprra.co.uk.
