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Heritage railway celebrates 58 years since historic Skipton meeting

Friday, 23 October 2026 at 08:25

The railway paid tribute to the staff and volunteers who help maintain its historic locomotives, carriages and facilities.

A heritage railway near Skipton has celebrated its 58th anniversary with a special event recognising the volunteers who have helped preserve its history.

The Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway marked the anniversary of a public meeting at Skipton Town Hall in 1968, which helped set the wheels in motion for railway preservation in the area.

To celebrate, members of the railway's new Heritage Team organised its first-ever Founder's Day, bringing together members and volunteers whose involvement stretches back across six decades.

Guests were given a behind-the-scenes look at restoration projects currently underway, including work on the last steam engine to run in Yorkshire.

The event also featured previously unseen footage filmed at the railway during the early 1980s.

A birthday cake was cut by Bob, one of the railway's active volunteers, who recently celebrated a milestone birthday of his own.

The railway paid tribute to the staff and volunteers who help maintain its historic locomotives, carriages and facilities.

Their work ranges from restoring steam engines to reupholstering seats, helping keep the railway running for visitors.

The railway said:

“Every train journey along our picturesque line is made possible by countless hours of hard work from our staff and volunteers, from restoring locomotives to re-upholstering seats.

“We wouldn’t be here without their dedication and determination to keep railway heritage alive.

“A huge thank you to all our friends and supporters.

"Here’s to the next 58 years!”

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