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28th, 29th, 30th, 31st March 2024 Alice on the Wondertrain is an immersive theatrical live train experience, engaging audiences in a fantastical story to meet the array of marvellous characters from Alice in Wonderland as never before. While travelling on the Wondertrain, this unique adaptation will see you join Alice on a journey of self-discovery.   Featuring comedy, original music, dance, multi-sensory elements, and full audience interaction, join us for an extraordinary trip suitable for all ages in Easter 2024 on the Mid-Norfolk Railway.   Created by Twisted Reality Productions - the theatrical team behind MNR's The Polar Express Train Ride.   More information at mnr.org.uk/aliceonthewondertrain

Treat your mother to a delicious Afternoon Tea from Dereham Station Tea Room. You can choose to enjoy a tempting selection of finger sandwiches, scones and cakes in the ambience of our authentic period Tea Room or you can takeaway to enjoy elsewhere. Prices: Sit In - £15.00 per person @ either 12:30pm or 2:30pm Takeaway - £12.00 per person (available to collect from 11am until 3pm) ​ To Book: Call us on 01362 690633 between the hours of 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. Final bookings must be made prior to 3pm Friday 8th March 2024. Please note that no train travel is included within this. Further information at mnr.org.uk/mothersdayafternoontea

We are pleased to announce that following the success of our Car Boot sales in 2023 that they are returning for 2024!  ​ All car boots will be held within Dereham Station Car Park (NR19 1DF) and that our station café/tearoom will open throughout serving hot & cold drink and food.  ​ We can confirm that car boots will be hosted at Dereham Station on every third Tuesday of the month starting in March and finishing in October. This falls to the following dates: ​ Tuesday 19th March Tuesday 16th April Tuesday 21st May Tuesday 18th June Tuesday 16th July Tuesday 20th August Tuesday 17th September Tuesday 15th October ​ The car boot will be open from 10am to 1pm for the general public.  Further information and how to bring your car boot at mnr.org.uk/derehamcarboot

"One thing about trains: it doesn't matter where they're going. What matters is deciding to get on." The Mid-Norfolk Railway is pleased to announce that the amazing train ride to the North Pole is back for 2024 and tickets will be available to purchase on Tuesday 23rd April from 10am onwards . Join us for a magical journey where you will be entertained by our Chefs and The Conductor on board. Keep warm with your delicious hot chocolate and cookie, but remember to keep looking out for the big man himself! Tickets can be purchased only online via our website at www.midnorfolkthepolarexpressride.com Well, you coming? THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s24) This event is run by The Mid-Norfolk Railway (Trading) Ltd. Company number: 10731804. Registered office: The Railway Station, Station Road, Dereham, Norfolk, NR19 1DF. Trading as the Mid-Norfolk Railway. All profits from the event are used to further the aims of The Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust.

Work to bring Crownthorpe Bridge back in to use and allow the Mid-Norfolk Railway to recommence train operations from Dereham through the communities of Kimberley and Wymondham continues at pace. At the moment, the Mid-Norfolk Railway is operating trains between Dereham and Thuxton with occasional trains stopping at Hardingham too. With the bridge waybeams removed a couple of weeks ago, structural inspections focusing on corrosion and protection have taken place earlier in the week and decisions on what – if any – further remedial work will be required aside from the waybeam renewals. Whilst these visits took place, volunteers were also present undertaking a number of activities from vegetation clearance to preparing the bridge for the waybeam installation which is expected to take place shortly. Also last week, attention was focussed elsewhere in the temporarily closed section at Wicklewood - Rails already identified that required replacing due to the bridge above causing water run off over many years onto the rails below are an example of preventative maintenance to avoid complications in the future. We continue to welcome donations for the continuing maintenance and expansion of the railway - more information at mnr.org.uk/donations

Today, the Mid-Norfolk Railway is pleased to announce that we are planning to reopen the line to Wymondham Abbey in time for our Diesel Gala weekend over the May bank holiday weekend. The gala event will see an intensive timetable operate with our home fleet of Diesel locomotives as well as visiting locomotive from Rail Operations Group . Over the last year and a half, much fundraising has taken place to enable this work to progress. We are thankful to everyone who donated to the Back on Track Appeal. There’s a special donor’s day on 1st June. Since the old way beams and track were removed, the bridge has been inspected, cleaned and repainted in a protective coating, with the new way beams and track going in before the gala. In addition to the bridge works our Permanent Way team have also been undertaking considerable rail and sleeper replacement along this section. Chairman James Oakley said “Whilst everyone has been frustrated with the time it has taken to reach this stage, we are all very excited to be returning to Wymondham for our Diesel gala event. We cannot thank everyone enough who has donated to the Back on Track appeal, all our volunteers, staff and contractors, who have worked so hard to get us to this stage” Details of all our timetables and fares and those for the Diesel Gala, including advance discounted tickets and timetables, will be available shortly at mnr.org.uk/dieselgala2024

The MNR is pleased to announce the long awaited return of our Steam Gala on 28th, 29th and 30th June. To celebrate the reopening of our line between Dereham and Wymondham, we have been able to secure two guest steam locomotives to accompany our resident British Rail Standard 4MT 80078.  ​ We are also delighted to be able to announce that for the first time in the history of the Mid Norfolk Railway, we will be operating two trains which will both be running with matching Mk1  and Mk2  Maroon carriages.  ​ Our first confirmed visiting loco is Great Western Railways 2-6-2 Large Prairie 4144, courtesy of Didcot Railway Centre. Built in September 1946, 4144 was withdrawn from service at the Severn Tunnel Junction depot in 1965 and was destined for cutting up until it was taken on for preservation in 1974. The rebuild was completed in 1997 and the locomotive was back in service in 1998. ​ Our second visitor is the mighty Southern Railways 4-6-2 "Battle of Britain" Class 34072, 257 Squadron, appearing courtesy of Spa Valley Railway and Southern Locomotives Limited. Battle of Britain class 34072, designed by Oliver Bulleid, was built in 1948 and withdrawn from BR service in 1964. It was purchased by Southern Locomotives Ltd and restored at Swindon in 1990, moving to Swanage in 1992.   ​ The Steam Gala will consist of an intense and varied timetable across the three days from Friday 28th June to Sunday 30th June. We will publish this on our website at mnr.org.uk/steamgala  when it becomes available.   On Friday 28th and Saturday 29th the first train of the day will be a Bacon Roll Special, departing Dereham at approximately 8.15am (tbc) and travelling non-stop to Wymondham Abbey.   We will also be running a Cream Tea Special hauled by a different loco on each day of the gala. Our popular Breckland Fryer will be running on Saturday 29th which will be pulled by at least one of the visiting locomotives. Prices and pre-booking for Dining Services will be available in the coming days. ​ We can also confirm that both visiting locos will be available for Driver Experiences on select days before and after the gala -  We will publish this on our website at mnr.org.uk/steamgala  when it becomes available.

We are pleased to announce that we will be hosting two Heritage Open Days at the railway in September. The first will be on Saturday 16th September at Dereham Station  (Station Road, Dereham, NR19 1DF) between 9.30am and 4pm. Dereham’s Fiery Dragon - and other Railway Relics Talks, tours, steam train action and more... something for everyone, including crafty kids! Watch our 'fiery dragon' as it arrives/departs on scheduled passenger services - and get a close look at the loco from the station platform. You might even get to see the fireman replenish it's tank from the water crane. Discover the origin and development of the local railways at one of the illustrated short talks and by visiting our Museum Room, while a guided tour around the station's public areas will give you the low-down on the station itself and adjacent railway buildings. And if you want a real insight into railway life of the past then come along to another of our short talks when a retired railwayman who has 'been there, done that - and has the T-shirt' will recount some reminiscences and anecdotes. And for those 'crafty kids'? For children we offer very simple paper-based craft and/or decorating, with the proviso that they are accompanied by a responsible adult. Further details at https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/hod-dereham-sta   The second will be on Sunday 17th September at County School Station  (Holt Road, North Elmham, NR20 5LE) between 11:30am & 3pm. A chance to explore this classic Great Eastern Railway junction station, and find out about how we plan to develop and improve this established attraction. Meet the volunteer Stationmaster, as tour guide, and explore areas of the station not normally open to the public. Hear stories of lives lived on and around the railway at this special place. See the latest developments on the Wensum Valley Miniature Railway. Further details at https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/county-school-station

The Mid-Norfolk Railway is proud to announce the acquisition of two iconic Class 47 locomotives, 47580 ‘County of Essex’ and 47596 ‘Aldeburgh Festival,’ from The Stratford 47 Group. This significant purchase marks the beginning of a new chapter for these two locomotives. The railway is deeply grateful to The Stratford 47 Group, whose unwavering commitment and support have ensured these beloved engines remain in preservation and operational condition for future generations to enjoy. The Stratford 47 Group has played a pivotal role in the preservation and maintenance of these Class 47 locomotives since their withdrawal from mainline service. They have invested considerable time, resources, and dedication into restoring and keeping them in top condition. Over the years, both 47580 and 47596 have become familiar and well-loved fixtures on the Mid-Norfolk Railway, delighting enthusiasts and visitors alike. The relationship between the Mid-Norfolk Railway and The Stratford 47 Group has been a partnership built on mutual respect and shared passion for heritage rail. Both organisations have worked closely together to ensure these locomotives remain active and accessible to the public, enhancing the railway’s operations while offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Britain’s railway history. The Mid-Norfolk Railway therefore extends its heartfelt thanks to The Stratford 47 Group for their steadfast commitment and support. Their efforts have been instrumental in maintaining the high standards of preservation that the locomotives have come to symbolise. With the acquisition of 47580 ‘County of Essex’ and 47596 ‘Aldeburgh Festival,’ the Mid-Norfolk Railway looks forward to continuing their operational careers and preserving their legacy. These locomotives are an important part of British railway history, and the railway is excited to see them continue to thrive on its tracks. Photo by R Macintyre Photo by R Macintyre

The Mid-Norfolk Railway would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year and thank you for supporting us throughout the year. The Polar Express™ Train Ride 2023 ends today, and all our cast and working members deserve a good rest. We will be back in 2024, we will email everyone in the new year to update you about ticket availability. We are excited to announce that in conjunction with Twisted Reality Productions (created by the theatrical team behind our The Polar Express™ Train Ride production) is bringing a new and immersive theatrical live train experience, Alice on the Wondertrain, to Norfolk in Easter 2024. This unique adaptation of Alice in Wonderland will see you join Alice on a journey of self-discovery, featuring comedy, original music, dance, multi-sensory elements, and full audience interaction. We believe that Alice on the Wondertrain is an extraordinary trip that you wouldn’t want to miss. Book your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable experience – further information at www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk/aliceonthewondertrain Other special events planned for 2024 include: Model Railway Exhibition (2 March), Vintage Bus Day (12 May), Diesel Gala (25-27 May), Steam Gala (28-30 June) 1940s Weekend (3-4 August), Dino Squad Express (15 August), Beer Festival (23-26 August), Heritage Open Days (14-15 September), Mixed Traffic Gala (27-29 September). We will also be bringing back our popular Cream Tea, High Tea, Fish & Chip Trains, as well as Murder Mysteries. Dereham and County School station tea rooms are planned be open on a wider variety of days in 2024, they are shown on our calendar. The 2024 season calendar and timetables are available on our website at www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk  with a reopening date of Wednesday 21st February.

The Mid-Norfolk Railway’s Polar Express season has begun with a special performance for Ukraine children currently living in Norfolk who have escaped from the ongoing war in their Country. As a leading railway charity, the Mid-Norfolk Railway takes its place in the local community seriously and the Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust Council wanted to make this gesture of support to the children and families that find themselves living in Norfolk as a result of the conflict in their country. Graham Watts, the Chairman of the Railway said: "The War in Ukraine is in the news still on a regular basis and it is now two years since this conflict began, there is little we can do, however what we can do is hopefully bring some fun and joy at this time of time of the year to these families that find themselves living here in Norfolk not through choice”. The trip on The Polar Express Train Ride was organised in conjunction with Dereham Ukraine Centre, which saw 145 Ukraine refugees and their Norfolk host families from Dereham and the surrounding villages, enjoy their Polar Express experience on the railway. The majority of tickets for this year's season have now been sold with just a few pairs still available from the railway’s website . The outline for next year’s programme is now on the railway’s website  with more details of events being published soon.

As the summer running season at the Mid-Norfolk Railway ends and preparations for this years Polar Express event continues, the railway is pleased to highlight the progress made this year despite some set backs. Crownthorpe Bridge The work to replace the life expired waybeams that carry the rails across Crownthorpe Bridge will, together with associated track work replacement that is needed to run to Wymondham, be completed before the next summer’s running season begins. This work has been partially funded due to the generosity of supporters who have donated over £40000 so far. This sum together with some funding from general railway funds and through the efforts of the Head of Permanent Way (P-Way) to source materials means the project can now proceed at a lower cost than first anticipated. Donations however will still be gratefully accepted via the railway's Back on Track appeal . Garvestone Level Crossing In what has been an exceptionally busy year for the Permanent Way Department, before this work can commence however, the department has completed the relaying of the level crossing at Garvestone. This work together with other essential work has been carried out to ensure that trains could continue to run to Thuxton and to ensure the line is ready for Polar Express. Dereham Platform Extension & Polar Express Contract The Permanent Way Department has also extended Platform 2/3 at Dereham, this has been an aspiration for some years, but with the signing of a contract that gives the MNR a franchise to run ' The Polar Express Train Ride ' for the next seven years the work has now been been undertaken. This work removes the costs of the temporary scaffolding platform that can now be dispensed with and therefore improves the profit margin for this key funding activity for the railway. Annual General Meeting 2023 Another sign of progress this year has been the very successful Annual General Meeting that was held during September. At the meeting, attended by one of the largest turnouts of members for many years, a secret ballot election was held to fill the six Trust Council places that required filling. The ballot was caused by nine members standing. The result of the ballot saw six new members elected and means that with the new members from last year including incoming Chairman, Graham Watts, the majority of the Trust Council will have changed in the 12-month period between AGMs. Mr Watts said: “I take this as a very encouraging sign that members have been prepared to stand and are bringing their professional experience in a wide range of areas to the railway. This is essential if the Trust Council is to develop the business and achieve the Charitable Aims of The Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust.” Charlie Robinson the outgoing Chairman of the MNRPT said: “As I stand down from the chairmanship, I would like to thank the Trustees who have worked with me during my chairmanship for their hard work. Some, such as John Hull and Barry Woodgett are the pioneers who have been involved since the very beginning and have been long-standing members of the Trust Council. “As they now step down as Trustees, it is for the new Trustees and those that remain to now ensure we take the railway forward as a sustainable business.” Events and Coaches Other development this year have seen the successful reintroduction of events such as the Beer Festival and the addition of new events such as the Dino Trains. To facilitate these and other future services, a new rolling stock plan has been announced that has meant the railway has bought a Mk 1 duel braked BFK coach E14023. This new coach, it is planned, will after some minor refurbishment including a complete repaint, enter service next year and will mean the railway will be able to create two rakes of vacuum braked heritage coaches. This will allow regular two train operations. In due course one set of five coaches will remain in British Railways Maroon livery and the other of four will carry the British Rail Blue Grey livery of the 1970s. Work on E14023 has already begun as the repaint of FK E13447 into a matching Maroon livery with the rest of the MNR Mk1 and 2 operational fleet has been completed. These two rakes of coaches plus the railways MK 3 white liveried coaches that are used for The Polar Express Train Ride will therefore allow several coaches that are currently out of service and are surplus to future plans to be disposed of and the money raised invested back into the operational fleet. Tony Dunford the MNR Head of Traction and Rolling Stock Restoration said: “The purchase of the brake coach is significant, the costs and time involved in acquiring it and then bringing it into service are significantly less than the refurbishment of a coach we already own. “This in turn brings forward the day when we will have the two MK1/2 Vacuum braked sets in service and means the railway will have much greater flexibility in the future to plan and run our services.” Paul Mobbs Legacy The railway has also this year received as a gift from the estate of the late Paul Mobbs , class 03 diesel shunter D2063/03063. This together with a goods wagon and a Conflat A that also formed part of the bequest, now join the railway’s fleet. The 03 once brought into service will become the railway primary shunter for Dereham. Mr Mobbs was a long time member of the railway who contributed in may ways. Signalling Update The work of the Signal and Telegraph Department continues at the railway to maintain and install new signalling along the line from Dereham south to Wymondham continues to make good progress. Dereham and Thuxton are approaching completion and the focus will now move to Wymondham, where the former Spooner Row Signal Box, now named Wymondham Church Lane, is now nearing the end of its refurbishment ready for handover to the S&T Dept to begin the installation of the signalling equipment to control this part of the railway. Change Management Working Group Behind the scenes the work of the Change Management Working Group continues having been given a remit to review, update and introduce new policies and procedures for the better governance of the railway. Operations Manager As part of this work the Trust Council has appointed Mark Collinson, as the new full-time Operations Manager. Mr Collinson rejoins the railway after working elsewhere in the Heritage Railway industry and will take on the day-to-day management of the railway operations. Struggles, progress and looking forward Summing up the year Graham Watts, the new Chairman of the MNRPT, said: “Of course not running to Wymondham this year has been disappointing, but despite that the railway is making progress and the key objective of the new Trust Council is to stabilise the business, to ensure we have the policies, procedures and good governance practices in place to run and develop the business so that we are financially stable and working towards our charitable aims. Everyone is looking forward to The Polar Express Train Ride and then it is our intention to run a full programme of events next year for the first time since 2019”. Events for 2024 Our website has now been updated for the 2024 calendar. Dining and event pages will be updated as we work through the winter period. A further update will be given when these become available. www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk