We’ve got an extra special edition of Time Travel for you this month ladies and gents, because we want you to get involved. And while we always encourage your letters and phone calls (or ‘tweets’ and ‘likes’ if you’re a digi-Linker), this month’s call to action actually goes one step further and comes from the North Yorkshire Moors Railway themselves. Eager to find out more? Read on…
STEP BACK IN TIME
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway exists today as a stunning and integral part of Yorkshire’s beautiful heritage, and we’re very fortunate that we live on the doorsteps of some of the most breathtaking views in England. But did you know how it all began?
Unsurprisingly, the recorded history of this iconic attraction dates back to 1832, when the Whitby and Pickering Railway was built in a bid to save the whaling and shipbuilding town of Whitby from national decline. The line went through many changes over the years, becoming the York and North Midland Railway from 1845-1854; the North Eastern Railway from 1854-1923; London and North Eastern Railway from 1923-1948; and finally British Railways from 1948-1965.
Back in June of 1967, a bunch of locals decided to found the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Preservation Society in a bid to continue the operation of the Grosmont and Pickering line. They took it upon themselves to carry out maintenance on the line (with permission, of course); and would host ‘Steam Galas’, where steam trains were permitted to run exclusively for the society’s members. Before long, the society’s members transformed it into a charity so no one could take over the railway for personal gain, and the group expanded rapidly.
The founders of the NYMR were confident that the right amount of voluntary help would be enough to succeed in their mission, and they certainly weren’t short of help – today there are more than 550 volunteers on board. Day to day operation requires the work of both paid and voluntary staff, and the visitors, of course, help to preserve one of the world’s greatest railway experiences. It’s not just about the brilliant train journeys either; these days the NYMR offers everything from special dining services to photography workshops – and even weddings!
FUTURE PROOF
It’s a massive thanks to the hundreds of volunteers and workers that stopped at nothing to make sure the incredible North Yorkshire Moors Railway is what it is today. But there’s so much more to be discovered about its past – and that’s where you come in. The NYMR are looking to fill in the gaps in its history with the help of the Oral History Project, which is part of Yorkshire’s Magnificent Journey.
This exciting £10 million initiative is being set up by the NYMR themselves, and will be funded by the National Lottery Heritage Trust, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and NYMR supporters. So what’s it got to do with history?
Well, the project is calling out for people to come forward who may have worked on the Whitby-Pickering railway before 1965, in a bid to harvest memories of yesteryear for future generations to enjoy. Were you, or someone you know, a signalman or platelayer? What about station staff or a ticketing clerk? The Oral History Project wants to hear from you – and interviews from the people who come forward will even be used in Goathland Station’s upcoming interactive exhibition ‘In Fog and Falling Snow’, expected in 2021. If you don’t know anyone but fancy volunteering anyway, the team are also looking for helpers who can transcribe the recordings.
We heard from Jennifer Halmshaw; Trust Board Member, Chair of Education and Education Champion for the Yorkshire’s Magnificent Journey project. She says: “We’re looking for participants who worked on this remote rural railway – or whose family did – to take part in recorded interviews, so we can share their memories and showcase life on the railway more than 50 years ago! We’ll be holding interviews at Pickering Station, or, for those unable to get to us, we’re more than happy to arrange home visits.”
OVER TO YOU
So, while you’re used to our Time Travel articles being us telling you about history, this month is a little different. We’re asking you to tell us about history – and to help the NYMR create an archive of memories that will educate and inspire others for years to come.
If you want to share your story from working on the Whitby-Pickering railway pre-1965, or you know someone who does, then contact the Oral History Project on 01751 473799 and then go through the extension 248; or, alternatively, email learning@nymr.co.uk.
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