North Yorkshire Moors Railway to receive grant from government's Culture Recovery Fund

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has received £295,000 in support funding following a year in which it has been forced to close for long periods.
By Grace Newton
Published 19th Feb 2021, 10:24 BST
Updated 19th Feb 2021, 10:44 BST

The heritage line has been confirmed as one of the recipients of a Capitak Kickstart Award from the government's Culture Recovery Fund grants and the money will go towards its ongoing Yorkshire's Magnificent Journey project, which has suffered from lockdown-related delays.

The work includes the renewal of bridges at Goathland Station, which is expected to be completed by January 22 when two bridges will be replaced.

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The NYMR also warned its members and supporters in the latest edition of its magazine that there could be a shortage of volunteers to run the line in future, as the annual volunteer recruitment day has had to be cancelled this year.

Pickering StationPickering Station
Pickering Station

In 2020 the line was forced to postpone the start of its season from April to August and cancel its large-scale events, including the 1960s music festival.

NYMR general manager Chris Price said: “Our spirits have been completely lifted thanks to news that we’ve successfully been awarded this additional grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Culture Recovery Fund.

“Just last month we announced that our own emergency appeal to raise vital funds from the loss during the pandemic raised an incredible £440,000. These funds helped retain our people and ensured that the railway could operate in the future.

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“We knew however, that although we had overcome such an enormous hurdle that more was needed to keep projects like Yorkshire’s Magnificent Journey steaming ahead which is how the Capital Kickstart Award will support us.

“This project is significantly important as in addition to the major restorations of the Goathland Station bridges it enables us to continue with building our conservation and heritage apprenticeship programmes, our lineside ecological conservation work, offer fuss-free access for disabled visitors, grow our learning offer at Pickering and Goathland, and of course reach out to individuals, groups and communities to share our passion for the history of the region through steam travel."

Related topics:North Yorkshire Moors RailwayYorkshire

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