A Passenger Train Runs - After 50 Years

Steamed up and ready to roll!

	(left) Councillor Sarah Peacock, Chairman of East Northants District Council about to cut the ribbon to see trains running again at Rushden, watched by Mayor Gill Mercer and Sir Peter Fry. Carrying the cushion with the scissors is Dale West.
		The poster advertising the event.

On 13th June 2009 a train carried passengers again at Rushden Station after a break of exactly 50 years. The day was also a celebration of the return of a steam engine, following major repairs to the Edmundsons, and 25 years since they had taken on the lease of the station. After short speeches by John Sugars, chairman of Rushden Historical Transport Society, and Sir Peter Fry who had been instrumental in saving the building, Councillor Peacock said a few words and then cut the ribbon. Rides were then given on board the Class 31 Diesel train. Right - the trains move off following the cutting of the ribbon.

The Rushden Historical Transport Society plan to eventually run through to Higham Ferrers as a tourist attraction as part of a heritage trail. Much work has been done to restore the line, by a dedicated team of volunteers.

On April 9th & 10th 2011 The railway opened a short new stretch of line to Prospect Avenue. The new line has been made possible after work was done to repair the bridge over the track at Shirley Road. The track runs alongside a new 'greenway' path from John Clark Way to Higham Ferrers. It is already a popular footpath for school children who attend Ferrers School, and is a pleasant quiet route to walk between the two towns, without any vehicles.
Steamed up and ready to go	New track seen from the rear of the train	President Sue Homer sends the train on its way