We've taken two significant steps forward in the last few days, one out on the main line, the other back at the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre.
On the main line, a locomotive has now run from the heritage centre, along the branch line, and then down the main line as far as Rushcliffe Halt station. One of the last physical obstacles to running trains was repairing Bridge 302A (about halfway between the heritage centre and the halt). With your generosity that work has been all but completed and signed off, with only replacement handrails needed.
The sight of a loco in the platforms at Rushcliffe Halt was heartening for the station team who have gone to great lengths to interpret the history of the area and keep everything tidy, whilst waiting patiently for passengers again. All being well, we hope to run passenger trains to the halt before Christmas and details of a special event will follow soon.
In the meantime, back at the Heritage Centre, following some hard work, we've now received planning consent to construct the new, fully accessible toilet block. This major step forward in the facilities we can offer the public has been funded by grants from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (via Rushcliffe Borough Council), East Midlands Airport Community Fund, East Midlands Railway Community Fund, The Friends of the Great Central Main Line and, once again, your very generous support.
The work is expected to begin soon with a view to the toilets, baby change and shower being open as soon as possible. Once we break ground, we'll have further updates for you.
Finally, we still have some more funds to raise to finish the toilet block and donations are extremely welcome via the LNER (GC) Heritage Trust website. On the front page you'll find a link in red to the toilet block appeal. Thank you for your support you are able to give us.
