PRESS RELEASE – JULY 2005

As part of Preston’s Riversway Sea Britain 2005 celebrations over weekend of 25^th & 26th June, Ribble Steam Railway held Open Days. We operated three coach steam hauled passenger trains from our new Riversway Station. Weather was excellent and attendances exceeded expectations. Publishable images available upon request.

On afternoon of 25^th June the Branch Line Society’s Special Train arrived successfully. Class 66 Diesel locomotive 66103 leading with 66009 on the tail. This was the first ever passenger train to descend onto Preston Dock Railway from National network (A connection has existed since 1845. One hundred and sixty years is a very long time) Freight services ran until mid 1990’s and recommenced on regular basis earlier this year. On leaving the train was double headed with 66103 leading; having run round the coaches in Riversway Station. Publishable images available upon request.

Consequent upon these successes we are now making initial announcement that our formal Opening will be Saturday 17^th September at 1100.

Further details will be distributed next week.

This weekend is TRAM SUNDAY at Fleetwood. By kind agreement with Chris Beet we are exhibiting steam locomotive “J N DARBYSHIRE” on low loader trailer as part of it’s move to join our Collection of 40 plus Standard Gauge Industrial Locomotives. Our Large Exhibits Collection will be expanded further in September in anticipation of our formal Opening.