January 5th 2026 Peak Railway Association Annual Raffle
See the latest results here
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100 Club October 3rd 2025 100 Friends of Peak Rail 100 Club
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100 Club May 12th 2025 100 Friends of Peak Rail 100 Club
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100 Club March 15th 2025 AGM notification
Peak Railway Association will hold the AGM on Friday 23rd May 2025, starting 7.00pm at the Methodist Church, Dale Rd N, Darley Dale, Matlock DE4 2FT.
Please note that it is not in the meeting rooms as these are being refurbished.
February 27th 2025 100 Friends of Peak Rail 100 Club
See the latest results here
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100 Club January 24th 2025 Peak Rail News 4
Engineering.
Work completed on Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0T S102 Cathryn includes attention to the fire cement on the smokebox floor and connecting rod bearings. Early Autumn saw the loco stopped from traffic to allow the 14-month boiler check to be undertaken. This involved removal of the ashpan and firebars to allow for ease of access for the boiler inspector. A new set of firebars is currently on order for the loco.
Hudswell Clarke 0-4-0ST 750 Waleswood has had cylinder drain cocks fitted. This loco also had its 14-month boiler inspection in the late Autumn.
The vacuum motor was removed off the Turntable because it had seized. This work, as with most of that on the locos, was undertaken by the volunteers of the Thursday evening engineering team overseen by General Manager, Mark Sealey. Repaired, the motor was reinstated and has functioned without further problem.
The axle boxes of Royal Pioneer have been finished off with new Thrust Plates. This work has been funded from the donations given by Shareholders during Covid.
DMU
After numerous teething troubles during 2024 the DMU performed seamlessly during the Matlock Xmas Market weekend and for the Boxing Day Raft Race. Reliability has dramatically improved through replacing troublesome components. Examples include replacing a faulty unloader valve, pneumatic gauge switches, vacuum hoses and hose washers. Marker lights have been cleaned out and the reflectors repainted. Plenty of time has been spent on tracing several air leaks in the control air system. New brake blocks have recently arrived to allow the replacement of all 32 shoes. Currently refurbished heater parts are being sourced. No1 engine of 51950 is to be stripped down to reinstate it to operational use. A former mainline driver is giving ongoing driver training to other volunteers which will give a small pool for rostering purposes. Owner, David Horton, has visited a number of heritage railways to collect spare parts.
Permanent Way.
Cleaning and greasing fishplates has remained an ongoing task with work focussing on the section from Darley Dale to the Arc Crossing. With the plates removed the opportunity has been taken to replace fishplate bolts as required.
Sleepers requiring replacement have been marked and 100 quality second hand hardwoods purchased for this work.
Work has almost been completed to uncover and dig out the stone lined drains which run down the banking south of Red House Cutting. Attention has also been given to the flow of water in the associated track drain. The stone Sough draining under the track formation at this location was checked and found to be flowing freely.
The Monday team has been involved in a number of other projects such as Rowsley Tearoom Patio area and refurbishing the Rowsley Turntable. In October the team participated in the six-monthly Structural Inspection regime of the structural assets on the railway. This was led by P-Way Manager as a preliminary training exercise towards P-Way volunteers undertaking some of this work.
Peak Railway Association Raffle 2024.
The draw for the annual raffle took place in Rowsley Tearoom on Saturday 4th January. Total sales came to £13,355 and after expenses such as cost of tickets, licence and cash prizes £11,415 was left for funding projects. One project already agreed for funding from the proceeds by the PRA directors is roller shutter blinds for Darley Dale and Church Lane signal boxes. This will alleviate the need for signallers to deal with the boards that protect the window glass at these locations from possible vandalism. This is also a Health and Safety improvement as the boards are not that light and at Church Lane are accessed via a narrow wooden balcony about 20ft above the ground.
The proceeds from the 2023 raffle have funded improvements to the Rowsley Tearoom last January and the associated Patio development during the Summer. The remainder has been put towards the Sleeping Coach project which is currently ongoing as well as the Turntable refurbishment.
Rowsley Tearoom.
This is currently being repainted ready for the new operating season. The PRA raffle funded refurbishment last January saw significant changes. These included separating the food preparation area from the public counter which moved into the back part of the tearoom. The refurbishment was completed with a repaint and addition of framed photographs from the PRA archive. In the Summer the project to develop a patio area between the car park and the tearoom was completed. Wooden fencing was erected at each end with a metal fencing, including a gate, installed along the car park side. Reclaimed paving slabs were laid and new steps fabricated to enable access to the tearoom. To give sheltered seating the previously purchased car port was installed over the north part of the patio which also has a bar area. Finally to enhance the boards hiding the bar area, when not in use, they have had a mural painted on them. The mural depicts Peak Rail’s Austerity 0-6-0ST Royal Pioneer and gives an excellent finish to the project. The mural was painted by Natasha Commins of Custom Art by NJ and funded by the PRA.
The exterior of the shop been painted in Peak Rail house colours and also the tearoom. This is altogether much more aesthetically pleasing to the eye and strengthens the corporate image of Peak Rail along with improved signage in station environs.
Rowsley Shop.
The shop has benefited from the addition of a storage area in the end corner. Whilst a small area of shop space has been lost it was becoming increasingly difficult to find enough dry secure storage for shop items. One outer wall of the storeroom has been fitted with sales shelving.
In the Autumn insulation was at last added to the roof of the shop area along with new more energy efficient heaters. This has resulted in a tremendous improvement to the environment in the shop to the benefit of staff and general public.
Rowsley Kiosk.
Throughout 2024 a wooden kiosk has been erected just off the platform at Rowsley. This kiosk originally stood on platforms 6&7 at Manchester Central Station and was known as Finlays. It found further use on the KWVR as a ticket office on Platform 4 at Keighley. The kiosk was opened for the Santa Special season and was an immediate commercial success selling hot and cold drinks plus snacks. Not only did this relieve customer pressure on the tearoom but generated significant new business and revenue.
Rowsley Watering Facilities.
In the last few weeks, the project has moved into its final phase. The Braithwaite tank had been sealed internally with a waterproof protective coating back in September. Now it has had the top cover panels replaced along with other fittings and craned onto a flat wagon. At the same time the brackets on the tower for securing the tank to it were positioned. The next stage was to crane the tank into position on the tower which took place on Sunday 19th January using the diesel crane. The last step is to complete the pipework for the water supply to the tank and delivery to the water crane.
The Bahamas Locomotive Society has kindly donated two original leather bags to attach onto the water crane arm. These will be restored and fitted.
Rowsley Platform Extension.
An extension to the existing platform is necessary to encompass the Water Crane and provide ease of access for operation by loco crew. At the same time a decision has been taken to install a bay platform at the southern end of Rowsley Station. Many supporters of Peak Rail with long memories will remember that the station was originally provided with bay platforms at the northern and southern ends. These were removed before the station was opened. However, there are now significant operational reasons for reinstating the southern bay platform. Primarily it will allow use by the Palatine Dining Set rather than being stabled at the Loading Dock. It can also give greater flexibility in train movements especially at gala events. So as well as the construction of the platform extension one of the platform walls required for the bay platform is being built. The construction work is being undertaken by Edward Dakin aided by other volunteers.
Construction of the platforms will necessitate the movement of the Exhibition Coach 1501 by just over a panel length of track. Sleepers for this have been kindly donated by Heritage Shunters Trust.
An extension to the existing platform is necessary to encompass the Water Crane and provide ease of access for operation by loco crew. At the same time a decision has been taken to install a bay platform at the southern end of Rowsley Station. Many supporters of Peak Rail with long memories will remember that the station was originally provided with bay platforms at the northern and southern ends. These were removed before the station was opened. However, there are now significant operational reasons for reinstating the southern bay platform. Primarily it will allow use by the Palatine Dining Set rather than being stabled at the Loading Dock. It can also give greater flexibility in train movements especially at gala events. So as well as the construction of the platform extension one of the platform walls required for the bay platform is being built. The construction work is being undertaken by Edward Dakin aided by other volunteers.
Construction of the platforms will necessitate the movement of the Exhibition Coach 1501 by just over a panel length of track. Sleepers for this have been kindly donated by Heritage Shunters Trust.
Darley Dale Footbridge.
Volunteers have begun preliminary work on the structure before it is refurbished by engineering contractor, Steelway. Numerous original rivets have been removed and replaced by temporary nuts and bolts. This allows for easier dismantling of the stairs and bridge span during refurbishment. Final quotes from the preferred contractor, Steelway, for the refurbishment have been received and accepted. Meetings with the surveyors have taken place at Darley Dale with a view to producing drawings and calculations for the foundations required when the footbridge is re-erected. Once these have been received work can be scheduled for volunteers to construct these along with the necessary extension of Platform 1.
This is a Derwent & Wye Valley Railway Trust led project. The project has been made possible with a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Carriage and Wagon.
Refurbishment of various wagons for use on Peak Rail has continued. The latest being the LowMac off the Works Train. Apart from a repaint attention was given to replacing rotten or missing boards and steel plating on the deck and ends of the wagon. Other work has been on the frame and axle boxes of the LMS Milk Tanker.
The refurbishment of the Sleeping Coach has begun. Having cleared out the existing cabins of assorted items of rubbish and old mattresses, further progress is dependent on the necessary electrical work being completed. A quote has been accepted for this with the work to be completed in February. The next task is the design and fabrication of new access steps.
The Thursday night engineering team have begun work on the necessary repairs and maintenance to the Shark brake van and Mk 1 brake.
Two privately owned China Clay hooded wagons and an LMS CCT arrived towards the end of last year for restoration and use on Peak Rail.
The Rowsley Association display in the Exhibition Coach has received attention after water damage to a few items. The Exhibition Coach has benefited from an ‘O’ gauge model of Buxton Midland Station, which was on display at the LNWR station at Buxton. A small exhibition of Buxton photos has been mounted to go with it.
SK 26043 received a repaint during the Summer. Work continues on the RMB.
Plc Office.
The Plc office was moved out of the ex Matlock Station building into the Rowsley Engine Shed room. This room has been completely refurbished with a false ceiling fitted with new lighting, more energy efficient heating and a repaint. After a few changes to the plumbing a sink unit and cupboards were added. The registered address was changed at Companies House. This has produced a dramatic and much needed improvement in the working environment for the General Manager and other office based staff. Work is underway to refurbish the Engine Shed toilets and shower facilities.
The Plc Board of Directors has unanimously taken the decision to give up the lease on the Matlock Station buildings. The building that the shop occupied has not been used since before Covid. A fully costed plan to develop this into a themed tearoom was put to Arch Company, the landlord. However, with uncertainty over future rent costs associated with such a commercial venture delivering a sufficient financial return on capital expenditure along with other issues it was felt that there was little to gain from holding on to the buildings.
Operational.
Highlight of the year has to be the visit of ex LMS Jubilee 45596 Bahamas. Having a mainline certified loco operating on Peak Rail was a real boost to the profile of Peak Rail especially with coverage in the heritage press. A huge thanks to the Bahamas Locomotive Society for allowing the loco to come Peak Rail and for the excellent support given by their volunteers during its stay. Of interest is that its support coach Mk2A BFK 14060 was used on Peak Rail for nine years as the only operational brake having been bought by Colin Fearnley in 1992 and sold to BLS in 2015.
Refurbishment of various wagons for use on Peak Rail has continued. The latest being the LowMac off the Works Train. Apart from a repaint attention was given to replacing rotten or missing boards and steel plating on the deck and ends of the wagon. Other work has been on the frame and axle boxes of the LMS Milk Tanker.
The refurbishment of the Sleeping Coach has begun. Having cleared out the existing cabins of assorted items of rubbish and old mattresses, further progress is dependent on the necessary electrical work being completed. A quote has been accepted for this with the work to be completed in February. The next task is the design and fabrication of new access steps.
The Thursday night engineering team have begun work on the necessary repairs and maintenance to the Shark brake van and Mk 1 brake.
Two privately owned China Clay hooded wagons and an LMS CCT arrived towards the end of last year for restoration and use on Peak Rail.
The Rowsley Association display in the Exhibition Coach has received attention after water damage to a few items. The Exhibition Coach has benefited from an ‘O’ gauge model of Buxton Midland Station, which was on display at the LNWR station at Buxton. A small exhibition of Buxton photos has been mounted to go with it.
SK 26043 received a repaint during the Summer. Work continues on the RMB.
Plc Office.
The Plc office was moved out of the ex Matlock Station building into the Rowsley Engine Shed room. This room has been completely refurbished with a false ceiling fitted with new lighting, more energy efficient heating and a repaint. After a few changes to the plumbing a sink unit and cupboards were added. The registered address was changed at Companies House. This has produced a dramatic and much needed improvement in the working environment for the General Manager and other office based staff. Work is underway to refurbish the Engine Shed toilets and shower facilities.
The Plc Board of Directors has unanimously taken the decision to give up the lease on the Matlock Station buildings. The building that the shop occupied has not been used since before Covid. A fully costed plan to develop this into a themed tearoom was put to Arch Company, the landlord. However, with uncertainty over future rent costs associated with such a commercial venture delivering a sufficient financial return on capital expenditure along with other issues it was felt that there was little to gain from holding on to the buildings.
Operational.
Highlight of the year has to be the visit of ex LMS Jubilee 45596 Bahamas. Having a mainline certified loco operating on Peak Rail was a real boost to the profile of Peak Rail especially with coverage in the heritage press. A huge thanks to the Bahamas Locomotive Society for allowing the loco to come Peak Rail and for the excellent support given by their volunteers during its stay. Of interest is that its support coach Mk2A BFK 14060 was used on Peak Rail for nine years as the only operational brake having been bought by Colin Fearnley in 1992 and sold to BLS in 2015.
Scheduled special events and galas performed well with attendance and revenue increasing. Halloween Trains made a welcome return and the Santa Specials broke all records financially. As in the previous year trains ran on Boxing Day in conjunction with the Matlock Raft Race and after a long absence on New Years Day. Both were very successful. The DMU was used on Boxing Day and proved very popular being used by many locals to ‘park and ride’ to the raft race event in order to avoid parking issues in Matlock. The DMU was also used to provide ‘park and ride’ from Rowsley for the Matlock Christmas Fayre. More on the DMU in a separate article on the website.
A sign of the overall progress being made by Peak Rail is that for the first time annual revenue for 2024 surpassed £500,000.
Health and Safety.
Two scaffold towers have been purchased along with a connecting work platform to enable safe working at height especially on the sides and roof of carriages in Rowsley Shed. A supply of PPE is now permanently established inside the shed for all volunteers to use.
A Weekly Operating Notice is now being produced for all volunteers/staff on the railway. This gives information on all work planned for the forthcoming week by Dept and giving the Person in Charge (PIC). Also included will be a weekly focus on Safe Working which will cover a range of issues.
Before the start of the 2025 season there will be a mandatory Safety Briefing for all volunteers/staff.
S&T
Painting is currently underway on signal posts, location cabinets and Darley Dale level crossing gates. New batteries are being fitted to the Token Machine at Rowsley. The signals at Matlock Riverside have been fully wired for LED.
The ongoing developments and successes on Peak Rail are in no short measure due to the dedicated efforts of its directors, staff and volunteers. Also, the support of shareholders, members and the general public is very much appreciated in supporting the vitally important fundraising for projects on Peak Rail. For example, the Royal Pioneer boiler fund now stands at £17,000.
Compiled by Roger Hallatt.
January 5th 2025 Annual Raffle Results
The annual raffle for 2024 was drawn on Saturday 4th January at the station buffet at Rowsley. The raffle is promoted by Nigel Carabine who has done this for many years.
The first ticket was drawn by Roger Hallatt, Chairman of the PRA and on the day overseen by PRA directors Pete Waller and Gordon Caro.
PEAK RAIL ASSOCIATION - RAFFLE 2024
LIST OF WINNERS
NOTE:
Both the 3rd Prize of £100 and the Gibsons Jigsaw winners asked for their prize to be donated back to Peak Rail
A big thank you to all visitors and members who supported us as the 2024 raffle raised over £13,000. The projects at Peak Rail which will benefit will be notified shortly .