Matt Stroh

It is with great pride as we approach the Haworth 1940s weekend that I can report we have restored two locomotives that were central to the war effort.

It is really disappointing to have to open with bad news, but so much upset has been caused by the theft of a number of benches from Ingrow Station (widely reported by the Keighley News) it would be remiss of me not to mention of it.

After 40 years of waiting, we are a significant step closer to realising our ambition of having a fitting catering facility on the railway.

Dr Matt Stroh is K&WVR chairman Follow the railway at kwvr.co.uk, on Twitter @Worthvalley and

As we start 2014, we can look back on last year with many successes thanks to a huge effort by all our volunteers.

As the year draws to a close, we can look back on what we have achieved in 2013, but also look forward to some exciting developments in 2014.

It’s that time of year again so I don’t feel bad talking about Santa (although my children have been talking Christmas lists for some weeks already!), but we have been planning for the festive period for many months.

Keighley and Worth Valley Preservation Society held its annual meeting last week, which gave me the chance to report to the membership on progress made during the past 12 months.

The railway, which climbs steeply out of Keighley station, has for so long been part of the fabric of the town, it's easy to imagine it has always been so – and always will be.