THERE are so many anniversaries, it’s difficult to keep up with them all.

But when you run a railway that is now over 150 years old, it’s not surprising that we have so many dates to celebrate.

The Preservation Society has been operating the branch line between Keighley and Oxenhope for over 50 years.

The 150th anniversary of the line opening was back in 2017, and this year marks the 175th anniversary of the founding of the ‘Midland Railway’.

It operated the line shortly after the first trains ran in 1867 and continued to do so until 1922, so just a little longer than the Preservation Society’s half-century.

We have the only operational Midland Railway locomotive, which is still a regular performer despite being nearly 100 years old.

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the filming of The Railway Children, located at Oakworth Station and many other places around the railway, and is also the 100th birthday of locomotive number 43924, which is that only operational Midland Railway steam engine.

Looking after so much history is very challenging, but also rewarding.

Our volunteers love introducing the magic of steam-hauled trains to generations that will never experience anything like it in their day-to-day travels.

It’s also great meeting people who do remember living through the steam era. We take them on a journey back in time, and with them their children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.

The challenging side is restoring and maintaining the infrastructure of an increasingly elderly railway and operating steam locomotives that have run significantly longer in our period than they did under the original ownership.

It’s also challenging making sure we continue to offer a good day out for our passengers, and we continue to invest in our catering outlets. There will be further passenger-facility announcements to follow later in the year.

While we have over 600 volunteers, we will always welcome more, especially if you are able to help with the behind-the-scenes activities that keep the wheels turning.

We always like to welcome you as a passenger, of course, and if getting your hands dirty is not your thing, then we have a fulsome programme of events to keep you entertained.

May 3 to 6 sees the reintroduction of a diesel-traction focused event, with two days of heritage and modern diesel locomotives hauling the trains, and a ‘Mixed Traffic’ Sunday with steam and diesel working together to run the railway.

We also have a range of popular special trains, including Prosecco-tasting services ‘Sparkle & Steam’ and fish and chip supper trains, the ‘Haworth Haddock.

Please check the website for availability and booking details. We look forward to seeing you on board soon!