Check out the latest headlines from the East Lancashire Railway boardroom – January 2025
Here are the headlines:
- Despite everyone’s best efforts with record sales, 2024 ended with a provisional six figure deficit.
- Some positive news, The ELR have been awarded £1.07m Grant from Community Ownership Fund, for renovation of the Higher Woodhill Viaduct, with Match funding of £267,000 from the three partner local authorities at Bury, Rochdale and Rossendale.
- 2024 Santa Specials – Revenue and footfall marginally up on 2023.
- SEND Santa Specials won Highly Commended at the Heritage Railway Association Annual Awards and have been shortlisted with Visit Lancashire Awards.
- 2024 Visitor numbers holding steady with a marginal increase on 2023.
- 2024 Dining sales ahead of 2023, +18%. An additional diner coach to be added to some diner services for 2025, including the popular Afternoon Tea services.
- New Youth group launched to attract and encourage younger volunteers – led nu Adam Stratton, ELR’s own apprentice.
- An ELR Strategy (2020 – 2030) review refresh has been awarded to Amion Consultants; work will commence on this review during February.
- Rail 200 Open house day on 18th January was very successful bringing record numbers of visitors for a mid-winter event.
- Kids Go Free launched for 2025, available during standard running days, as part of Rail 200.
- Security concerns at Loco Works, two incidents of break in and thefts occurring from private owner containers on the site, increased security provision has been put in place.
