South Leeds: Middleton Railway nominated in Oscars of industry
The oldest working railway in the world run entirely by volunteers is celebrating after being shortlisted for two awards in the ‘Oscars’ of the industry.
Middleton Railway has pioneered the role of Almoner, someone dedicated to looking after the welfare of members who for many reasons including health, age and distance from the railway are now unable to attend and work as volunteers on a regular basis.
Francis Bailey keeps in touch with these members and organises an annual gathering at Moor Road where former volunteers can come and enjoy a ride on the train and see colleagues with whom they have worked in the past.
This role has been shortlisted in the HRA “Innovation” category by the Heritage Railway Association, the trade body for all heritage railways in the UK.
Entered into the “Diesel and modern traction” category is the full overhaul of the smallest standard gauge diesel locomotive in the UK, which also happens to be one of the oldest working diesels in the country.
This small machine has been fully restored to the condition as it left the works of the Hunslet Engine Company back in 1935, which has included remanufacturing doors for the bonnet covering the engine and also sourcing an original klaxon which was used instead of a horn to warn people of the locomotive when in use.
What makes this restoration so special is that it was masterminded and overseen by 19 year old Geordie Brown, who commenced the restoration at the age of 16. As part of the project he also did a great amount of research, which has been used to produce a booklet about the locomotive’s use at Courage’s brewery in Alton, Hampshire and its subsequent preservation in Leeds.
Whilst in service at Alton, the brewery produced a pub sign featuring their locomotive and Geordie arranged for this original sign to be displayed at Moor Road during 2025.
Charles Milner, chairman of Middleton Railway Trust, said “We are delighted that our railway has been recognised for the hard work involved in both these roles. The shortlisting is a tribute to the hard work our volunteers have carried out and we hope this work will be recognised with a prize at the awards next year.”
The Middleton Railway was built in 1758 and is the First railway authorised by an Act of Parliament, the first to have commercially successful steam locomotives, in June 1812 and also the first standard gauge preserved railway, opening in June 1960. It has operated trains every year since opening in 1758.
According to the UK’s Heritage Railway Association, collectively UK and Ireland has in the region of 173 heritage railways with 460 stations spanning 560 miles.
For the local communities they serve they bring huge economic benefits, worth an estimated £600m to the UK’s economy.