Rushcliffe Halt ‘Station Open Day’

It’s sixty years since the loss of a full passenger service on the Great Central Railway Main Line, but continued expansion of Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre (NTHC) on Mere Way, along with improvements elsewhere down the track, are continuing – in readiness for the day when trains can once again run all the way to Leicester.

A key part of these plans is the upgrade and maintenance of Rushcliffe Halt and Hotchley Hill signalbox near East Leake, which is hosting another ‘Station Open Day’ this Sunday 11th June from 10am until 4pm*. Organisers promise ‘a small display of large vehicles’ there, tours of the historic signal box and refreshments on sale at the picnic area.

Railway volunteer group Friends of Rushcliffe Halt reveal: “Quite a bit of preparation work has been undertaken for our Annual Open Days – with thanks to our friends from the ‘Cutting Edge’ Team.  The 2023 wildflower display should be spectacular by this Sunday for those who can attend. The Station has also had a real boost recently, with the donation of some matching chairs, gardening tools and, last but not least some additional antique golf bags and clubs. Hopefully we will see you!”

Since ‘big trains’ have still not restarted from Ruddington, there’s a FREE heritage bus service from NTHC between 11am and 3pm to get visitors there and back.

*If you’re reading about this too late, there’s ANOTHER ‘Station Open Day’ still to come this summer – on Sunday 18th June.