Weardale Railway turned a storm-hit cancellation into an opportunity to support its local community by delivering afternoon teas to elderly residents, care workers and emergency services across Weardale.
The heritage railway was forced to cancel its popular Afternoon Tea Train on Sunday 25 October as Storm Boelo battered the UK with destructive winds and heavy rain, causing widespread travel disruption and power cuts.
But rather than let the freshly prepared afternoon teas go to waste, the team decided to share them with people across the dale.
The team delivered afternoon teas to staff at Stanhope Care Home and Weardale Community Hospital, the local charity Angel Trust, the police station, and elderly residents in Wolsingham and Stanhope, including households affected by power cuts.
The railway also ensured customers who had planned to celebrate special occasions on board didn’t miss out, including a grandmother whose granddaughter was delighted to collect an afternoon tea for her.
Claire Gibbons, General Manager at Weardale Railway, said: “It was disappointing to cancel the train, particularly knowing people had booked to celebrate birthdays and other special occasions.
“But we had all these afternoon teas prepared and wanted to put them to good use. With the storm affecting homes and services across the dale, it felt like a good opportunity to do something for our neighbours.
“Our team headed out to make the deliveries, and the response was lovely. We met some very grateful people and were pleased we could bring a little cheer to what was a difficult day for many.
“We were also touched that so many of our customers chose to rebook their afternoon tea rather than accept a refund. We’re grateful for that support and look forward to welcoming them on board soon.
“Weardale Railway has always been about connecting communities, and although our trains couldn’t run that day, it was nice to be able to do that differently.”
Storm Boelo, which swept across the UK over the weekend of 24 and 25 October, brought damaging winds, flooding and disruption to transport and electricity supplies across parts of the country.
Spanning 18 miles from Bishop Auckland to Eastgate, and operating 16 miles between Bishop Auckland West and Stanhope, Weardale Railway is a heritage line that connects communities while celebrating County Durham’s railway history. The railway offers visitor experiences including driver days, heritage journeys and educational visits.
The Auckland Project rescued the railway from administration in 2020 and has invested significantly, funding essential repairs and infrastructure improvements. Weardale Railway now offers a wide range of heritage services and events, including afternoon teas, gin and cheese trains, family events, and the popular Santa Express, which will return this winter and tickets can be bought at https://santaexpress.co.uk/.
Weardale Railway is part of The Auckland Project, the regeneration charity transforming Bishop Auckland into a leading visitor destination through its unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries and gardens.
Visitors can explore Auckland Palace, the Spanish Gallery, the Mining Art Gallery and the Faith Museum, along with meticulously restored gardens and the historic 150-acre Deer Park.
Find out more at https://aucklandproject.org/ and www.weardale-railway.org.uk.
