1 July 2011

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

THE Bluebell Railway’s new £2.8 million museum was opened by Lord Faulkner, the president of the Heritage Railway Association, at 11.30am on Thursday, 23 June.

The new visitor experience at Sheffield Park, which has been several years in the planning, has been funded by a grant from the National Lottery Fund.

Visitors entering via what was the old waiting room entrance on platform 2 will first see a display of the Bluebell Railway’s history showing how it has progressed from its inception in 1959 to become one of Britains leading heritage railways.

The story details the battles of the early pioneers who fought to save the line, and records the more recent challenge of raising funds to complete its extension into East Grinstead’s main line station.

Visitors can explore the history of the south east’s rail network using information panels and inter-active and audio-visual displays.

The museum will be open between 10.00 and 16.00 daily, whenever trains are running, which is usually from Easter till October, and at weekends throughout the winter.

For further information ring 01825 720800 or view the Bluebell’s website at www.bluebell-railway.co.uk.