By Isle of Wight Observer
Having named the UK’s ‘Heritage Railway of the Year’, 2023 went on to be a great success for the IW Steam Railway.
Established in 1971, the Havenstreet visitor attraction, with its small team of staff and around 500 volunteers, offers a unique experience of bygone rail travel.
Against the backdrop of a challenging year for the Island’s tourism sector, the railway welcomed a record breaking 130,000 visitors.
It is now into its closed period, when track maintenance and renewals work takes place.
Chairman, Peter Taylor, said: “In a difficult market place, which has seen one major Island attraction close, our railway has continued to appeal through its unique high-quality heritage offer, great customer experiences and value for money.
“Everything we have achieved in 2023, and indeed the last 52 years, has only been possible through the remarkable work of our 500 volunteers who work tirelessly to sustain and build upon our award-winning railway.
“Every pound raised from visitors is invested back into the railway, enhancing the heritage and the experience for current and future generations.”
After the successes of 2023 though, the Steam Railway is not resting on its laurels.
Marc Morgan-Huws, interim general manager, added: “While 2023 proved to be an amazing year, we are acutely aware that 2024 will also be challenging in terms of the visitor economy and rising customer expectations.
“We already have plans in place to add exciting new events to the existing calendar, including Fish & Chip Evenings in the summer, and a Gin and Steam event in June.
“Work has already started on an £80,000 project to create a café and bar in our events field ahead of Easter. Meanwhile ‘On the Tracks’ will see the completion of the two-car Ryde Pier Tram, and the return of our Terrier locomotive, Freshwater, after an extensive overhaul.”