Heritage railways descended on Westminster to forge stronger links with politicians.
A Parliamentary Reception, hosted by the Heritage Railway Association, on November 13 saw representatives from scores of heritage railways, tramways and funiculars converge on the House of Lords. The reception was intended to help heritage railways connect with their MP’s and Lords with an interest in the sector. It was the first opportunity to bring heritage rail representatives together in Westminster since the General Election earlier this year.
The reception was addressed by Liz Saville Roberts MP, whose North Wales constituency contains more heritage railways than any other in the U.K. and who co-Chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Heritage Rail along with Lord Faulkner, who is President of the HRA, and welcomed guests to the House of Lords. The Group's first chair, Baroness Nicky Morgan also spoke and the Rail Minister Lord Hendy, formerly HRA Chair, wound up, encouraging railways to make the most of Railway 200.
Alongside directors, trustees and senior managers from 60 heritage rail organisations, the reception also hosted some of the leading young volunteers and staff in heritage rail. They included recent HRA Award winners such as Osian Hughes from the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways, and Sarah Taggart of the Kent and East Sussex Railway.
Heritage Railway Association Chief Executive, Steve Oates, said: “Heritage railways are hugely important to the U.K. Whether it’s our role in the cultural heritage of the nation, our vital place in the visitor economy, or our work in supporting young people into bright futures - our sector has a lot to shout about.
“This event was a great opportunity to bring heritage rail to the attention of parliamentarians, many of whom are relatively new to Westminster. It also gives us the chance to talk about the challenges our sector faces; such as securing high quality supplies of coal, navigating legislation such as the ‘Martyn’s Law’ counter terrorism bill, and ensuring that heritage rail remains viable in a challenging economic climate.”
All Party Parliamentary Group on Heritage Rail Co-Chair, Liz Saville Roberts MP, said: "I welcome the opportunity to bring together colleagues from all sides in Parliament with their local heritage railways which are such an important part of the tourist economy and provide local employment and skills training as well as fostering wellbeing for both volunteers and visitors. The need to encourage this Parliamentary outreach is an important part of our work."
The event was sponsored by Fox and Edwards Events; Director and former Lord Faulkner Young Volunteer of the Year Award winner Olly Edwards, said: "We were very pleased to sponsor this reception to bring together so many wonderful railways, tramways and locomotive owners from across the heritage rail sector. We work with railways nationally to improve their visitor numbers and it was a privilege to be joined by them, presenting our industry's case to politicians."