Nene Valley Railway

A very good day out on the Nene Valley Railway. Very, very attentive and friendly staff, throughout the day, made all the difference.

At Ferry Meadows, we were helpfully advised where to wait. When the train arrived, the Guard quickly established we were travelling. Before putting the ramp into position, he wound on the handbrake. We were very impressed with this action as an incident on another heritage railway nearly ended in disaster when, just as the wheelchair was on the ramp the train move slightly, about six inches, but enough to dislodge the ramp which nearly tipped us over before we could reach terra firma (we have written to the railway concerned - it was not the NVR).

The accommodation was the dreaded guards van, although this one had four comfortable ex-BR seats permanently fitted for "helpers". It was still a van, however, no trimmings, and allowing but poor viewing of the passing scenery. We shared the journey with a rubbish bin; a bike; several pushchairs and various members of staff. This is not the experience of others on the train and it tends to spoil things.

We got off at Wansford, again after commendable attention from the train crew. Brilliant. The station site was laid out very well for wheelchairs and we had no difficulty whatsoever getting around, including the pleasant riverside picnic area.

Our rover tickets allowed us a trip on "Thomas", from Wansford to Yarwell and back, via the tunnel. This train left from the opposite platform, but there was ramped access via the level crossing so no problems there. Continental stock was used for this shuttle train. A ramp was in place and into the cavenous wheelchair area we went. No seats for helpers sadly. But it was possible for us to get the wheelchair to the first seating bay which was extremely welcome as we could all travel together. Enough space too for the following family who also had a wheelchair. This facility is very commendable.

The return trip to Ferry Meadows started and ended with the excellent and friendly attention of the train crew. This time our party (four grown-ups, two kids and a wheelchair-bound grown-up) shared the guards van with a bike, pushchairs and other passengers, mostly standing for most of the way.

Clearly the NVR has prepared its stock and staff very well for wheelchair-bound visitors, a preparation which helped us to enjoy a good day out. Thanks NVR.