Town Crier proclaims Leighton Buzzard’s Narrow Gauge Railway back on track
The Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway is officially back on track with its historic locomotives polished, puffed up, and ready for duty.
It launched its 2026 steaming season on Mothering Sunday (March 15) with a special proclamation by Leighton-Linslade Town Crier Chris Morgan inviting visitors to discover the ‘thrill of the rail and the smell of the coal’.
He also welcomed the mayor, councillor David Bligh, and deputy mayor, councillor James Emm, waving away the first train of the new season from Page’s Park Station to Stonehenge Works via Munday’s Hill.
More than 300 people attended the event with the volunteer-run railway putting on two steam train services, hauled by Andrew Barclay 0-6-0T ‘Doll’ of 1919, and her sister locomotive Gertrude’ 0-6-0T also by Andrew Barclay & Co. No. 1578 of 1918.
With five departures throughout the day, mums were treated to a free family photo and a potted plant gift, while all families and visitors got the opportunity to explore the historic Stonehenge Works site and learn about the history of sand quarrying and transport throughout the town.
One visitor said: “We have lived here for nearly 20 years and yet this was our first visit. We had a great time and we will definitely be back.”
The event also celebrated the achievements of Esker Saward on becoming a passenger train guard’ and Jamie Randall who, after several years as a fireman, passed as a fully qualified steam engine driver.
A spokesperson said: “Jamie started helping at the railway as a very young lad and has worked his way to achieving his dream of driving steam trains. Our recently formed Junior Railway Club helps foster youngsters’ enthusiasm from the age of ten, giving them the chance to learn about the operation of railways and join in as far as possible until they are old enough to become full working members.
“Of course, if anyone would like to join our volunteer team in these or any other role then you will be very welcome at ‘England’s friendly little line’. For more information, please use the volunteering option of the contact us form on our website, phone us on 01525 373888 or come along any Sunday to Page’s Park Station.”
The railway’s season continues every Sunday (and Bank Holiday Mondays) including some weekdays during school holidays, all the way through to Hallowe’en, with diesel and steam galas, visits by ‘Bluey’, and ‘Chase from Paw Patrol’, beer festival, dinosaurs, pirates and much more.
The Leighton Buzzard Railway is one of the last survivors of the hundreds of 2ft (610mm) gauge light railways built in Britain for industrial use. It is believed to be the only remaining line which owed its existence to the ready availability of surplus materials and equipment from the First World War battlefield supply lines.
Further details are available online