Thanks to a partnership with Epping Open Gardens and the local Dementia Alliance, the Epping Ongar Railway recently ran a Memory Train for people affected by dementia.

The idea for the Memory Train came about in 2019, with the aim being to run a charter service to provide a means of reminiscence, and also a safe day out for vulnerable people and their carers.

Planning was well under way until the Coronavirus Pandemic struck in 2020, and the idea had to wait until July 2022 for the event to take place.

Railway volunteers and staff from Epping Forest District Council worked to deliver a successful day, which was helped by staff training prior to the event.

The Epping Ongar Railway says it has funding to provide similar events, with planning for a 2023 event in the works as well as Christmas being on the agenda.