June 2023 is a special milestone in the life of the Great Central Railway as it is fifty years since volunteers were able to return steam trains to the award-winning heritage line.

To mark the 50th anniversary of trains returning to the Leicestershire line, the railway has made changes on and off the rails.

On the line, a new timetable has been implemented that provides more time after the train arrives at Leicester North, which will allow visitors the chance to climb into the cab of a steam locomotive.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the Great Central is holding a special gala weekend on the 17th and 18th of June, when the railway’s largest locomotive, a Standard Class 9F 2-10-0, will pull a train made up of fifty freight wagons, something the railway has never attempted before.

Off the rails, the railway’s new general manager, Malcolm Holmes, has appointed a new executive leadership team.

For the first time in its history, it has appointed a volunteer, Richard Bruce, to become Head of Visitor Experience.

Richard has worked as a volunteer at the railway for many years, and those years of experience in meeting the public will prove invaluable in his new role.

In another appointment, David Ellard, who is a full-time member of staff, has been appointed as Head of People Engagement. In this role, he will look after the unique mix of volunteers and staff who are the Great Central team.

Simon Bracewell, who in ‘real life’ runs a marketing business but volunteers as a ticket inspector on the railway has been appointed to the new role of Head of Marketing & Communications where his expertise should prove invaluable.

General Manager Malcolm Holmes said “Having a good leadership team in place is vital for the future of our railway. We are committed to looking after our visitors and welcoming them in the years ahead, playing our part in the local economy.

“I’ve been in post just short of three months now and I know how strong our team is. We have big plans for the future, and we are expecting to make more appointments, both paid and volunteer-led in the near future.”