Crakehall station on the Wensleydale Railway has received a plaque that recognises its National Railway Heritage Awards (NRHA) win in 2023.

Opened in 1856, the Bedale and Leyburn Railway built Crakehall. It became part of the LNER during the grouping at the start of 1923.

Passenger trains last operated a public service on the line in 1954, while freight continued 1992. The station building is currently leased to the Wensleydale Railway PLC.

The Hendy & Pendle Trust Volunteers Award was given to the station for its replacement and installation of new level crossing gates.

These are made of wood and based on former crossing gates of the LNER’s southern diversion pattern.

Funding for the project came from long-term volunteer and stalwart of the railway Bob Coombs, who was kind enough to fund the project, thanks to an inheritance he had received. He also led the project from design, building and installation.

The gates were made by William Lambert, a member of the Woodcraft Studio, at Raygill House Farm, near Hawes.

The plaque was unveiled at a special ceremony on Sunday 3rd June by chair of Network Rail, Lord Hendy.

Attendees also included Chair of the Railway Heritage Trust Andy Savage, and Executive Director of the Railway Heritage Trust Tim Hedley-Jones.

Other members of the NRHA team were also in attendance with staff and volunteers from the railway, including William Lambert and his family.

Started in 1979, the NRHA focuses its awards on heritage railway and tramway buildings and associated structures.

This includes heritage projects that promote best the practices, re-use, upkeep and restoration of such persevered structures.

The NRHA is the only awards body that recognises and rewards such work in the UK.

The new gates will still need a Crossing Keeper to operate them on days when trains are running.

The previous four-barrier gates used to struggle in high winds when being raised and lowered and had a habit of blowing about across the road and railway when not locked in their safety catches between the Open and Closed positions, this led volunteers to call the swaying of the gates ‘The Crakehall Dance’

“I have been a volunteer for 12 years and in that time, I’ve done various jobs, including Crossing Keeper at Crakehall Station. Having worked the old gates on a windy day, I know first-hand the problems that Crossing Keepers faced with the older light gates. It was clear that new gates were needed. I unexpectedly came into an inheritance that not only enabled me to fund new gates but also to have ones that reflected the heritage nature of the Wensleydale Railway.”

Bob Coombs

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our railway, and this award recognises the incredible contribution that Bob and all our volunteers make. It also highlights our commitment and dedication to preserving our railway heritage and keeping history alive for generations to enjoy.”

Richard Leathley, Chairman of The Wensleydale Railway Association (Trust)