Our 2021 programme is now confirmed and following the experience of the Santa Specials in December we will be able to run Covid compliant events as soon as restrictions ease with our now tried and tested pre-booking system. Middy coaches have all been compartmentalised and routes around the site are clearly marked.
2021 EVENTS PROGRAMME
Above is our planned programme for 2021 as of the latest Government announcement, Monday 22nd February. Of course at present nothing can be guaranteed, but as things improve we will be doing our best to keep you informed through these pages. Despite the enforced closure for most of 2020, our volunteers have been keeping on top of essential maintenance and even making some progress with our major development projects.
The main issues arising for the MSLR in terms of Covid-19 precautions and, as an accredited museum and a registered charity, are maintaining hygiene and cleaning arrangements, plus the assessment and protection of members of the public and vulnerable volunteers and indeed, bringing in many outsiders to the village of Wetheringsett.
The numerous practical control measures, particularly social distancing, are very difficult to comply with, especially as the Middy is a unique part of British Railway history due to its heritage. The old railway had to be economic to run and much of the charm of the Middy is in the size and style of its vehicles and buildings.
However, our successful pre-booked compartment system evidenced by December’s Santa Specials, mean we will be open as soon as restrictions ease and look forward to seeing visitors back at the Middy and enjoying our unique railway experience.
Find Us
You can find us at;
Brockford Station, Wetheringsett, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 5PW. The MSLR Museum and Station is just off the A140 Ipswich (14 miles) to Norwich (28 miles) Road. Look for the Mendlesham TV mast and then follow the brown signs.
Accessibility, parking and wheelchair access
We do our best to accommodate you and your needs and if you have any queries do not hesitate to contact us.
Parking is normally in a field adjacent to the site but disabled parking is available on the station forecourt providing a short and easy level access to the museum buildings and trains.
Wheelchair access is available to all the museum buildings and toilets and wheelchairs can normally be carried on the trains. A wheelchair is also available on site. Note that some parts of the site are not accessible for a wheelchair due to uneven terrain. The site is subject to a periodic disabled access survey.
Forthcoming Events
While the MSLR endeavours to provide the advertised service and motive power where possible, sometimes this may not be possible. Preserved locomotives and rolling stock can be temperamental, meaning late changes may occasionally be necessary. The MSLR and/or MTC cannot be held responsible for any disappointment or inconvenience caused by any amendments or cancellations to services made at short notice.
Easter Steam Up & Historic Lighting Exhibition – CANCELLED
4 Apr 2021 - 4 Apr 2021
Following the latest announcements from the Government as regards the easing of ‘lockdown’, it is with the greatest regret we have had to cancel Easter Sunday’s Steam & Light Festival. Also Moving to a later summer date doesn’t help us as the lamps only come into their own on darker days and evenings.
However the Middy acts as a superb setting for vintage oil lamps dating from the mid-Victorian era and we intend to reinstate this event on New Year’s Day 2022.
Middy in the War Years
30 May 2021 - 31 May 2021
The Middy’s celebration of its part in WW2 serving the USAF air bases on the route of the line has been one of the major events of the Middy calendar for many years. We had a great show planned for the 75th anniversary of VE Day in 2020 and, subject to coronavirus conditions prevailing this time around, we hope to be able to present much of what was scheduled before.
This year the emphasis will be on the homecoming celebrations with music of the period, but plenty of military kit and, weather permitting a flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. (T.B.C.)
Steam Railway Day
6 Jun 2021 - 6 Jun 2021
Subject to what we all know is going on, this will be our first standard open day for many months. At the time of writing we cannot be sure how much freedom we and our visitors will be able to have, but it is really encouraging to be back in something more than just Covid mode.
There will be steam train rides and we will let you know as soon as possible whether the other Middy treats, the refreshment room, the museum, the restoration shed and the Kitchener Arms will be available. We also hope there will be progress on the extension for visitors to see by this time.
Motive power this summer will be either ‘Nick’ the Bagnall or the Cockerill tram. it will be great to have them in action again.
