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. However some things will be different, for example, we have to run a pre-booking system for the time being, Middy coaches have all been compartmentalised and there are now routes around the site clearly marked, which we ask you to follow.
Please take a few moments to read the Visitor Information page https://www.mslr.org.uk/pre-visit-information/
2021 EVENTS PROGRAMME
Tickets for our event days from 30th May through to 18th July are pre-booked only, please see our Book Tickets page.
Above is our planned programme for 2021 as of latest Government announcements. 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. 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 are able to open safely and we 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 cannot be held responsible for any disappointment or inconvenience caused by any amendments or cancellations to services made at short notice.
Steam Railway Day & Fathers Day
20 Jun 2021 - 20 Jun 2021
Father’s Day and good day to bring out the ‘old boys’ for a steam train ride in our genuine Victorian 4-wheel coaches.
The Middy is open for a great day out for Dads with as many rides as he likes (within the restrictions). The refreshment room, museum and souvenir shop will all be open and, at the Dovebrook end of the line, the new picnic area is available for an alfresco lunch if the weather stays fine.
As an added attraction for Father’s Day we have obtained the services of Middy Driver, Lawrie Rose, to give live presentations on two of his passions, the Ruston & Hornsby 48DS shunter , previously owned by Sir William McAlpine, and his Dennis Jupiter fire engine, which will be on display in the station forecourt.
And there will be delicious cream teas available from the Tea Room
This is a pre-booked only event, tickets available now on the Book Tickets page of this website.
Motive power ‘Nick ‘ the Bagnall or the Cockerill tram
Steam Railway Day & East Anglian Practical Classics Day
27 Jun 2021 - 27 Jun 2021
Steam Train rides and glorious vintage road vehicles for an English summer’s day.
We expect a splendid turn out of old friends of the internal combustion persuasion and look forward to meeting the club members again after missing out in 2020.
This has to be a pre-booked only event, tickets available now on the Book Tickets page of this website.
‘Nick’ the Bagnall or the Cockerill tram in steam.
Land Rover day
4 Jul 2021 - 4 Jul 2021
Steam Railway Day with a difference when owners will be bringing a wide range of their Land Rover treasures for an outing to Brockford.
Among the visitors this year will be a 1958 series 2 freshly renovated after 45 years in hibernation, and many other rarities and specials.
Plus all the usual Middy attractions and plenty of steam train rides.
This is a pre-booked only event, tickets available now on the Book Tickets page of this website.
Motive power ‘Nick ‘ the Bagnall or the Cockerill tram
Steam Railway Day
11 Jul 2021 - 11 Jul 2021
Steam train rides in genuine Victorian Great Eastern Railway 4-wheel coaches, one of which is believed to be the oldest (1863) in operation. And, if the weather is is with us, you can enjoy lunch in the open air at the newly available picnic area at the Dovebrook end of the line where you will see the progress being made on extending the track towards Aspall Halt.
This is a pre-booked only event, tickets available now on the Book Tickets page of this website.
Motive power ‘Nick ‘ the Bagnall or the Cockerill tram
Steam Railway Day
18 Jul 2021 - 18 Jul 2021
The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway is the only standard gauge heritage railway in Suffolk. The ‘Middy’ survived for nearly 50 years despite being in receivership before the first trains ever ran. As a result the line was constructed and run always under financial pressure, with the possible exception of the Second World War, during its existence.
Although little of the original line remains, the museum seeks to present the railway as it was, cash strapped but appreciated by its community and part of the Mid-Suffolk landscape.
Today’s Middy will give the visitor something of the feel of a rural railway at the early to middle 20th century
This is a pre-booked only event, tickets available now on the Book Tickets page of this website.
Motive power ‘Nick ‘ the Bagnall or the Cockerill tram
Norfolk & Suffolk Narrow Gauge Modellers Day
25 Jul 2021 - 25 Jul 2021
Today we welcome back the popular Norfolk & Suffolk Narrow Gauge Modellers group who were last with us in 2019. And, could it be, that they are first visitors for a normal open day after coronavirus restrictions are eased, so we can use all our facilities to display their excellent and interesting work.
We may also be able to offer visitors the full experience of the Middy museum including visiting the Restoration Shed and the Kitchener arms, as well as the refreshment room, the souvenir shop and the Museum itself.
Bar Open
Steam Railway Day
1 Aug 2021 - 1 Aug 2021
A summer’s day at a steam railway, the quintessential way to enjoy the beginning of August. Plus the annual visit by the Tivetshall Old Ram Vintage Tractor club
Hopefully all of the recent restriction s will be in the past and days out will be near normal with all the Middy facilities in action to help you enjoy your visit.
‘Nick’ the Bagnall or the tram on passenger train duty.
Bar Open
Vintage Bus Day
8 Aug 2021 - 8 Aug 2021
At the time of writing we have had confirmation that our Vintage Bus day is building nicely with, we hope, the chance for some road excursions – more anon.
The Ipswich Transport Museum will be bringing their Dennis Ace DVF 519, originating from the 1938/40 period. It is a sole survivor of the type which quickly gained the nickname ‘Flying Pig’ when they first entered service, although with a top speed of 40mph, it was probably more to do with looks than speed.
Another confirmed visitor will be ‘The Essex Lady’ AJN 825, a Bristol K type chassis powered by a 7 litre Gardner engine. It was delivered new to Westcliff-on-Sea Motor Services in 1939 and withdrawn from Eastern National in 1960. It is now owned by the AJN 825 Preservation Group, who took over its care in 2007.
Steam Train rides and glorious vintage busses for an English summer’s day.
‘Nick’ the Bagnall or the Cockerill tram in steam.
