Recently overhauled Giesl ejector-fitted Hunslet ‘Austerity’ 0‐6‐0ST NCB East Fife Area No. 18 (Works No. 3809) departs from Sheringham with a Holt-bound drain during the NNR’s ‘Vintage Week’ on July 10. Previously based at the NNR from 1988 until 2006, the 1954-built locomotive will remain at the NNR for the rest of the year. HAYDEN SHEPPARD
GRAHAM HUKINS has been appointed as the North Norfolk Railway’s full-time general manager. Hukins has been on the ‘Poppy Line’s’ senior management team since August 2021 when he was appointed commercial manager, but for the last few months has been in the post of interim general manager. NNR chairman Steve Allen said that since joining the railway, Hukins had “demonstrated a clear understanding of the particular challenges associated with the heritage railway sector and the NNR in particular and has provided the leadership and stability needed in recent months as Interim GM. He is the right person for the job.”
Hukins’ appointment comes as the NNR’s managing director, Hugh Harkett, has decided to step down from the role after 17 years. Harkett was taken ill earlier this year and is recuperating with his family in Wales.
Commenting on Harkett’s departure, Allen said: “Hugh’s management of the finances has helped us keep our head above water – especially during Covid.”
Meanwhile, the NNR has reported that the last financial year was a “marked improvement” on the previous year, with the line posting an operating profit of £58,798 – a turnaround of £267,816 compared to 2022/3. Trading performance was also good, with fare income exceeding expectations. In addition, trains ran on 30 fewer days in 2023 compared with 2022 to reduce pressures on staff and volunteers, and while overall passenger numbers fell from 152,322 to 148,801, passenger loadings per day were up 9%.
This year, the railway has carried 46,330 passengers as of the end of June, which is within a day’s loadings of 2023, and income was reportedly above budget and ahead of last year.