Largest Ever Ridership on Esk Valley "Forget Me Not" Train

Thursday, 22 May 2025 12:34

By Matthew Pells

Over 100 people, more than ever before, turned out yesterday to ride on the ‘Forget Me Not’ Train along the Esk Valley ‘Pretty Line’ between Whitby and Middlesbrough.

Organised by the Esk Valley Community Railway to mark both Dementia Awareness Week and Community Rail Week, the train provides on-train music and entertainment in a safe environment for those living with dementia and their carers.

General Manager Lisa Williams said:

“Our aim is to improve the rail service and to extend it to all members of the community”

“People can ride on our trains safely and in comfort, enjoying the company in ways that are simply not possible on the bus or in a car.”

Musicians perform on board, playing music everyone can enjoy, complimentary hand massage is on offer as well as goodies handed out along the way.

Lisa added:

“Our purpose is to provide for local people, who can join at any one of the 17 stations along our line, but we have been astonished at the level of interest from much further afield. We have received enquiries and entertained visitors from right across the country.”

Run by volunteers with enthusiastic support from train operator Northern Railway, the service runs every other month on third Wednesdays.

The next trains are on 16th July then 17th September, travelling along the Esk Valley and across the North York Moors from Whitby to Middlesbrough and back again.

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