The Old Kiln Light Railway, part of the Rural Life Centre in Tilford has been awarded a Surrey Hills LEADER grantof £4,100 towards the construction of a 3rd platform. The grant will enable passengers to disembark into woodland and picnic areas and will be particularly suitable for visitors with mobility issues. This improved facility will attract new visitors leading to increased turnover for both the Rural Life Centre and the Railway.The Rural Life Centre and Old Kiln Light Railway offer a unique facility in Surrey – promoting the farming and industrial heritage of the area in an accessible and engaging manner. The Railway currently carries about 2000 visitors each year and they are aiming to increase visitor numbers by a further 350 due to the new platform with resulting significant benefits for their cashflow.
The railway is wholly independent of the main museum. It is run, owned and funded by a small group of enthusiasts and is entirely self financing. Income comes from the individual members and from train fares and public donations. It is the only 2 foot narrow gauge railway in Surrey.
The track runs for half a mile through woodland and picnic areas and the Surrey Hills LEADER grant of 91% towards the cost of a new platform will enable visitors to take advantage of the woodland walks and picnic areas situated at the end of the line. The project will enable the Railway to attract more groups of less able visitors by providing improved facilities, extended track and greater options in terms of getting on and off the trains.
As the site is maintained by volunteers the additional facilities will help preserve and pass on valuable engineering skills through the maintenance of an active railway.