Rail museum at crossroads

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From the archive, first published Thursday 10th Jan 2008.

The group running Ingrow Museum of Rail Travel is at a crossroads in its development, says a leading member.

Michael Cope says the Vintage Carriages Trust has to consider the right way forward.

Challenges include how to find more space for storing and restoring historic railway carriages.

Mr Cope, a trust official, makes his comments in the latest Keighley and Worth Valley Railway magazine.

The trust's museum has for the past 17 years shared the Ingrow Station site with the railway.

Mr Cope said his views were confirmed by a recently-completed strategic plan for the Vintage Carriages Trust.

He said the plan, independently administered with outside funding, made several pertinent suggestions.

Mr Cope said the trust now had a retail outlet, workshop and a building to store and display its collection.

He said the Ingrow complex had "come of age" as an asset to the whole railway.

Over the past year there had been a marked improvement in the sale of Day Rover tickets by booking staff.

Mr Cope said: "Ingrow Railway Centre adds to the day's experience, keeping people on the railway.

"The remarks in our visitors' books leave us in no doubt that it is much appreciated."

Mr Cope said the trust's workshop could handle most of the engineering jobs connected with its carriage collection.

He added: "We would like more space for stored coaches and even contemplate exchanges and restoration projects from elsewhere.

"This does not seem feasible at present due to lack of suitable buildings, land on which to develop and most importantly money."