MORE than 2,000 people visited Breedon Group’s cement works at Hope, in Derbyshire, as the UK’s largest cement plant celebrated 90 years of operation.
June 1 open day attractions at the Peak District plant included 0-6-0T industrial Nunlow, returning to its former home, and LNWR ‘Coal Tank’ No. 1054, as well as the resident ex-BR Class 20s that shuttle cement tanks over the two-mile branch between the plant and Earles Sidings, on the Sheffield to Manchester Hope Valley route.
The works have been a major customer for the railway since it opened in 1929, and is now served by Freightliner, which has a crew depot at Earles Sidings.
The plant produces more than 1.3m tonnes of cement per year, most of which is distributed by rail.
Read more News and Features in the July 2019 issue of The RM –on sale now!
Railway Reads
From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.Get The Railway Hub Weekly Round-up
Enter your e-mail address below and you will receive weekly rail news straight into your inbox...You can unsubscribe at any time.
About the Author
- Passenger numbers as low as 12% as services disrupted by rail strikes - 23rd June 2022
- What rail services will run on Friday after the latest strike? - 23rd June 2022
- Rail strikes to go ahead after last-ditch talks fail - 20th June 2022