Watford Miniature Railway: 'Cultural institution' turns 60
Watford Borough CouncilA miniature railway that has become a "cultural institution" in a council-run park is celebrating its 60th year.
The Watford Miniature Railway, in Cassiobury Park, Hertfordshire, opened at Easter 1959 and sees passengers taken on a five-minute woodland ride.
Operators Southern Miniature Railways said it was "a simple pleasure, something all generations can enjoy".
It hopes to replace the near 50-year-old carriages, saying they are a "little small for today's customers".
Watford Borough Council
Watford Borough CouncilCharles O'Mahoney, from the company, said: "It's now a bit of a cultural institution.
"We get people saying they went on it as a child and now bring their children and grandchildren."
Watford Miniature Railway
Watford Miniature Railway- Built by local engineer Charles Reed, who had operated portable railways in the Watford area from the late 1940s, and wanted a permanent location
- It was initially as a short "out and back" line but was gradually extended to a 300-yard long circuit
- In 1968, it was sold to George Webb, before Jeff Price bought it in 1979 and introduced more locomotives to meet increased visitor demand
- It was sold to the current operators in July 2017
The town's Liberal Democrat mayor, Peter Taylor, said: "The railway is held in really high regard by residents.
"It's a very impressive length of time to be running such an attraction."
M Webb
E LatterTo mark the anniversary, events will be held in the park later and on Sunday, including an exhibition about the railway's history.
Cassiobury Park has recently undergone about £6m of improvements, with grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund.
