In June we celebrated an event hosted by the Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership which commemorated the re-establishment of EMR's hourly train service running from Matlock to Nottingham. This is a crucial link to long-distance CrossCountry trains departing Derby, offering connections from Scotland and the North East via Sheffield, as well as South, South Wales, and South West via Birmingham. Local officials from Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire were among the passengers on the 0914 journey from Matlock to Nottingham. Upon their arrival, they were warmly greeted by CrossCountry and EMR colleagues, capturing the occasion with photos on the station concourse. It was a particular pleasure to be introduced to ‘Mrs Brassington’ on the train, wearing her late 18th Century traditional costume, representing the various Derwent Valley heritage attractions that can be visited by train along the scenic route. The Derwent Valley Line forms one of the 28 Community Rail Partnerships that benefit from CrossCountry's support, the highest amount provided by any train operator on the national network.
