Derwent Valley Light Railway: 1913 to the Present Day

Talk

Tony Simons

Event date

Wednesday 11 November 2026, 7.30pm to 8.30pm

Location

P/L/002, School of Physics, Engineering and Technology Building, Campus West, University of York (Map)

Audience

Open to staff, students, the public

Admission

Free admission, booking not required

Event details

This talk explores the fascinating history of the Derwent Valley Light Railway, from
its original concept in 1899, through its opening in 1913, to its closure in 1981 and
its subsequent revival as a heritage railway.

We will explore questions such as:

• Why was the railway needed?
• What did it carry?
• Did Dr Beeching have anything to do with its closure?
• What caused the railway's decline?
• Why are two of our locomotives named after York Normandy Veterans?

We will also take a look at some of the engineering projects we have completed,
those currently under way, and some of the projects still waiting to be started.

The railway is run entirely by volunteers, and the DVLR is always looking for people
who would like to get involved and help keep the railway's history alive.

CPD: This talk is considered to be relevant to Mechanical Engineering, and
Railway Engineering.

The York Society of Engineers welcomes applications for membership from
those engaged or interested in Engineering. Membership brings several benefits; please visit our website for more details and an application form.

Our events support Continual Professional Development (CPD) and, where
applicable, the event will publicise in which engineering discipline it resides.
Members attending our events can request a CPD record certificate. To qualify
you must be a member and sign an attendance sheet on the evening of the
event and apply to the secretary via the Society’s email address;
yorksocietyofengineers@hotmail.co.uk

About the speaker

Tony Simons

Tony spent 40 years working in education, beginning his teaching career at
Archbishop Holgate’s Grammar School. He then became Head of Technology at
York Sixth Form College, followed by three years as Head of Schools Programmes
at the National Railway Museum. He later returned to York College, where he became Team Leader for Mechanical Engineering.

Following his retirement, he continues to support the engineering profession by
running courses for railway employees working towards Chartered Engineer status.
He is currently Treasurer, Trustee, CME and Guard at the Derwent Valley Light
Railway (DVLR), continuing his long-standing interest in engineering, education and
railways.

Partners

Venue details

Wheelchair accessible

Hearing loop