Planning For 150th Birthday Underway

1 June 1859 marks a milestone in East Anglia’s history: it is the date the entire East Suffolk Line railway opened for business. A lot has changed since then but the concept remains the same: to provide a quick, effective, and efficient way of getting from here to there.

As was the case back in 1859 many train services once again run straight through to London, without having to change at Ipswich. These through services and the modern Class 170 three-car trains serving the line have helped passenger numbers grow by double digit percentages year on year. Rural routes including the East Suffolk Lines, run by train operator National Express East Anglia, have achieved over 93% punctuality, and thanks to the efforts of volunteers the stations up and down the line look smarter than ever.

As the 150th birthday of the line approaches the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership is planning several events, and is also extending an invitation to anyone who has special memories of what their local rail line means to them. Maybe you have some old photographs you would like to share, or you or someone you know worked for the railway. Partnership Chairman John Brodribb is to publish a potted history of the East Suffolk Line to commemorate the 150th birthday. He would like to hear from you. He can be reached on 07909 780 035, or alternately get in touch with us via our contact page.