Further to the UK Government’s announcement today of a further three-week extension to the Covid-19 ‘lock down’ restrictions, we have reviewed the implications for the re-opening of our railway.
When the current level of restrictions is eased there will likely remain lesser restrictions on unnecessary travel and social gathering, and possibly continued restrictions on holiday accommodation. We are also likely to have to make adjustments to the way we operate before we can re-start services.
So, it is with heavy heart that we announce that the railway will remain closed until at least the 23rd May. As they take much time and effort to plan and organise, our events for May and June will also be cancelled or postponed as follows:
- Bala Model Railway show scheduled for 23rd & 24th May postponed provisionally until the weekend of 26th & 27th September – to be confirmed.
- Jackets no ties evening excursion on 28th May cancelled – pre-booked tickets will be refunded.
- Bala Re-railed, the Bala Town Open Weekend scheduled for 13th & 14th June postponed until 12th & 13th June 2021.
Anyone who has already booked tickets up to 22nd May will be offered the options of a refund or transfer the booking to a later date. Please bear with us as there is no-one currently in the office.
We are entirely reliant on the sale of tickets and shop and café sales during the spring, summer and autumn operating season to keep the railway going, and these revenues have to carry us through the closed winter period where we also invest in maintenance and other improvements. Having just come through the winter, our reserves at their lowest level and the current loss of revenues is hitting us particularly hard. This is why we have launched our Covid-19 appeal, and we ask if you are in a position where you can help, to please consider making a donation via https://bala-lake-railway.co.uk/covid-19-donations/
We will continue to monitor the situation and follow government advice and will make further announcements here as and when appropriate.