The Ropsley Heath Light Railway officially opened at the home of Grantham funeral director Robert Holland
A private railway six years in the making has been officially unveiled on the grounds of a village farm.
The Ropsley Heath Light Railway, build at the home of Robert Holland a funeral director in Grantham, was opened at a ceremony on Friday afternoon.
Situated at Robert's home, Glebe Farm, just outside of Ropsley, the project has been six years in the making, and was made possible by the work of many volunteers.
The railway was officially unveiled by the Lord-Lieutenant for Lincolnshire, Toby Dennis, with other honoured guests attending the event, including the new mayor of Grantham, Councillor Graham Jeal, and the new chair of SKDC, Councillor Helen Crawford.
Also in attendance was Nick Dodson, chair of the Heywood Society, experts in miniature railway, while Rev Dr Anna Sorensen, rector at Ropsley Church, said a few words and blessed the new railway.
The half mile long track is set in three acres of countryside and surrounds Robert's home, with a tunnel over 100 feet long part of the circuit.
Since childhood, Robert has been a railway enthusiast. In 2017, he moved to Glebe Farm and , having partially retired it dawned upon him that there was enough space for a small railway.
He commissioned his first engine, Nimrod, before drawing up plans for the new layout.
In 2018 he started the task of construction, so he called on his railway enthusiast friends who jumped at the chance to help with the project, giving their time on a weekly basis.
Robert said: "Today is the culmination of six years’ work and I thank all those that have been involved.
“This has been six years in building and it is amazing to me to look back and to think that it is six years ago that the railway gates that were built by a wonderful young man, Ryan, were put in place.
“For many years it became a bit of a tourist attraction as people would come out and sit there, just to look at the gates!"
Robert joked that "a family house is not a family house without a train set", adding that the purpose of the railway "is that people will come here and enjoy the facility" and hopes that it will help to raise money for various charities.
Nick remarked that the quality of the railway was fantastic, adding "it's quite remarkable".
The Lord Lt said: “Robert is wonderful in his support of all sorts of things in the county.
“I am delighted and privileged to be here with so many people to open the Ropsley Heath Light Railway Line."
