Can you help?

Have you ever wondered what Mountsorrel used to be like in times gone by? How the village has changed and what life used to be like for the people that lived here many years ago? Our village has a rich and varied history. The local granite quarries and the extensive railway network that used to serve them were once the cornerstone of Mountsorrel life.

Over twelve months ago, village resident Steve Cramp started researching part of that history with the intention of writing a book about the Mountsorrel Railway. This has now developed even further into a scheme to rebuild and preserve part of the Railway. The purpose of this is to allow historical scenes from Mountsorrel’s past to be recreated for current and future generation to enjoy.

We also aim to recreate working replicas of three original Mountsorrel Granite Company wagons. It is also hoped to bring back the last surviving Mountsorrel steam loco. We also have a scheme to involve the local primary schools of Mountsorrel, Quorn and Rothley in the recreation of local historical events that involved the railway.

The project is being undertaken by an enthusiastic team of unpaid volunteers, most of who live locally and have a desire to see Mountsorrel’s history preserved for current and future generations to enjoy. Would you like to be part of this volunteer team and help to make this vision a reality? Our team consists of both sexes and we age from 10 to 76 so there is a task for everyone, regardless of gender, age and ability! If you can spare a few hours on the occasional Saturday please get in touch with Steve Cramp by phone on 0116 2301374 or by email at steve@mountsorrelrailway.org.uk. We can promise you a very rewarding time with a friendly group of “guys and gals” to work with.

Progress has already been swift with the trackbed being cleared and in the process of being prepared for track. We have received a donation of rail and other materials and hope to start laying track later this year.

If you are unable to volunteer but would still like to support the project then please consider donating. Every penny donated will go directly towards the purchase of track and associated materials. We are a registered charity so if you are a UK taxpayer the chancellor will also top up your donation! Please contact George Overton at george@mountsorrelrailway.org.uk if you would like to donate.