The Staintondale Moorland Railway and Gardens are reopening this Sunday to raise funds for a special dementia-friendly train service operating out of Whitby.
The Staintondale Moorland Railway and Gardens are back open on Sunday, welcoming visitors to enjoy the grounds while supporting a vital local cause.
The regular fundraiser takes place from 2pm in the village, offering a chance for the community to gather on the first Sunday of the month.
Money generated from the opening of the railway and gardens is dedicated to supporting a unique railway initiative on the Yorkshire Coast.
The funds are channelled towards the Forget-me-not train, a specialised service operating out of Whitby that has been carefully tailored to accommodate the needs of vulnerable passengers.
Lisa Williams, who serves as one of the organisers for the project, detailed how the service provides a comforting and engaging environment for its passengers as they travel from Whitby.
Lisa explained what the fundraiser was all about:
"Raising funds for the Forget-me-not train. It's something we started on the Whitby to Middlesbrough line. Um, and basically, it's really uh creating a safe space for people living with dementia to come and have a day out. And they they join the train at Whitby, and we put music on board. We have live music playing all the way to Middlesbrough and back. We have complimentary hand massages going on, because people living with dementia do relate to that sort of contact. We've free biscuits, homemade biscuits are given out, lots of other little goodies along the way. So it's it's a lovely train. It is a safe environment, and and the atmosphere on it is just amazing. It's a lovely thing to see."
While the funds support the Whitby to Middlesbrough Forget-me-not train, the Staintondale Moorland Railway and Gardens themselves are also undergoing improvements to ensure returning visitors have new attractions to enjoy.
Organisers are keen to keep the village attraction fresh and engaging for the public.
Lisa Williams explained the current developments taking place at the Staintondale site, including a new feature being built and the natural beauty currently on display near the water.
"Well, we try and think of new things each time, and we're currently creating a a tunnel at the moment. So, before the end of the season, there'll be a tunnel in place down the bottom hopefully. But yes, there's always things. Yeah, I think it's good just to keep the interest going to be honest, but at the moment, it looks stunning down the very bottom by the lake, because all the orchids are out, so it looks so pretty."
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