Cromer Lifeboat’ locomotive visit to North Norfolk Railway

The North Norfolk Railway had a special guest at this year’s Rails and Ales Festival, that took place on June 13.

Diesel locomotive 66714 Cromer Lifeboat made a rare appearance on the Poppy Line between Sheringham and Holt, bringing a bold splash of colour and a strong local connection to the event.

Typically used to haul heavy freight across the UK, this powerful Class 66 locomotive is rarely seen hauling passenger trains, making its visit to the heritage railway a unique and exciting addition to the weekend lineup.

With its distinctive blue and yellow livery, the locomotive stood out among the historic surroundings of the North Norfolk coast.

Built in Canada and shipped to the UK in 2003, locomotive 66714 was named Cromer Lifeboat in honour of the Cromer RNLI Lifeboat Station, celebrating the deep and enduring relationship between the RNLI and rail freight operator GB Railfreight (GBRf).

In celebration of the visit, the North Norfolk Railway warmly invited volunteers from Cromer RNLI to ride behind the locomotive and enjoy the festivities.

Hannah Drury, Visitor Experience and Marketing Manager the North Norfolk Railway, said: “We’re delighted to welcome 66714 Cromer Lifeboat to the Poppy Line — it’s a striking engine with a powerful story, and its name has real significance to our community. Rails and Ales is always a highlight of our calendar, and this year’s lineup was truly special.”

Paul Watling, Cromer RNLI Coxswain/Mechanic said: “To see a locomotive bearing the name Cromer Lifeboat running through our home region is a real honour. We’re very grateful to the North Norfolk Railway for the invitation — it was a great celebration of the Station’s legacy, and a wonderful experience for our volunteers”

RNLI Media contacts

For more information please contact Clare Stagg, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected]

Key facts about Cromer RNLI

The Cromer Lifeboat Station was established in 1804 and was not taken over by the Institution from the Norfolk Shipwreck Association until 1857. Since 1923 there have been two lifeboats at Cromer, and currently there is a D Class inshore boat and Tamar all-weather lifeboat. The outstanding figure in the history of Cromer is Henry George Blogg who became a member of the Cromer crew in 1894 at the age of 18. He was coxswain from 1909-1947. During his 53 years as a lifeboat crew member, the Cromer lifeboats had been on service 387 times and rescued 873 lives. His record is without equal in the history of the Institution. No lifeboat crew member has received so many decorations for gallantry.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.