Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

I have the series of large scale maps covering the route of the former L&BR, compiled by the LSWR and later specifically used by the Southern Railway to detail trackbed sales to the new landowners after the closure of the railway in 1935.

The land boundary at the southern end of the BF station property currently for sale is easily identified from modern photo images. The next section of the trackbed is known as "The Quarries" and the distant boundary is identified on the map. I carefully measured the length of The Quarries trackbed as 717 feet/239 yards/219 metres.

Going off now at a tangent, you may like to know that it appears there were two sections of trackbed sold between the southern boundary of The Quarries and Mill Lane Bridge (Bridge 32). Both were sold in 1939 to the same buyer, a Royal Navy Commander for £10 each.

Finally a personal comment on future fundraising for more trackbed. Bratton Fleming is within the Phase 3 extension plan. Being a residential property on a station site makes it important and absolutely essential that we use the current opportunity to procure the site for our future use. But be aware, the next extension will be from Killington Lane (Bridge 65) to Wistlandpound via Parracombe Halt and Blackmoor. Therefore everyone, please focus your enthusiasm to purchase more trackbed to that still required in Phase 2a.

 

Thank you for those details Chris D. Regarding the next stage, Phase 2a, how much track bed is still to be purchased?

 

I fully agree with Chris's comments. I very much hope we will soon hear that Bratton Fleming Station has been secured for the long term benefit of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, but the key thing now is for us all to focus on raising the money for the extension from Killington Lane to Wistlandpound.

To find the answer to Phil's question, please have a look at the map on this page https://www.lynton-rail.org.uk/page/route-mapped

Please do bear in mind that it is not just trackbed which is required. The next (absolutely essential) step is for the L&B to obtain the Transport and Works Act Order which will ultimately allow trains to run. That piece of Government legislation will not be 'visible' in the same way that Long Acre is but unless we do get the TWAO then...

There are and will be lots of other ways to support the L&B. It is great to know that trains were running again yesterday for the first time since before lockdown. If you are in the area do please go and have a ride, buy refreshments, buy something in the shop. To use that well worn phrase - every little helps!

Wherever you live, do please consider becoming a L&B member, perhaps even a life member? The excitement during recent weeks as we have watched money pouring into David Cameron's JustGiving page has shown there is a lot of affection and support for the L&B!

Mike

 

Of course things are a little more complicated than that! Exmoor Associates are tasked to acquire track-bed beyond Wistlandpound not in the Parracombe to Wistlandpound section (the L&B Trust wish for this division). So EA will naturally fund-raise for possible purchases around Bratton Fleming and elsewhere in their section, and the L&B will fund raise for any sections in the more easterly part of the line. In fact, at the moment, the only possible sales we've heard of are in the EA section; if anything's being acquired further east then the L&B Trust are keeping it under wraps.

 

Thanks, that's what I'd understood - if there are opportunities in Phase 2a, please do let us know. The appeal for BF has demonstrated that the L&B can pull in donations from a much wider group than the existing L&B family - for instance, I've never gotten around to joining the L&B , something I'll remedy shortly.

 

About a quarter to a third would be my guess from the EA map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/v...l=51.176215222016786,-3.9151724291015655&z=13
If anyone has a better figure - please do post!
There is one stretch near Parracombe where the owners are violently opposed to the railway and have sworn never to sell. Unless the TWAO includes CP powers, then a railway from Blackmoor Gate to Chelfham might be the next logical step, with Woody bay mothballed. In such a case the purchase of Bratton Fleming will be seen as prophetic

 

Might it be an oppertunity to use the new friends and contributers to the BF appeal to creat a private mailing list of potential investors to prime the team from both
EA and the Trust to with promises of sufficient financial support to make some more purchases on the Blackmoor Gate - Parracombe section.

 

Many thanks Tobbes - it is good to discover the recent appeal for funds for Long Acre will have prompted at least one new member for the L&B!

To save you (and perhaps others) searching for the page, the home page of the L&B website will be found here https://www.lynton-rail.co.uk/ and this page https://www.lynton-rail.co.uk/join-lb-trust-online-today enables people to join online

Regards

Mike

 

The section between Blackmoor Bridge (Br.56) and Killington Lane Bridge (Br.65) was measured by the LSWR and recorded as 3 Miles 22 Chains which equates to approx. 5764 Yards. Currently, the railway has acquired a little over 70% of the required trackbed.

Martin, you must have no idea of the total amount of money and manhours that have thus far been ploughed into pursuing the Phase 2a extension. L&BR management would be out of their minds to even think of proceeding along the route you suggest.

 

Together with a friend I did just that today. Spent money in the shop, took a ride and bought refreshments. The usual enjoyable trip with those gorgeous views and everyone welcoming and friendly.

 

That's why I used a winking face emoji - maybe you're unaware this means it wasn't a serious suggestion?

 

I didn't pick up on it either, and I'm normally fairly good at that. Perhaps there should be a special typeface for parody

 

JustGiving site for Bratton Fleming Station has reached - and exceeded - its target of £25,000 and will close tomorrow.
If more funds are needed for the station or related projects we will post on the Friends of Bratton Fleming Station Facebook page how best to contribute. Many thanks to all who helped

 

Excellent news! I was wondering if future EA appeals could be structured in such a way that it is possible to claim Gift Aid on donations? Wholly understand the urgency in this case, but every little bit helps.

 

EA is a private company, but not a registered charity, so cannot claim Gift Aid.

 

Indeed, but this rahter begs the question why? Even some CIC structures can access Gift Aid, and 25% is a pretty sizeable incentive.

 

That, I'm afraid, is a whole new thread! There are benefits to being a registered charity, but there are also restrictions on how money can be raised, disbursed, benefits to donors, and property ownership and disposal, among many other things. I would suggest getting in touch with the EA directors directly if you need to know more.

 

Thanks, will do.

 

Here's something of a W.I.B.N thought/idea. Wouldn't it be something if "they" actually found Lew the one that got away and was lost up the Amazon, when the current outfit have acquired the last section of land and laid the last length of rail to complete the line end to end from Lynton to Barnstaple.......... Granted I take the view as no doubt many others do too, that Lew is long lost and has been scrapped and the tale comes up over a couple of beers in the pub when folk chat about this and that railway wise.

 

Frankly, I almost hope they never find it. I love a good mystery! https://www.lynton-rail.org.uk/page/mystery-lew