Hayling Island Railway to change hands

The no 23 steam outline diesel loco seems to be easy to maintain and operate for family rides. They could still occasionally rent a steam loco to keep enthusiasts happy, but might eat into operating profits? The profits will also depend on good will of 70 volunteers.
From
https://www.countrylife.co.uk/news/fancy-railway-hayling-seaside-railway-can-60000-203318
Looks like Bob is after a local wealthly younger version of himself who can buy or lease the line and run it as a social enterprise.

Hopefully the right person will buy it, but maybe a "crowdfunded" consortium trust with shareholders which includes the volunteers might be the way forward?

 

Still for sale
https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/train-enthusiasts-find-out-how-17916366

 

The Hayling Seaside Railway now has a bright future ahead, with the railways volunteers have now taken over the railway from Bob Haddock.

The press release from the railways Facebook page can be found below and at; www.facebook.com/haylingrailway

‘New Beginning” for Hayling Light Railway Trust.

Hampshire’s Hayling Seaside Railway is now under new management, following the retirement of Bob Haddock, the line’s owner and creator. New operators ‘The Hayling Light Railway Trust’ are a not for profit charity set up by the volunteers of the East Hayling Light Railway Society. Trust members would like to take this opportunity to wish Bob and his wife Marilyn a long, happy and well deserved retirement.

The mile long narrow gauge railway, which has operated along the seafront of Hayling Island since 2003. Runs between the seaside shops, pubs, cafes and amusements of Eastoke Corner, along the coast of Hayling Bay to the funfairs at Beachlands. It was built and is now run entirely by volunteers. Trains are generally pulled by diesel locomotives, usually steam-outline loco ‘Jack’. Although from time to time steam locomotives are hired in to add that special extra magic!
The Trust are keen to hear from anyone with a little time to spare, who would like to join the friendly team of volunteers who keep the trains running. No previous experience is necessary as full training will be given. Whether you aspire to be a Driver, Guard or ‘Clippie’, serve customers in our shop, help maintain our track, or work on our locomotives, carriages and wagons in our Eastoke Corner depot.

If you would like to join the Hayling Light Railway Trust please contact us via our website,haylinglightrailway.wixsite.com/ehlr On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/haylingrailway. Write to or visit us in person at Hayling Light Railway, Eastoke Corner Station, Sea Front, Hayling Island, Hants. PO11 9HL. For information on the day of travel, please phone our Duty Manager on 07902 446340. Our volunteer team look forward to meeting you.

 

This looks to be an excellent result - Well Done all concerned.

 

Good to hear, so the thread title needs to change now!