Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

Just an idea, but why not put them up for auction on the L&B website? Oh- on second thoughts, maybe not....

 

I see on the L&B website Van 23 is pretty much complete and only waiting for an underframe, and that they hope to start on Carriage 9 (Another Observation 3rd like Carriage 7) next.

I'm fairly sure that the previous plan (before lockdown) was to start work on 'rebuilding' carriage 1 (Observation Brake First (with token third class compartment!)) but with two passenger brakes, and Van 23 on the way I could understand why working on another third might be a better move for the railway.

 

I think perhaps you have read a little too much into the C&W news item - what it says is "Van 23 woodwork is now substantially complete, in store and ready for assembly on the new chassis when it has been finished and delivered." i.e. van 23 is a flat pack of parts awaiting reassembly once the underframe is complete. So there's still quite a lot of work to be done.

 

Exmoor Associates Trackbed Trails 33 now uploaded.
News of the latest land acquisition at Budd's Wood with hopefully more to follow soon:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14JqzaU1yAcncU8yuuZM6ek6BGLeW-C8N

 

Would I be correct in supposing the stock currently at Woody Bay is (a) sufficient for current operations and (b) already testing existing storage capacity?

 

News of the purchase of the trackbed through Budd's Wood was confirmed to EA members in Trackbed Trails #33, but this was published back in June. Trackbed Trails #34 has since since been published.

 

I believe the answer to both questions would be yes, however there may be others on here who could give a more comprehensive answer

 

If by "testing", you mean stood outside in all winds and weather, then the answer is yes to both questions

 

EA put the previous version of Trackbed Trails on their website when the new one is sent to EA members.

 

https://www.exmoor-associates.co.uk/2022/09/snapper-halt-running-in-board/

Exmoor Associates would like to thank everyone who donated to the 'Snapper Halt' sign appeal, we were successful with our bid and the sign is now ours

 

Congratulations to EA/YVT!

Another (tiny) piece of the jigsaw.

 

A lovely picture from the L&B Facebook site (no photo credit)
Although he looks a little too amiable to be a true "Snapper"!

 

From Facebook today, firstly, courtesy of Dave Tooke, the new tearoom has at last opened. Apart from seriously well done, the word "Cake-tastic" springs to mind. That spread deserves to do really good business:


Secondly, and more poignantly, here is Lyn doing the honours this morning in HRH's memory. Difficult to relate, is that when the original L&B closed, she was but 9 years of age. That really puts things into perspective. (Photo Stuart Nelhams):

https://m.facebook.com/Lynton.Barnstaple/

 

Domestic Facilities Management sounds interested in revisiting the cakes

 

My L&B magazine and Newsletter arrived this morning - not had a chance to look at it yet.

 

There seems to be quite a bit of positive news in this issue

 

The Newsletter has quite a good update on the Sec 73 applications, although I'm not sure to what extent - if at all - the fact the ENPA are arranging an independent financial review of the Phase 2A project (if I've read it correctly) might be a cause for concern. Equally the comment about an (unspecified) legal challenge by an objector. The clock is ticking ever onwards.....

 

I seem to remember in one of the objections someone mentioning that they were considering a legal challenge. I'll have to see if I can find it - I think I can remember who it was. I am not sure what the basis of this is but maybe the documents are on the planning portal. I had the impression that the officers at ENPA were positive so maybe the independant financial review might be to show 'due diligence'.

 

I think I can remember the threatened legal challenge, too, and fairly easy to remember from whom it came. I'm sure that, whatever the veracity of that challenge, matters could still be arranged to permit the commencement of Killington Lane Bridge, plus the sundry access works at the Blackmoor end.
The newsletter does seem very upbeat, and really good to have something to chew on, after what seems like an age ago.

 

I have taken a look at the ENPA planning portal and located what appears to be the Legal Challenge which was posted to the website on 21st Junc. There are no prizes for guessing who has instigated this. The document contains a legal opinion from Richard Moules, a Barrister, of Landmark Chambers which explains why [in his opinion] it would be illegal for ENPA to grant the S73 permission. Incidentally Barristers of Landmark Chambers were involved on both sides of the RVR TWAO Public Inquiry. It would appear that this objector is using different solicitors unless there has been a name change.