Southwold Railway

Only 6 comments so far, of which 3 objections.
If you would like the Southwold Railway to succeed, I would encourage people to register their support

 

a local railway for local people...there's nothing for you here...

 

"The League of Gentlemen was a hard-hitting documentary series..."(Wiki)

 

Caught between objections from the yokels and the second home owners

 

Planning officers are usually more than capable of recognising an idiot when they see one.

 

Agreed! Forum readers may be wondering what's happening at Blythburgh station: we still await the decision of the local authority on our planning application for the extension and the station enhancements (submitted in December 2024). The Parish Council are still attempting to register the trackbed as a footpath, which would create many problems. Proximity of the proposed railway to the Priory ruins is a factor, too. (It's not that close!). It moves on very slowly.

We are ready to hit the ground running, if all goes well, with the rails and sleepers ready (not quite enough of either, but enough to make a very good start), the signal also ready, and the Odams' Goods Shed planned out. Two more replica wagons (MOY Cleminson and covered van) will soon be done, too - these will add to the station ambience. The coach is close to completion (not a replica of a full SR one, but acceptable to be getting on with). Regular meetings now take place between the Chairmen of the Southwold Railway Trust and the Halesworth to Southwold Narrow Gauge Railway CIO.
James

 

Pleased to report that the recent Spring Open Day at the station went very well indeed. Takings and visitor numbers were considerably up on the same event in 2024. (When I say takings, most of that is donations, as we don't charge for entry, or for refreshments).
The shunting demonstrations using the relaid tramway-style sidings were particularly popular, with gaggles of photographers recording every move.
Even the passenger coach (which we cannot yet use as a travelling asset for the public) seemed to be an attraction - families just wanted to sit in it for the view, and to experience how it would feel to be running along the line.
Our visitors were - mostly - quite indignant about the continuing efforts of the Parish Council to prevent the restoration of the railway.
The next such event is on Sunday July 20th, and it will again be totally free. Who knows - perhaps we will have some good news by then....and even if not, we fight on, of course..... "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."
James