Isle of Wight Steam Railway

That is really spectacular news! It was always such a tantalising prospect, but I never thought that it was even being considered, let alone persued. Many congratulations to all involved, and to the IoWSR at large.

 

There's more information about the future of the station on the IWSR website:

https://iwsteamrailway.co.uk/2025/0...1Q5uPrjFxZpJxRVnRA_aem_rfYmy9eC7TwZ5J3MUvKeMA

 

I have read the attached post, and Whilst i agree that Ashey Station be restored to 1924 condition, I don't think, if it is going to also be used as a holiday let, restoring it as an active station, with trains calling, will be a wise move, mostly because of the danger of people getting in the way of trains, kids not being aware of the dangers, for one thing, Trespass on tracks etc, where as if the halt remains as the active side, for the first few years, and the old station, is separate from the running line, it will make for a much safer scenario

 

Maybe we'd be better off letting the IoWSR decide what is the best way forward, seeing as they've obviously been looking at this for a considerable time, unlike us.

 

So it's going to be under the railways ownership and used as a halt right?

 

Read the report, the plan, is to restore the public rooms and platform to Southern condition, and the rest of the station buildings will be used as a holiday let,
My point is just in questioning is it going to be a problem having holiday makers, who might not be as aware of the dangers of an active railway just feet away, as they should,

 

The KESR, Llangollen, NYMR and I'm sure others all have holiday lets in buildings/rolling stock on or around stations just feet from the running line, and as far as I'm aware all without issue. As long as there is a decent boundary fence there shouldn't be a problem. I imagine all will become apparent as the plans develop.

 

It was always stated as part of the railways ‘strategic vision’ document, that they wanted to purchase the station if it ever became available.

Great news it’s happened. An original wayside IOW station is something the railway was lacking. Wootton and Smallbrook being new construction, and Haven Street heavily developed to meet the operational requirements of the line.

Holiday let makes sense. Makes use of the parts not required for passenger use, and presumably helps makes the repayments to purchase the station. I think in the past the idea was to purchase it with a commercial mortgage.

 

It does seem to make sense. Of course in time, given its remote setting, Ashey is very likely to become one of those very special "time capsules", like Kingscote, Arley, Bodiam, Chelfham, to name just a few, where one really can step through the portal, into a land of lost content.
I hope I'm still around to experience it!

 

A great result for the railway and it's very satisfying to see something from the 'wishlist' on the strategic vision being crossed off. Also very positive that at a time when there is so much uncertainty on many heritage lines, that the IOWSR are in a position to jump on the opportunity to acquire the station.

 

Wight Wanderer very quick off the blocks:

 

Will the Holiday let include travel on the IOWSR, and other attractions , If the IOWSR, get it right, this could be quite a good investment, especially if they can put together a package with other leisure attractions on the island, discounted admissions etc, one free day ticket on IOWSR, just step out of the station building and hail a passing train, then there will be the experience of how special it must be to sit out on the platform after the last trains have left, enjoying the quiet, taking in the scene, until, in the clear moonlight, you hear the mournful sound of a hooter, and the ghost train rattles by,

 

The Wight Wanderer YouTube channel has just uploaded a video explaining the complex history of Ashey Station and an interview with IWSR Chief Executive Marc Morgan Huws, talking about the railway’s ambitious future plans for Ashey - link below……

What’s next for Ashey Station?

 

Give them a chance Martin, they’ve only just bought the place!
I very much doubt that anyone has considered offering freebies to guests at this stage. More likely to be concerned with getting the building restored first.

 

Brilliant to see that Ashey station is now owned by the IWSR, it will be interesting to see how the station develops in the next decade.

The passing loop will probably be of limited use outside galas and the such, unless the proposal to extend to Ryde St John comes around again.

 

After watching the video linked to above, I’ve discovered some more very interesting videos by Wight Wandereer. In particular the one below where he goes searching for grounded bodies still in situ on the island. Well worth a watch.

 

Its a really good channel, isn't it? I came in on his search for the C&NR carriage at Gurnard.
Its astounding whats still out there on windy hillsides, isolated pastures, and the like.
Enough to supply several like- minded railway projects for years and years.

 

Presumably the IOWSR have their eye on all these remaining bodies, in case they become available. Even if only for spare parts in some cases.

Whats happening with that LBSCR saloon? There were a lot of noises at one time that it was going to be moving to Haven Street. All seems to have gone quiet

 

Luck simply wasn’t on our side with the saloon as it was sold on by the previous owners, on the plus side it is in good hands and appreciated.

 

As long as they're sensible and safety measures I put in place, it will be fine.