Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

It was interesting, looking at the first couple of pages in this long running thread, how certain names and themes are still current. I too, am frustrated by the seeming impasse concerning L & B expansion and thought "What has been achieved in 13 years?".....Then I realised that, in fact, a lot has been done. More trackbed sections purchased by EA, Bratton Fleming station purchased, better facilities at Woody Bay, restoration of Chelfham and Snapper and more besides.
So a lot to be proud of by dedicated volunteers on the ground and solid financial backing by thousands of supporters worldwide.

 

Indeed, you are correct.

However.....BF station, Snapper and most other track-bed purchases have been done by EA, whilst Chelfham is owned by the CIC not the Trust. The key question therefore to the Trust Board from many Trust members could be phrased perhaps as "in the years since the extension to KL was opened, and more particularly since 2018, how much of Phase 2A has been completed as part of the overall objective to re-build the line..", to which at the moment the answer seems to be just "rebuild two small bridges south of Blackmoor".

Just saying....

 

knowing some of the history to this I would suggest he means

Peter Miles Private Railway

 

Hi Phil nice that you apricate all that has happen but unfortunately it is not that simple (nothing is when it involved the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway),

Most of what you have said comes under the work carried out by Exmoor Associates who have been told by the Trust that they are insignificant to the long term plans of rebuilding this railway really?

The only bit that the Trust can be proud of is to build the new Tea rooms and even then a lot of people moaned about that.

I know that you may not have realised there was a difference between the two groups, but it is a touchy subject guaranteed to upset one group or another.

Sadly unless everyone is willing to talk then this is all you are going to get as far as a rebuilt L&BR.

Colin

 

Could you please back up that statement with a link to when/where it was stated?
Otherwise you are simply creating division between the groups...

 

Sadly you have forgotten to mention the progress the railway has made over the last decade.

For a start there is the amazing sight of a new build Baldwin pulling five rebuilt original coaches, along with a visiting Manning Wardle one of the best sights in the preserved railway world. Many hours by volunteers on and of site has been spent on track work, rolling stock, Lyn, many many other pieces of work you wouldn’t even notice.

You may have a problem with the trust, but not everyone has.

 

Now your putting words into my mouth and no I don't have a problem with the Trust see below.

 

Indeed, but...the MW was not built by the Trust, it does not belong to the Trust, nor is it normally stationed on the L&BR. Yes, it's a lovely visitor to have, but would it not be better if it could be running to Parracombe and beyond within the next few years ?

 

Keith this division has been going on for about sixteen years so it is nothing new, most of us try not to mention it, but flying Phil's comments indicated that he thought everything had been done by the Trust which is not the case I have been ask to just point it out that is all

 

Yes it would, as everyone in the trust I’m sure would like to see. The post says that nothing has been achieved by the trust, (apart from the new tea rooms), which is not the case.

 

Not correct in the context of the original post.
The post by lynbarn to which you refer related to an earlier post by FlyingPhil in which he listed a number of 'achievements', but the Tea Room was the only Trust project in that list.

 

Sorry Colin, but that's not evidence of the Trust saying that EA has no significance in the rebuilding of the railway.
You would be the first to jump on any statement from the Trust that was not backed up with evidence, so I dont see why your statement should not be held to the same standard, especially when it is so devisive

 

It is what a long serving trustee said, end of story, you can view the trustees in whatever light you like but IMHO 2 are nothing more than arrogant bullies and I have witnessed one puff himself up like a banty cock and challenge someone and seen a former trustee and still director have a screaming fit in front of a group of volunteers instead of handing the situation of the moment calm and collectively, a lot of you honestly don't have a clue, rant over,

 

I wonder whether there might be some good news for a change on one part of the railway's development plans? I wonder if we might hear something, say, in about a month's time? Just wonderin'

 

Don't hold your breath

 

You still haven't indicated whether you plan to stand for a Trust position. It is very easy to stand at a distance and criticise, different when you have to actually take responsibility.

 

Well until there's actual evidence of this event then I'll consider this as hearsay/tittle-tattle and part of the very obvious hostility that yourself, 'the engineer' and Colin have against the current trustees.
As for "not having a clue" - you know nothing about the people posting here and what they know or do.

 

You clearly do have a problem with the Trust - the content and tenor of your posts is very critical of them.

 

Consider it as you will but i know it was said as fact, the @Engineer and @lynbarn go back a long way with this railway, to the point of being heavily involved with getting Woody Bay started and up and running so i think they and a lot of others that were involved at the time have a right to be critical of what they have witnessed over the last 17 years, as for myself i simply don't like bullies and arrogance and i dont like the way news (when some is released) is exaggerated to give members the impression that all is better than it actually is, also i only have a problem with some of the current trustee's not all of them , its about time this railway was allowed to breath again