Many thanks to Doug Nicholls for this collection of memories.
This week when I made a journey to Exeter, looking out of the window I noticed demolition signs around the former Plymouth Royal Eye Hospital at Mutley. During the week I made enquiries to a local Plymouth gentleman who informed me that the complete building of 1901 listed as a Grade 11 and its extension, were being demolished to build retirement flats. I thought a trip to Plymouth was a must before the whole building vanished. However on arrival the demolition team had demolished the extension but the lights were burning in the main building. Making enquiries locally resulted in only the Hospital extension being demolished for over 50 retirement homes, however lack of interest has seen the developers seeking planning permission for student accommodation. The main part of the Hospital is expected to be converted into 12 flats Julian Hanwell kindly sent in this picture, note the large number of white 'out of use' levers. Many thanks Julian
The Lyme Regis Branch ran for six and a half miles through difficult terrain for railway building. It linked the seaside town of Lyme with the LSWR main line at Axminster, and was only opened in 1903. The last passenger trains ran on 27 November 1965, exactly 50 years ago today, and were diesel multiple units. The line had been dieselised 2 years earlier in November 1963. The wooden station building at Lyme Regis was dismantled and rebuilt at Alresford on the Watercress Line in Hampshire, 37603 3Q91 at Truro and Falmouth docks with the ultrasonic test train .
Our old friends at Rosevidney will sadly no longer be seen from passengers travelling to and from Penzance by train. The Cornishman Newspaper reported that Wimpey the Donkey and Fudge the Cow have been inseperable in these fields for over 20 years, Old age and arthritis has taken its toll and is regrettable that both animals have had to be put down. The cow was the last one of the Rosvidney herd, and was named by the Sea Scouts who were camping on the farm on the day that she was born. Wimpey the donkey was bought 30 years ago from a donkey derby and entertained local children at schools together with appearing in nativity plays. Many of the locals used to feed these animals with carrots and other delights. they will be sorely missed by us all passing milepost 322.25 from London Paddington. Quite a touching story - many thanks for recording our two friends.
Following a telephone call received this morning I once again paid a visit to Lelant Station where check rails were laid during the night. Why checkrails have been laid remains a mystery, is it to strengthen the track formation or stop derailed trains going into the estuary! (**See below) Arriving in time to see the 11.48 from St Erth pass, another 90 mins was spent waiting for the return working being the 13.04 from St Ives. Contacting the helpline I was advised that trains were replaced by buses until 15.00hrs. Going deeper into the problem Realtime Trains reported cancellations owing to track defects. Tonight sees the Track Testing Train to St Ives. ** A note from Graham Mann advises that the rails in the four foot are actually strengthening rails, required because of the use of lightweight steel sleepers through tight radius curves. Thank you Graham |
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