Chelfham Viaduct open day
& Heritage Hub launch
Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th May 2025
'A true once in a lifetime event!'
For the first time in nearly 130 years, The Chelfham Viaduct, a Victorian steam railway marvel, will open for the public explore on Saturday 17th May & Sunday 18th May!
There will be no better opportunity to check out one of North Devon's most remarkable hidden gems. It is also the perfect chance to wander around our own 'Growforward Project' and see its historic watermill which is at the heart of our restoration aspirations.
May 17th will also see the launch of the 'Chelfham Valley Heritage Hub' which will be The Growforward Project's permanent welcoming space and reception for interested parties.
The Hub will offer visitors the chance to learn about The Growforward Project itself as well as exhibiting displays relating to the history of the Chelfham Mill, the incredible Chelfham Viaduct, the Lynton & Barnstaple Steam Railway, and a host of information relating to the incredible unique biodiversity of the whole Chelfham Valley.
We very much look forward to welcoming visitors on the open weekend and beyond for those who wish to learn more about what we are up to and about the Chelfham Valley area as a whole. They can also expect the kettle to be on and cake on the stand!
There will be hot food & pop up pub, hosted by The Bratton Fleming Community Benefit Society.
People are asked to reserve a place to explore The Chelfham Viaduct and the Victorian steam railway by using this link (click here)
There will be no better opportunity to check out one of North Devon's most remarkable hidden gems. It is also the perfect chance to wander around our own 'Growforward Project' and see its historic watermill which is at the heart of our restoration aspirations.
May 17th will also see the launch of the 'Chelfham Valley Heritage Hub' which will be The Growforward Project's permanent welcoming space and reception for interested parties.
The Hub will offer visitors the chance to learn about The Growforward Project itself as well as exhibiting displays relating to the history of the Chelfham Mill, the incredible Chelfham Viaduct, the Lynton & Barnstaple Steam Railway, and a host of information relating to the incredible unique biodiversity of the whole Chelfham Valley.
We very much look forward to welcoming visitors on the open weekend and beyond for those who wish to learn more about what we are up to and about the Chelfham Valley area as a whole. They can also expect the kettle to be on and cake on the stand!
There will be hot food & pop up pub, hosted by The Bratton Fleming Community Benefit Society.
People are asked to reserve a place to explore The Chelfham Viaduct and the Victorian steam railway by using this link (click here)
The Flying Banana
Clive Smith & Jon Hird
Full yellow 'Flying Banana' as 43013 brings up the rear of the 1Q18 05.43 Reading Triangle Sidings - Paignton via Penzance New Measurement Train with 43062 on the front out of sight. The train might be yellow but the sun certainly wasn't this morning as the former Cantrell Works at Bittaford was covered in low cloud and moorland mizzle. 02.05.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
The Penzance - Paignton leg of the circuit is seen crossing the ornate bridge which carries the railway over the road to Carlyon Bay. 02.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
The 'going away shot' as 43062 pushes towards Par. 02.05.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Thanks very much, Clive.
A light load
Phil 'Shattered' Smith
45104 is pictured with just one wagon at Winterbourne in this undated shot from the 1980's. Copyright Phil Smith.
An interesting move - many thanks, Phil
Double 'Grids' and Double 'Tugs'
Guy Vincent
For today's 6Z60 1034 Willesden - Merehead empties and return 6M18 1613 Merehead - Willesden loaded grit stone DC Rail utilised their two class 56s; 56103 and 56301 - the latter recently purchased out of preservation from the Class 56 Group and still sporting the two tone grey livery of the long defunct private sector rail operator Fastline Freight. As 56045 it was outbased at Westbury for several years from 1982 when it was used on stone workings from Merehead and Whatley quarries.
At the same time as the 56s were passing through Westbury station with 6M18, on the nearby Hawkeridge chord were two of DC Rail's four class 60s; 60028 and 60029 (shut down), unusually in top and tail formation with the 6Z23 1410 Wembley - Tytherington empties.
At the same time as the 56s were passing through Westbury station with 6M18, on the nearby Hawkeridge chord were two of DC Rail's four class 60s; 60028 and 60029 (shut down), unusually in top and tail formation with the 6Z23 1410 Wembley - Tytherington empties.
2025 05 02 Westbury 56301 & 56103 6M18 1613 Merehead - Willesden. Copyright Guy Vincent.
2025 05 02 Hawkeridge 60028 6Z23 1410 Wembley -Tytherington Empties. Copyright Guy Vincent.
2025 05 02 Westbury 56301 & 56103 6M18 1613 Merehead - Willesden. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Many thanks, Guy - always great to see these heavyweight BR workhorses still out earning their keep.
West Somerset Spring Gala
at Crowcombe Heathfield
David Tozer
GWR 2807 at Crowcombe Heathfield. 02.05.2025, copyright David Tozer.
2896 beneath the semaphores in the sunshine. 02.05.2025, copyright David Tozer.
Visiting 45596 'Bahamas'. 02.05.2025, copyright David Tozer.
Visiting 0-6-0 PT 'Fenchurch'. 02.05.2025, copyright David Tozer.
A 1937 Morris van in GWR colours. The owner told me that the vehicle only came of the paint shop this morning after a ten year period of restoration. 02.05.2025, copyright David Tozer.
Great pics - many thanks indeed, Dave.