Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Trust
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The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Trust (The Trust) is an educational charity supporting the rebuilding and operation of the railway by the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Company, determined to reinstate the railway that was once the jewel in the crown of North Devon, England.
The Trust is affiliated to the HRA
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[edit] Objects
Working closely with the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Company and other sister organisations, the Trusts charitable objectives are:
1) To advance the education of the public in the history sociology and technology of narrow gauge railways and railways in general with particular reference to the former Lynton & Barnstaple Railway in Devonshire ("The railway")
2) To provide educational and training facilities to those engaged in the restoration and operation of the railway or railways generally.
[edit] Membership
The Trust has well over a thousand members worldwide, with the majority coming from England.
Three times a year members receive a magazine with articles on the history of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway and news of rebuilding the line and the restoration of locomotives and rolling stock, illustrated with historical and modern photographs, and evocative drawings and paintings recapturing the atmosphere of the line.
Members are entitled to preferential rates when visiting the railway. They are also encouraged to help with the construction, maintenance and operation of the railway, as well as publicity and fundraising activities.
[edit] History
[edit] Inspiration
The day after the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway closed, Barnstaple Town stationmaster Harold Ford and Porter Guard Walkey laid a wreath of bronze crysanthemums on the [[Barnstaple Town railway station|Barnstaple Station stop block. Sent by Paymaster Captain Thomas Alfred Woolf, R.N. (Retd.), of Woody Bay.[1]
The wreath bore a black-edged postcard, hand-written on both sides:
| “ | TO BARNSTAPLE & LYNTON RAILWAY WITH REGRET & SORROW FROM A CONSTANT USER AND ADMIRER | ” |
| “ | Perchance it "is not dead but sleepeth" | ” |
[edit] Action
Inspired by these few words, In 1979 a small group of enthusiasts met to form the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Association with the intention of reopening part of the line within about 18 months. In fact, it took somewhat longer. Not until 1995 did the former station building at Woody Bay became available for sale, and following extensive negotiations, was purchased by the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Company on behalf of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Association. Following further negotiations and purchase of other parts of the trackbed, Woody Bay is now the centre of operations for the restoration project. The former station at Chelfham is now also owned by the Railway Company.
In 2000, The Association registered with the Charity Commission and was absorbed into The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Trust,
Woody Bay station reopened in 2004 and the line was extended in 2006. Trains now run on a two-mile round trip over the original route within Exmoor National Park above the Heddon Valley near Parracombe, and visitors are again able to experience a taste of what many believe to be one of the world's ultimate railway experiences.
Captain Woolf died on 12 May 1937, aged 55 and is buried in Martinhoe Churchyard.
Headed by the Trust, a number of groups, and over 1500 volunteers, run The L&B Project, researching, restoring, rebuilding and operating the railway.
Each September, at the Woody Bay Steam Gala, a wreath of bronze crysanthemums is carried on the pilot loco, and afterwards, laid on the Captain's grave in remembrance, and as thanks for his inspirational words.
The Trust was first registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on September 22 2000
[edit] Finance
The Trust has not to date received any financial support from any external statutory, European or Lottery grants, so all income has been raised largely through the efforts of its members.
| Financial Year | Gross Income | Total Expenditure |
|---|---|---|
| 25 Jul 2000 - 31 Dec 2000 | £28,640 | £ 4,926 |
| 01 Jan 2001 - 31 Dec 2001 | £51,887 | £26,750 |
| 01 Jan 2002 - 31 Dec 2002 | £51,887 | £26,750 |
| 01 Jan 2003 - 31 Dec 2003 | £85,662 | £52,179 |
| 01 Jan 2004 - 31 Dec 2004 | £44,753 | £50,146 |
| 01 Jan 2005 - 31 Dec 2005 | £44,771 | £35,134 |
[edit] See also
- Lynton and Barnstaple Railway
- Lynton and Barnstaple Railway Co. Ltd. The Operating company associated with the rebuilding of the modern L&B.
[edit] Notes
- ^ JW Dorling, The Railway Magazine October 1935
[edit] References
- The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Magazine published three times a year by The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Trust. 1979 to date
