Chelfham Station Open Day Photos: Sunday 13 May

As part of the very busy L&B weekend, what with the Vintage Vehicle Weekend event at Woody Bay, the Trust members' AGM at Lynton on the Saturday evening and the Exmoor Associates meeting and trackwalk at Snapper, another small event took place at the L&B's second station at Chelfham.

Nigel Thompson was on site on Sunday to show off to members and visitors the station's original features inside and out, and also the recent limited restoration work by the small volunteers group of 'Friends'. Visitors also had the chance to walk the length of the recently cleared trackbed and along a newly signposted woodland walk on the path above the trackbed.

1. Members relax at Chelfham during the open day.



2. A copy of the new book just published by Steve Phillips; 'Measured & Drawn' was on hand to be consulted about how the railway looked originally at Chelfham before the 1935 closure.



3. Members and visitors continued throughout the morning whilst the grass lawn awaited cutting!



4. More people enjoy the quiet surroundings at Chelfham.



5. Much discussion by members about the future plans for the whole railway and also at Chelfham. (During a quiet period the grass did manage to get cut!)

There was a steady stream of visitors throughout the bright sunny day - many of whom were en-route to or from Woody Bay. A display board showed some of the original railway's pictures as well as some history of the station to those not familiar with the L&BR. Teas and biscuits were provided for the members to enjoy whilst 'dreaming' of the one day in the future when the railway here can be restored and trains will again run over the famous viaduct and into Chelfham Station.

The total counted today was 32 visitors and members, everyone of whom I believe enjoyed their visit and wished us well with our endeavours.

Words and pictures by Nigel Thompson.