Halesworth to Southwold Narrow Gauge Railway Open Day Success
On Sunday September 8th we held our Open Day and Model Railway Show at Blythburgh Station, as part of the national Heritage Open Days, and also Halesworth Heritage Day. Leading up to that, we were in the Pop-Up shop i-Chameleon in Halesworth for three days (supported by U3A and ESTA), and volunteers also provided a guided walk on the Millennium Green looking at the old railway artefacts. On the day itself, we were very lucky with the weather, as it rained before and after – but it was fine during the day. We have been running these open days for several years now – but we are very pleased to say that this was our best yet, with many visitors enjoying the model railways, railway films, second-hand bookstall, displays of our work, demonstration narrow gauge trains, guided tours, and light refreshments. For the first time since 1929 you could see a full-sized signal restored to its original position – this was made by a volunteer and temporarily erected especially for the show. Unusually (but usually for us) the entire event was free to attend – and, even more unusually, the light refreshments (tea coffee and home-made cakes) were also free! Many visitors kindly gave us a donation. Our heartfelt thanks are due to the many volunteers who contributed to the success of this open day – and to the many businesses, charities and other organisations – including the Town Council – who provided publicity for this event: your efforts are very much appreciated.
We would like to ask Community News readers for support: there have been a small number of complaints about our work in restoring the station, so that we now have to have planning permission to be allowed to retain the historic facility. Please, if you can, send a message of support to East Suffolk District Council Planning Department this month, or all our work might be undone. The application reference is DC/24/2962/FUL and the details can be found on the East Suffolk Council website http://publicaccess.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/online-applications/ where you can make comments on line. Please note that you will have to register with East Suffolk if you are not already registered for any council services otherwise you can write in to them – see how to do this at https://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/planning/planning-applications-and-enforcement/view-and-comment-on-a-planning-application/comment-on-a-planning-application/
We hope that as many of our friends and supporters as possible will find the time to send ESDC their support.
James Hewett, Chairman