Lynton and Barnstaple - Operations and Development

>>>I felt the place really needed a museum of smaller artefacts....

I would agree - it's one of those 'little things' which has the potential to add a lot to the 'visitor experience'. Of course, the old Assoication did once have just such a thing in the former L&SWR signal-box at Barnstaple Town, but they had to vacate there many years ago.

AIUI the Trust is starting to exhibit a few items at WB, but to a large extent I suspect it all comes down to (a) lack of space and (b) manpower willing and available to do it. There is talk of a 'proper' Museum at Blackmoor in due course, but when how and where on site are all very vague. Sadly I think it is a case - perhaps quite understandable - that most interest and effort is directed to actually running the railway and 'ancillary stuff' such as a Museum comes lower down the list of priorities.

Another factor at the moment is that - apparently - the Trust does not (yet - it is supposed to be a matter getting attention now) have a comprehensice list of all the 'relics' in its possession and where they all are. It is difficult to plan a Museum if you don't know how much stuff you have and how much space will be required to exhibit it !

 

Tom

I also called at Woody Bay for a lunchtime pasty and a train ride on my way home from holiday yesterday - I was on the 1.30 train.

Thanks for your feedback, be it complimentary or constructive criticism.

Did you see the glass display cabinet in the tearooms which contains a small collection of L&B artifacts? The Trustee who currently has responsibility for such things does change the items from time to time.

We all look forward to having a longer journey. We very much hope the current Planning Application will be approved by ENPA so that we can almost double the length of the ride. The train would then dive under two road bridges and pass through trees adding variety to the trip.

In time we would love to be able to extend all the way to the Old Station Inn at Blackmoor and down to the reservoir - that would give an 11 mile round trip.

I understand the trains are running slightly slower at the moment in order to minimise the risk of any lineside fires. The return journey from Killington Lane to Woody Bay is usually much more exciting sound-wise! Do please pay another visit once the rains have returned and reduced the risk of fire. Your ticket allows you to ride on every train on that day.

Mike

 

What are the plans for reinstating Paracoombe bank?

 

The plans which were approved in 2018 showed a big concrete 'tunnel' built over the river with masses of suitable material over the top. I guess those documents can still be found on the ENPA website.

 

That sounds appropriate. It's only a stream at that stage, isn't it?