CLOISTER AND WENDY MOVE TO STATFOLD AS OWNING GROUP DISBANDS
The Statfold Barn Railway’s already extensive collection of steam locomotives has grown by two, following the arrival of ‘Quarry Hunslet’ Cloister and Bagnall 0-4-0ST Wendy.
Formerly owned by the Bursledon Brickworks-based
Hampshire Narrow Gauge Railway Trust, the pair have been donated to the Statfold Narrow Gauge Museum Trust after the HNGRT announced in September that it would be disbanding owing to dwindling membership and ageing volunteers, plus an untenable lease at Bursledon which restricted the trust’s ability to develop (SR497).
Wendy (Works No. 2091 of 1919) was transported by lowloader from Amberley Museum, its home for 2019, on November 11, arriving at Statfold the following day where it was officially handed over by HNGRT chairman Les Munckton. Arriving the same day was the HNGRT’s pair of Motor Rail ‘Simplexes’ (Works Nos. 4736 ‘Agwi Pet’ and 5226 ‘Bambridge Hall’), its 1936-built former Ramsgate Tunnel Railway coach, and a former Dinorwic quarry slate wagon. ‘Quarry Hunslet’ 0-4-0ST Works No. 542 Cloister, which has been based at Bressingham for most of this year, landed at Statfold on November 20.
HNGRT trustee Phil Mason said: “It is very reassuring to know that the locomotives are in safe hands, will have a guaranteed future, and can be enjoyed by the many thousands of people that visit Statfold. It is also good to know that the wagons will be put to use in a productive manner.”
Mr Mason added: “The aim is to have the trust wound up by April 2020 when all assets will have been distributed and HNGRT will end its responsibilities at the Brickworks.”
The remainder of the HNGRT’s rolling stock has been donated to the Hampton & Kempton Waterworks Railway.
Much of the stock departed Bursledon on November 14, along with a privately owned coach which has also been purchased by the HKWR. A privately owned 21hp Hibberd ‘Type 39’ diesel
locomotive has also gone to the HKWR on loan.
Although 2ft gauge passenger trains at Bursledon have now ceased, the miniature railway is still operating.