Bideford Railway Heritage Centre reopens

THE little heritage railway at Bideford station, Devon, reopened on July 9 and is open for visitors on Wednesdays and Sundays 10.30–16.00. In addition to Covid-19, it has had to contend with the local authority wanting it to close so the site could be redeveloped. Such a threat has been hanging over the railway for many years, but came to a head earlier this year.

There was a huge amount of support and goodwill towards the railway, resulting in a change of mind. The reopening has attracted more supporters and local enthusiasm for the project.

Driver training for 4wDM Kingsley (Hibberd 3832 of 1957) took place in August with volunteers passing the necessary exams required for running passenger services again on the approximately 330-yard track.

Earlier in the summer, the loco had been repainted and the trackbed cleared of weeds. For details visit www.facebook.com/ bidefordrailway.co.uk