2025 Members' Forum

This years Member’s Forum took place on Saturday 8^th November at Lynton Town Hall and was attended by over 60 people.

As is customary Chairman Peter Miles opened the meeting with a two-minute silence observed for those members and volunteers who have sadly passed away over the year.

The meeting began with the announcement that Trustee Giles Perkins has been appointed as Vice-Chair of the Trust and that regular volunteer at Woody Bay David Balmer has been co-opted as Trustee with the responsibility for volunteer wellbeing. 

Giles Perkins then gave an informative presentation giving an update from the Trust’s point of view covering:

• Partnership working during the year with the likes of ENPA, National Trust, Visit Exmoor and Petroc Collage
• The Save the Rails digital gaming collaboration
• The diverse media coverage this year including our YouTube channel
• An appreciation of our volunteers and an update on volunteer accommodation
• Early news on the launch of a Youth section in 2026
• Some information from the Heritage Rail Association and SW Tourism on the challenges facing the industry
• News on early work on plans to enhance our membership offer
• A future call for skills from across the membership as well as call for a new lead for the 100 Club
• Updates on governance and the Woody Bay listing
• An update on funding channels and the fact we can now take monthly donations
• An announcement of the start to fencing at Bridwick Farm
• And, the launch of Project Axe with a preview of the Steam on the Moor film, link here, and the fund page, link here

General Manager Stuart Nelhams gave an extensive visual presentation covering all the changes, achievements and projects that have been happening over 2025 – a reminder of what of staff and volunteers achieve in across our sites. This included specific updates on Van 23, Axe and the progress with the carriage shelter – steel work is awaited for final construction. Stu then thanked all staff and volunteers for the efforts over the year.

Chairman Peter Miles gave a brief update on the construction of the new Manning Wardle locomotives and kindly brought along a selection of photographs and mechanical components for members to look at.

Over lunch, prepared by Mark and Desi Halliday a further £400 was raised for Trust funds through kind member donations. Immediately afterwards Giles Perkins acted as auctioneer for Barrie Cann’s wonderful painting of Sir George Newnes the man and the engine named in his honour. In a fast paced and at times tense bidding way an astonishing £200 was raised which will be going to the Barnstaple Signal Box fund.

Tim Woods gave a brief update on the acquisition of a signalling frame and associated materials, which was led by Clive Robey, before he updated on progress with the restoration of the Barnstaple Town signal box.

To wrap up the day Trustee John Barton gave a detailed talk on the various procedures and complexities of the future planning application for the proposed extension to Parracombe Halt. John outlined the surveying work necessary and the enabling vegetation management works required at the work weekend.

Finally, Giles Perkins thanked all those who had taken the time and effort to come to Lynton for the event.