Carriage Shelter - major update

As can be seen in the photo above steelwork arrived today at Woody Bay and the process of erecting the carriage shelter has started, a major and exciting milestone for this critical project.

However, we still need your help is raising funds to close the gap in funding.

This has been a complex project with far more work expected than originally envisaged. As trackwork was removed to enable below ground construction it quickly became evident that not only was the headshunt track life expired but the sub-base and ballast throughout the area was also in need of renewal. The opportunity was also taken to renew sleepers in an around the interconnecting pointwork so that it is fit for a long future.  

Given that our volunteer teams were hard pressed with other crtitcial activities over the summer and proceeding the gala it was decided to use our shelter contractor help to renew the ballast at the same time of constructing the carriage shed foundations. In rebuilding the headshunt (which will now be the carriage shelter road) the opportunity was also taken to renew sleepers in an around the interconnecting pointwork so that it is fit for a long and fruitful future.

This means we have a shortfall of around £30,000 in extra materials, contractor machinery and labour over our original target estimate of £60,000 (of which we have 91% to date).

Protecting our carriages is of upmost importance and any help you can give in closing the gap would be greatly appreciated – not only in protecting our unique carriages now but for future generations.

Every donation, however small or large plays an important role in protecting one of the most unique heritage fleets in the UK.