Opening of the Chappel Miniature Railway _ 24th October 2020

 

Chappel Miniature Railway          Public Opening 24^th October 2020

 

After much effort over three years by many, the opening of the miniature railway is imminent, pending an absence of any further government restrictions beyond the known Level 2. Built as an open-air railway with un-enclosed carriages it has some advantages in current circumstances.

From the viewpoint of our visitors it is a major advancement in the amenity of the site. While restoration of course is something as rail enthusiast we like to progress, the thrill of a journey is often the most memorable part of a visit to the museum. 

Being a miniature railway, it appeals especially to a younger visitor – it’s not too scary, is more understandable in its smaller scale. Adults get a payback too , with smiling faces children can take home a memorable experience. Another benefit to the museum is that this railway is expandable, we have the land, perhaps just one -third, or less,  of its potential has been realised.

 

Rob West reports:

On the first public running day, it is planned to ‘cut the ribbon’ to officially open the first section of the new railway. Unfortunately, there’s no planned ceremony in mind, mainly because of the Covid-19 safety measures. Ryan Gant and myself will be operating the railway that day, with Isaac as Op-Sup also present for the first run, it is intended  to use our oldest locomotive “Ricardo Lampwick”  to do the honours.

Thinking about the construction period, would just like to say how proud I am to have been a part of this fantastic project, having enjoyed working on the previous railway for some years. Both Tim and I  want to thank everybody who has contributed towards the scheme in any way, big or small, assembling track panels, laying down ballast or hardcore, painting, electrical wiring, even just lending a hand to lift heavy equipment or make the tea! The list of names is beyond counting, but to everyone concerned, a big thank you to you all. Our new railway would never have taken shape without your combined efforts.

For me, the highlights of the construction include the delivery of our first new coaches in August 2019. These are very different from the previous stock, being larger and vacuum braked,  more reliable in running with heavy loadings, it helped to give the first taste of what our new trains would be like. It is expected to have delivery of  two more coaches after the half term period.

Another milestone was the relocation of our steam loco, Frederick, from the old sheds to the new line in February 2020; loading him onto the lorry proved to be a challenge, I breathed a great sign of relief when he was safely mounted on his new rails! On that same day, we tested out our coaches for the first time with our old electric loco, Ricardo Lampwick, which was a delight to see running again after more than a year out of use.

                                                            Steaming for the first time with a new

                                                                                boiler certificate August 2020

A crowning achievement of all  - was running Frederick for the first time a few months ago. After being mothballed for 20 months, it was a long-awaited moment to see our powerful steam engine make its first moves on the new railway.

                                            Tim Rice and Rob West watering "Frederick" in the

                                                                   Minirail Motive Power Depot area

 

The latest development is  provision of a  staff access path from the staff car park to the depot container. At one end a loading bay has been built, to enable rolling stock to be easily delivered or taken away by road transport. A set of buffers prevents trains from overshooting the end of the running line in normal service and can be temporarily removed when the loading bay is required.

  

                                              A happy scene as Dan Stevens progresses towards Spring 

                                                      Gardens Lane and in future maybe extensions to consider!

 

Members are welcome to look at both the Facebook and What’s App channels to see progress picturing the works. A “Chappel Miniature Railway” group chronicles their works posted on Facebook.

Tim Rice and Isaac Ferneyhough remind all of us that it will operate with a set of rules not dis-similar to the standard gauge, so the Level Crossing is under the control of Mini Rail staff. causal walking alongside the track is prohibited, care and caution should be taken especially in the depot area. Signs for the guidance of the public will be installed to show the route of safe public access.

Reminiscences of John Crawford at Chappel during World War 2

 

Reminiscences of John Crawford at Chappel during World  War 2

This year sees the 80^th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain and after the phoney war, it became a reality for the people. Few remember first hand – but  a visitor John Crawford  spoke to me after an earlier Rail Experience day. He was a youngster then, but he gives an account of life in the village at that time.

John Crawford was a boy during wartime at Chappel; he remembers the station during WW2 was born at Trinity cottage in the village.

John lived in a house rented from a Mr Bird the landlord; he was part of a growing family who eventually comprised 10 people. His family moved to Lower Green council house. Schooling was in the village at Chappel at primary level. For senior school he then used the bus, which were either owned by Shelley’s of Eight Ash Green or Blackwell's. Latterly used a Ford van purchased by the Taberner family who were the publicans of the Railway Tavern whose landlady with Noreen.

At the beginning of the war the fear of aerial bombardment was real, and a plan for a “Crash Evacuation” was prepared as Chappel was seen as a safe location to send children. John would have been seen as lucky to live in the rural area and not be subject to the distress of that process.

Here is an aerial view – showing the village in its smaller form at that time, the Petroleum Oil and Lubricants (POL) Depot alongside Station Approach, it removed about 1974. Wartime rail transport is a subject that will be followed in later Chappel News postings.

During the war a mosquito wooden bodied airframe crash landed just missed the viaduct and landed in the field owned by the Pilgrim family on the field on the Fordham side of the viaduct. The military kept people away. American forces staffed the POL petroleum lubricants and Oil Depot. Petrol trains run at night, and arrived early in the morning. Stationmaster was Len Blackwell.

In the good shed - areas on the floor were allocated to traders so Ashbee’s had an area. Sent by  railway,  seeds of beetroot, wallflowers, runner beans and wheat - the railway was reliable but in time became redundant with increasing and cheaper road transport.

PC Beechcroft was the village copper who stopped young John who said, “You are one of those Crawford boys” pulled up for not having a back light on his bicycle, then clipped around the ear which was something of a surprise. He said “you remember this” and John did that!

While the photo doesn’t depict PC Beechcroft, the photo below shows the last village policeman PC Rowlands in 1965 with the POL tanks visible in the background. Nurse Jackson lived next door to the village policeman. 

John left school at 14 and worked for Ted Ashbee as he had been tutored by his father and had an interest in agricultural work. John was already used to feeding the chickens ducks and animals

After he left school he looked after the seed business of Spurgeons farm. John looked after the seeds business sent from Spurgeons Farm, often to Cullens of Witham by rail. John worked crushing machines to produce cattle feed and buying wheat. He drove a Ferguson T20 tractor these are very new at the time, but the farm still had to Suffolk punch horses.

John left to join the national service for two years, he came to work back with Ashbee’s, but there was a need to earn more money, unfortunately John left  a job that he really enjoyed. He dated and married Maisie, who was initially the ice cream Saturday girl; then he started his married life together, moving to Brightlingsea.

Today John enjoys gardening, and has a lifelong interest in aviation. He has flown in Concorde over the Bay Biscay and to America.

Philip Ainsley was in conversation with John back in 2018

A statement from the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, August 2020

 

East Anglian Railway Museum

A statement from the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, August 2020

 

The Board of Trustees are aware that many members are concerned about the future of the Museum and current projects during and onward from the current situation. Unfortunately, there have been rumours circulating which we hope we can dispel.

Firstly, we can categorically say that the Museum is not closing down. Whilst we have had to furlough some of our loyal staff, all being well we will continue to employ again as the museum gets fully on its feet again.

From the financial point of view, we received a £25,000 Government Grant, which has helped us through the early days of lockdown. This is now backed up by a fortunate windfall of a refund of Personal Protection Insurance monies, which had to be taken out on the loan we negotiated for the purchase of the orchard.

It is now time to advise you that we have the added protection of two substantial bequests from our deceased members Peter and Barry Clampin. These will enable us to go forward on projects, particularly the new Exhibition Hall, which has just been granted planning consent. We can also forge ahead with the work on the new running shed, and a new firebox for locomotive Lamport No.3. As many of you are aware, we have started work on dismantling the N7 for full assessment in preparation for restoration, which has its own specific bequest funds.

It must be remembered that funds are not available to fill a bottomless pit, we should not create the impression that we can blunderbuss money at everything.  We find ourselves in a situation far from ideal, but one from which we can and will recover with your help.

We welcome financial support to conserve those reserves for as long as possible, so enabling the Museum to steer through challenging and uncertain times.  There is still plenty to be done about the site, to keep it safe and tidy for visitors, so we will welcome your help, but also remembering to keep to social distancing for our own and others’ sakes.

Some changes to museum governance have taken place with Liz Larvor taking over from Mike Stanbury as Secretary of the Trading Company and a subsidiary company Eastern Counties Railways Limited. Liz has been with us for some time as Minutes Secretary, her  assistance is really appreciated especially as she will also be dealing with project administration associated with the N7 restoration.

The Museum is pleased to announce that we will be launching train services again and details will be posted on the internet. In September we will have Diesel operation on all of the Saturdays, Steam Days on all Sundays. Your support in making these days a financial success would be greatly appreciated. Further operating days are planned in October, further details will be released in due course.

We look forward to your continued help and maintenance of good health.

Peter Martin, Chairman                                                                                                                                 10.08.20

Platform Two Café,

 

Platform Two Café,

Your reporter is reproducing some content from our caterers 

who have re-launched the operation previously marketed as Jamtarz.

 

Some of you may have noticed the new faces behind the counter, and some will remember them from working onsite in previous years. We are Amy and Ross, owners of Stour Valley Catering in Suffolk, and as of July 2020 now manage and run Platform Two Cafe at East Anglian Railway Museum.

Ross and Amy have a wealth of culinary experience. We aim to provide good quality,  home baked products, using traditional recipes and local produce were possible. From our popular old-fashioned Bread Pudding to 'in vogue' experimental cakes such as Courgette and Lime we aim to tickle your taste buds.

 Our Menu offers light breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and  a variety of snacks as well as daily specials.  We try to accommodate your dietary needs, if you have a very specific requirement a quick phone call to book your table will ensure you are able to enjoy a full menu.

Currently we are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10.00am - 5.00pm (which the museum is open for too).  Business is steady and if you haven’t tried the new menus, then you’re missing something good. Sunday Roast dinners are set to return later on October 11th.

https://platform2cafe.co.uk/

Direct Line 01787 223381 ext. 46   Internal extension 246

Front of House news, by Neil Temlett

 

Front of House news from Neil Temlett

Stacey Mc Elroy has spent a lot of time and skill redecorating reception, bringing it into the 21st century and creating new work stations for the Front of House Team. These are  next to the window and nicely customer-facing.

A glass privacy screen was erected on the right-hand side, partly as Covid19 protection, but also as a necessary screen to stop visitors viewing sensitive information on the till PC.

We are open three days per week for public visiting, but an office presence has been maintained throughout by Neil to deal with back office and administration. At the moment. Stacey & I worked our hours through the lockdown, keeping Reception open for enquiries and deliveries. Stacey does two of the three days we are open, and Stuart Deynan has returned to 1/4 of his days for the other day.

Our site presentation team is reforming, Andrew Lynch has returned to his two days per week and Liz Rushbrook returns to a third of her days. This means we have a member of the Site Presentation Team all day, every day we are open, wearing their new visible EARM branded red uniform tee-shirts.

Upcoming hire activity this autumn

We are pleased to report the museum is again hosting 'National Skills Solutions' returning for training courses in B1 rooms starting in September, giving 14 weeks of hire incomes.

Diesel Railbus star of a Photographic Charter

 

Photographic Charter  - Saturday 15th August

By Peter Martin and Michael Sanders

 

The museum recently welcomed for the second time “ 30742 Charters”, following a successful previous charter with GWR Small Prairie tank 5526 in March. We were asked if they could do another photo charter with the 04 and the DRB, of course we couldn't say no to that!

This group visit railways all around the country and their work is exhibited on the social media platforms, Facebook, Flickr and Instagram. Having a charter means photographers can “call the shots” and railways happy to position locos and stock to order. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected museum income Michael Sanders arranged to get 30742 Charters back in for their photo charter as soon as possible.

Photo Isaac Fernyhough

In true Chappel style many people all pulled together and ran a successful charter that the photographers very much enjoyed. So much so they wish to come back again for a night shoot with the DRB and the N7 once its restoration is complete.

Photo Mark House

Peter Martin also gives credit and writes: to those who screwed this photo shoot together and made it work. A splendid day for one and all. It just shows its' not what we've got - it wots you do with it.

The railbus certainly had a good shake down and performed faultlessly it was the first time it had been in Platform 2 since the 1960s.Beeching then swung the infamous axe on the local line where its four other sisters had worked. Of all the stuff - sorry - artifacts - we have on site; it is the most appropriate item to the location.

It brought back a load of memories for some of our valuable visitors, we hope to have good railway press coverage. Well done to all and look forward to doing it again

Diesel Railbus star of a Photographic Charter

 

Photographic Charter  - Saturday 15th August

By Peter Martin and Michael Sanders

 

The museum recently welcomed for the second time “ 30742 Charters”, following a successful previous charter with GWR Small Prairie tank 5526 in March. We were asked if they could do another photo charter with the 04 and the DRB, of course we couldn't say no to that!

This group visit railways all around the country and their work is exhibited on the social media platforms, Facebook, Flickr and Instagram. Having a charter means photographers can “call the shots” and railways happy to position locos and stock to order. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected museum income Michael Sanders arranged to get 30742 Charters back in for their photo charter as soon as possible.

Photo Isaac Fernyhough

In true Chappel style many people all pulled together and ran a successful charter that the photographers very much enjoyed. So much so they wish to come back again for a night shoot with the DRB and the N7 once its restoration is complete.

Photo Mark House

Peter Martin also gives credit and writes: to those who screwed this photo shoot together and made it work. A splendid day for one and all. It just shows its' not what we've got - it wots you do with it.

The railbus certainly had a good shake down and performed faultlessly it was the first time it had been in Platform 2 since the 1960s.Beeching then swung the infamous axe on the local line where its four other sisters had worked. Of all the stuff - sorry - artifacts - we have on site; it is the most appropriate item to the location.

It brought back a load of memories for some of our valuable visitors, we hope to have good railway press coverage. Well done to all and look forward to doing it again

Building Developments: steel skeletons and outline plans.

 

Building Developments: steel skeletons and outline plans.

 

Good progress has been made on construction in the Running Shed during the summer months following the  forced lockdown period. Currently it could be described as a steel skeleton – but it will grow While it is known you should walk before you can run, the local council have approved plans for a new exhibition shed. 

Current works on the Running Shed

Construction has many phases and looking at the running shed now, Allan Robinson can now report that three quarters of the perimeter internal walkways have been cast. Having at least a roof enables work to proceed useful in hot weather to shield from the sun, and no doubt in future at least some rain protection.

A pause now takes place for some drainage and water supply pipe re-arrangements take place, before an application for funding to start on the cladding framework

Photo of construction as of 20 08 20 

Strength is required as the slab will also support the timber studwork for walls and bear weight of iron windows. Inspections by building control have taken place, a point to bear in mind that all is checked by the authorities.

Works are pictured (also in the Photo Miscellany section) at the beginning in early July, and more recently at the 75% mark. Allan is appreciative to those who have been assisting especially as the slower self-mixing method has been used, for it would be more expensive and difficult with cash-flow, to fit temporary form work and pour in commercially mixed concrete in one go. Once walkways are in-situ temporary track can be installed ( which is why some old sleepers are left around)- so our railcrane can lift timbers and window frame safely.

Planning consent for a future Exhibition Shed construction

As one project is progressing in the construction phase, another is queued behind and just cleared planning. Permission to erect an Exhibition shed has been given; a start must be made within three years. 

The location shown in light blue, West of the existing "railway street scene" on made up ground. A single siding connection connected to Picnic siding. The extent of earthworks is significantly less than the now discarded 2017 Eastern field and 1000 square metre Restoration shed proposals.

That’s the museum’s intention, in practice of course we currently have our hands full at the moment. If this preliminary step was delayed, then the prospect of undercover protection is overtaken by ravages of the elements and deterioration continues for both unrestored, but more importantly recently restored items of the rolling stock .collection. 

Halstead Town Developments

 

Halstead Developments

Halstead is now growing as a town with three new housing estates having been, or are in process of construction. In the modelling world it is expanding too, the historical depiction of the former station area is displayed in the Model Railway clubs public exhibition room.

Martin Samsun has added a number of buildings recently, which are researched, scaled down and produced faithfully. Extending The Causeway housing set , now British Legion premises towards Townfield Mill and the industrial area Factory Lane Wes have been added , so the past is being brought back to life. 

Museum opening 17 July & Chappel Newsletter 82

Chappel Newsletter 82 _ July 2020.

 

This Chappel news is written (today 16/07/20) as lockdown is eased; some of this information will be known to those who have been volunteering by invitation on- site. As our members has been part of the general lockdown and not necessarily always engaged on social media, some repetition is noted.

 

This email is confined to written text; in time Chappel News 81 will be updated with pictures, in the web form of this newsletter, to which I invite you to view:

www.earmnewsletter.blogspot.com

Our public website is updated and reproduced below.

Please read the article on the Blogspot post about the new Family Trail, as we open for static viewing that’s important, as is the upgrade to social distancing guidelines and Platform 2 Café all of which is currently in progress.

 

Public access to the railway museum resumes tomorrow Friday 17th July. Opening hours are now limited to Fridays and the weekends, as we emerge from the lockdown period of the coronavirus pandemic we're all having to adapt. What people consider to be “the new normal” is a fast paced and changing environment. An example being a reduction to 5% VAT to admissions announced yesterday 15^th July.

 

Many people subscribe to social media, so may have already seen recent activity of individuals and departments at the Museum; Chappel news is here to aggregate these posts noting changes and upgrades during the closed period.

 

There is not an immediate prospect of running trains, those with operating duties already are aware of this. It is an inescapable fact that train operations require vehicles that are proven fit to run, and individuals competent to perform their duties. Due to an extended lockdown both these areas need attention, which is why we cannot operate trains in the short term. The Heritage Railway Association has a very thorough checklist for us to run through, this guidance extends to 57 pages.

 

Could it be that the museum may be going back to its early days? As we are unable to run a full set of special events - so the museum has to be based around static viewing. Only on occasion can trains run later in the year, future events are likely to be more limited than in the past.

 

Unfortunately we've also lost some staff, as we are unable to put on a program of events. Catherine Harrison our Marketing Manager is leaving us to take up a full-time position elsewhere, likewise Anne Brown our former Events Manager has to concentrate on her businesses, as we are unable to run special events. It's a case of the virus having unwelcome repercussions; we wish both ladies good wishes for their future endeavours, and thank them for their valued efforts. Regretfully paid staff has been furloughed, so restoration works have been delayed.

 

Since volunteers have been able to resume, on invitation, singleton projects, a number of areas have received attention. Presentation of our site will be seen as more important; visitors will expect our exhibits to be better explained. This customer experience needs further attention.

 

Financially the loss of income will result in longer timescales for most museum projects. However planning for the future must progress, it is reported a planning decision is due on the revised Exhibition Hall proposal. Public consultation has now closed, as I write the determination from Colchester Borough Council is due next week. While works are now preceding again with the Running Shed - the idea of yet another shed maybe seem difficult at this time. However aspirations have long lead times and planning doesn't necessarily mean in immediate start.

 

In a similar vein, it has been announced that the museum’s N7 locomotive restoration is starting. Some publically quoted “facts” in railway journals and social media, should be more fully explored, rather to say it is a start of restoration; an examination to see is required and scope feasibility in cost labour and time. In considering the engineering, it is necessary to find those willing to add technical assistance, use their engineering skills. As time progresses there is a possibility a need for new people with Project and Contract management abilities.

 

Contrary to statements in some media, it is intention of the museum to have the locomotive based at Chappel in workable condition, to enhance our museum its Driver Training Experiences. Main line running is not something contemplated.

 

This resume is a snapshot of progress to date and considers the restart process. Having painted a picture with some dark clouds, there is ample evidence that the membership wants the museum to survive and prosper. In all our endeavours every contribution is welcome however big or small.

 

Chappel News is currently circulated on e-mail; more regular updates are now possible on the web. In this way there’s a handy news source in your pocket by smartphone, or via other devices like tablets and computers.

 

www.earmnewsletter.blogspot.com

 

Hope you enjoy the content.

 

Reporter

Philip Ainsley

16 07 20