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Archived News from beginning 2000 - end 2007 |
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Please do not forget that we do have a forum for chat and comments etc, it's getting rather neglected - all are welcome to post and you do not have to sign in or out or be a member of the project. The old messages have now been moved from the old forum to the new one, in Archives, and in the relevant areas on the forum. I have quoted them so that they can continue in the appropriate areas.
We now have a new forum thanks to Forum Moderator Vince for finding. It's much friendlier then the old one, you have to register to post, but then that will make the whole forum seem large a big Shillingstone Supporters Family atmosphere.
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There have been no recent internal photos taken of the station building - so when I visited on Wednesday 5 December - I was very impressed just how much work has been done on the internal structure of the building - I can honestly say it's totally unrecognisable from the state it was in when we first got access to the main station building. as you can see from the photos - the internal restoration is doing very well. We still need more donations for materials and more volunteers to keep this work going. |
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The Blandford Railway Club, which was recently formed and is based at the Blandford Museum, is helping to raise funds by holding an Audio Visual How on Friday the 30th of November, to which Shillingstone members are invited, details below.
A little background. You may remember that a couple of years ago, Dave Cash and I organised a Railway Show in Blandford. Following on from that, it was decided to hold a large display in the Museum, all about the old station, using all the material that was on display at the Show.
This has lead on to building a working "OO" gauge layout of the Blandford Forum station area including all the buildings, which is situated upstairs in the Museum. The layout is now well under way. To fund the continued building of the layout and because of the local interest, it was then decided to form a railway club, which has now started to meet on the first Monday of each month at the Museum. The audio visual show.
As far as Brian House is concerned, long gone are the days of showing a few slides and talking about them. Brian now shows slides through a digital projector via a laptop. The slides which now fade in and out over each other, also have a full commentary and musical background. Brian will show during the evening a varied sequence of programmes and not just about railways. These run from 5 to 15 minutes each and the show will include, BR 9F Locomotives, Concorde, Cwmystwyth - a copper mine, Southern Steam, Poole Harbour, Spitfire, Western Diesels, The Red Arrows, Voyage along the Nile and Duchess Pacific's. Brian, who is a Wimborne Railway Society member, has been putting on his shows around the Bournemouth Poole and Dorchester areas for many years. Believe me when I say they just keep getting better and this show will certainly be well worth coming to see.
As the museum is only small, the show will take place in the United Reform Church Hall at 7.30pm on Friday 30th November and will run until around 10pm. Refreshments will be served during an interval in the show and these are included in the ticket price of just £2.50, all proceeds going to the Blandford Museum Railway. The church is situated on Whitecliff Mill Street, which is up the hill on the old road going north out of Blandford town centre. Parking is available at the church and in a public car park nearby.
For those who are local to Blandford, tickets are available at Shillingstone Station on Wednesday's, Saturday's and Sunday's. Also at the Tourist Information Centre, Greyhound Yard, Blandford and Jeans Newsagents, 22 Market Place, Blandford. For those further away, tickets will be also be on sale at the door on the evening. We look forward to seeing you there. Graham Kelsey. |
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I would like to say a BIG thank you to Mike Rutter who has served as the Treasurer, Newsletter Editor and membership Secretary for The Shillingstone Station project. Mike is still Treasurer, but has handed the reins the Membership Secretary's role to Shelagh Mitchell and Tony Ward now is the Newsletter Editor. Mike you can have a little bit of a breather now! |
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Nov 2007 Shillingstone Station Project Newsletter No. 16 published. With a different look to the cover this time around !
The newsletter includes latest project news. If you would like to receive and read the complete newsletter, why not join the Shillingstone Station Project?
Any articles from this Newsletter will appear on this website in the new year. This is because I feel it's only fair for the fully paid up members of the project to read the newsletter before the rest of the world can. If you want to read the Newsletter as soon as it comes out please JOIN US! |
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I am very sad to announce that Keith Walker, our Carriage and Wagon Officer died whilst on holiday earlier this month. We wish his family and friends our sympathy and condolences. |
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I am sad to announce that Syd Howlett who is the Secretary of the NDRT is ill in Hospital. If anyone would like to send a card wishing him and his family well please sent it to:-
Mr S Howlett
44 Lady Bailey Residential Park DT11 0HS |
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The Diesel Shunter being delivered and unloaded Thursday 23rd August 2007.
Photo copyright © Tony Ward |
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GARTELL LIGHT RAILWAY SPECIAL OFFER TO NDRT MEMBERS TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE If you have not yet travelled on the 2-foot-gauge Gartell Light Railway, why not take advantage of the special offer available to all members of the North Dorset Railway Trust?
Just turn up with a friend on any of the August Open Days and show your NDRT membership card. You then pay the normal fare and your friend travels free — and in gratitude treats you to lunch! The offer is available only in August, when there are five open days, all with steam haulage - and you must produce your NDRT card. GARTELL LIGHT RAILWAY - link to website This first appeared in the Shillingstone Station Project Newsletter No. 15 May 2007. |
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May 2007 Shillingstone Station Project Newsletter No. 15 published. The newsletter includes latest project news. If you would like to receive and read the complete newsletter, why not join the Shillingstone Station Project?
Cover designed and drawn by M. Rutter & R Wilson New Newsletter editor - Tony Ward
Any articles from this Newsletter will appear on this website next month. This is because I feel it's only fair for the fully paid up members of the project to read the newsletter before the rest of the world can. If you want to read the Newsletter as soon as it comes out please JOIN US! |
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Please CLICK HERE for During Restoration Page for more photos! - Thanks to Syd Howlett
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On Sunday the 15th April Syd Howlett and Keith Bottomley went to Swanage Railway to look at some 'surplus to requirements' stock they wanted to dispose of. As soon as we get the ok from Swanage I will post photos of the rolling stock they have chosen, with their identities.
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I have started off this page with a great book that was given to me on my birthday by my Father (Ian Wilson) called branch Line Britain by Paul Atterbury - who incidentally lives in Dorset! |
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Demolition of the station grain store, on the industrial estate, which took place on Wednesday February 14th 2007. The badly fatigued concrete structure was beyond saving. Four small industrial units are to be constructed in its place.
This first appeared in the Shillingstone Station Project Newsletter No. 14 February 2007. |
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February 2007 Shillingstone Station Project Newsletter No. 14 published. The newsletter includes latest project news. If you would like to receive and read the complete newsletter, why not join the Shillingstone Station Project?
Cover designed and drawn by M. Rutter & R Wilson |
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The AGM this year was the best so far with around 40 people attending. Thank you to those who did turn up - we are always grateful for your continued support! |
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Further to the 240 votes cast - we need more of the following items to improve the website, if you voted maybe you could also help!
1. More Photos - anyone can submit a photo, (you DO NOT need to be a member to do this) for one of the galleries, and it will be put in the most suitable gallery, or added to latest News or During Restoration gallery, and a copyright notice with name put beneath it. (Unless it's very similar to an already existing photo). You will also be thanked in the Credits and Thank yous page, if you submit photos on an ongoing basis.
If you do not have a digital camera, but still have photos you want put on the website - please contact me for details, as you can post them to me - but please provide SAE (Stamped Addressed Envelope) for return of photos.
2. More News - OK this comes when there is more news, but if you have an interesting snip - it of news - please submit ASAP so it's "Hot Off The Press"
3. Station Timeline - I need more dates, and information, etc for this, as this is a work in progress, but I can only make progress when I have more info - your help and information is needed!
4. Railwayana, Famous People, & Stories - I need YOUR input, so that you can have more of the same, the website will only ever be as good as the information it contains. |
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New Forum Now Added - January 2007 The Forum is now up and running
On 23 December 2006 70% who wanted the forum and 30% who didn't. Please feel free post your comments etc - but first of all please read the forum rules and abide by them, thank you. |
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Keith Bottomley and Syd Howlett were invited to attend North Dorset District Council's 'People & Places Awards' Ceremony at the Bryanston School Blandford Forum, on Saturday 28th October. We, that is the Trust and its project, had been nominated for two awards. One by NDDC, and the other by Western Design Architects. We are now the proud winners of the following awards...... Please click on photo to go to newspaper cuttings The awards can be seen at the Parcel Shed Shop |
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1. Best Building Conservation Project. Sponsored by: Western Design 2. Best of North Dorset. Sponsored by: North Dorset District Council |
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This would not have been possible if it was not for the committee and the volunteers who each work so hard down on the station - so thank you guys! |
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Sunday 29th October The station will be hosting the finish of the Dorset Three Peaks Challenge Race, organised by the Dorset Doddlers. |
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The Three Okefords Preservation Society End Of Season Steam Up at Shillingstone Station Saturday 14 October 2006 Local band 'Tifano played at the event. The band featured T.N.D.R.T committee member Keith Martin on bass guitar and T.N.D.R.T volunteer Tom Antell on bass.
A great evening was had by all. Three local steam engines were on display, and a bar and BBQ for refreshments. A good evening weather wise, all contributed to making this a very successful event. Click Here and on picture to take you to Galleries page
All Images copyright © Sam Rutter & R Mullins
Important event happening at the station on Saturday 14th Oct. The N.D.R.T is once again hosting the Three Okefords Preservation Society's end of season 'Steam up', at Shillingstone station. This will consist of visiting steam powered vehicles, lorries, traction engines etc. We also plan to have a bar, live band and a BBQ. There is no charge for admission and all are very welcome. It will start about 3pm and end about midnight. Last years event was very successful. |
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FOR A VERY LIMITED PERIOD ONLY Rothbury Publishing have very kindly offered the following :- They are going to produce a limited edition print of the new Chris Woods Winter scene at Shillingstone station. The print will be smaller than our previous print in more ways than one. Firstly the Print run will be a limited edition of only, signed and numbered by the artist, and will be available to T.N.D.R.T. members only, on a strictly first come first serve basis. The image will also be the smaller size of 12 x 15 inches. The print is unframed and will retail at £23.95 including p&p. Please JOIN if you wish to get a copy! Rothbury Publishing are going to donate all the proceeds from this limited edition print offer back to The North Dorset Railway Trust by purchasing a brand new, state of the art, shelving system for the Parcel Shed Shop, thus enabling us to display all the current items, and many more planned items from our ever increasing range of gifts. |
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October 2006 Shillingstone Station Project Newsletter No. 13 published. The newsletter includes latest project news. If you would like to read the complete newsletter, why not join the Shillingstone Station Project?
Cover designed and drawn by M. Rutter & R Wilson |
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September 2006
We have at last found the site of the Station Master's Greenhouse, still partly covered by spoils, thanks to volunteer Peter Dawson, and hopefully it will rise filled with plants and flowers again in the near future! |
Pictured is the site of the greenhouse - click here to go to the During restoration galleries Photo copyright © David J Cornes 2006 |
Photograph of how the greenhouse looked - back in the good old days ! |
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Late August 2006 Monthly meetings are now to be held at the station to discuss and set the work programme for the next 4 weeks. The first meeting attended by both management board and volunteers was held on the cattle dock on the 7th June.
The following work programme was set: Work to continue on the footpath diversion which will re-route the path from the village Church to the station. Once the levels and width are correct the membrane and stone can be applied. Once finished we can apply to have the pathway officially re-routed and we can then remove the original path which will allow the reinstatement of the station gardens.
Mains water and electricity to be connected to the site. Perkins to be approached to help us in the short term. This will allow the station loos to be restored and the site loo to be taken off hire.
Reinstatement of the wooden floor in the rooms at the North end of the station building. This will allow access to the ladies loo.
Removal of trees growing out of the back wall of the down platform. To be done in conjunction with the Countryside Ranger and at an appropriate time.
Continuation of re-pointing of the main station building walls. Preparation of pathway to picnic area, and preparation of picnic area. Work to continue on station fence. Work to start on reinstatement of gents toilets including replacement of soil pipe and rainwater supplied header tank.
Once the tree felling has been completed there will be a quantity of logs available for sale in return for a donation. |
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The New Shop in the Parcel Shed
Meet Bob - you local Shillingstone Merchandise vendor.
Please visit the merchandise section for more details of contents in the shop.
Photos copyright © David J Cornes 2006 |
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August 2006
Dennis Burgess has made some wonderful crossing gates, which are leaning against the main station building, awaiting to be installed in their rightful place.
Below is the site where the new crossing gates will be erected - to give you that real railway feeling, a lot of work still needed before the gates will be secured in place.
Photos copyright © David J Cornes 2006 |
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June 2006 - Shillingstone Station Project Newsletter No. 12 published. The newsletter includes latest project news. If you would like to read the complete newsletter, why not join the Shillingstone Station Project?
Cover designed and drawn by M. Rutter & R Wilson
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92207 "Morning Star"
Some of you may have seen the announcement in Steam Railway magazine December 2005 edition that 9F 92207 "Morning Star" has been secured for the Trust on long term lease, and will be moving to Shillingstone circa 19-22 December for restoration to mainline condition in our new restoration shed, following which it will travel the country on main and private lines as the flagship and travelling ambassador to our project.
92207 was built at Swindon in May 1959, the construction batch commencing with 92203 (Black Prince of David Shepherd fame) and ending with 92220 Evening Star, the last steam loco built for British Railways, in March 1960.
The 2-10-0, weighing 140 tons in working order, but in its current partly restored condition of some 65 tons, was a member of the class that was famous as the ultimate motive power on the S&D, and its arrival will be the first occasion that a 9F has turned a wheel on the line since 1963 or 1964 - does anyone know the exact date?
On arrival, the loco will reside on a track panel adjacent the old grain store, and move into the restoration shed for completion when that is constructed.
Please come and support our project by attending the arrival and unloading of the loco. The arrival is expected to be late afternoon on Wednesday 21st December, with the unloading planned for the following morning. Ring Mike on 01747 850113 or Syd on 01258 880321 for any further information.
All photographs copyright Mark Pike. - Click photo to
visit Gallery
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March 2006 - Shillingstone Station Project Newsletter No. 11 published. The newsletter includes latest project news. If you would like to read the complete newsletter, why not join the Shillingstone Station Project?
Cover designed and drawn by M. Rutter & R Wilson |
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Autumn 2005 - Shillingstone Station Project Newsletter No. 10 published. The newsletter includes latest project news. If you would like to read the complete newsletter, why not join the Shillingstone Station Project?
Cover designed and drawn by M. Rutter & R Wilson |
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22/07/2005 Presentation of the Lease The ceremony then took place in between the two platforms with photographers from the local papers in attendance.
Left to Right: Mrs M.Higgs Chairman of Shillingstone Parish Council Mr M.Paulley Fund Raising Manager N.D.R.T. Mr K.Bottomley Vice Chairman N.D.R.T. Mr A.Campbell Councillor for Hills and Vale Mr S.Howlett Secretary of N.D.R.T. Mr B.Walter M.P. for North Dorset Mr P.Webb Deputy Leader of N.D.D.C. Lt Col M.Oliver Chairman of N.D.D.C.
Click on picture opposite to take you to Presentation Lease Gallery.
LATEST
RESTORATION NEWS |
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DailY Echo Write Up Click to go to new paper cuttings gallery |
Western gazette Write-up Click to go to new paper cuttings gallery |
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Summer 2005 - Shillingstone Station Project Newsletter No. 9 published. The newsletter includes latest project news. If you would like to read the complete newsletter, why not join the Shillingstone Station Project?
Cover designed and drawn by M. Rutter & R Wilson |
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Easter 2005 - Shillingstone Station Project Newsletter No. 8 published. The newsletter includes latest project news. If you would like to read the complete newsletter, why not join the Shillingstone Station Project?
Cover designed and drawn by M. Rutter & R Wilson |
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Autumn 2004 - Shillingstone Station Project Newsletter No. 7 published. The newsletter includes latest project news. If you would like to read the complete newsletter, why not join the Shillingstone Station Project?
Cover designed and drawn by M. Rutter & R Wilson |
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LATEST NEWS (11th August 2004): New Railwayana pictures added. This example is of a fire bucket sign from the main station building. See the Railwayana section for more pictures. |
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LATEST NEWS (9th May 2004): PLATFORM TROLLEYS DONATED TO T.N.D.R.T. See the Railwayana section for more details of these welcome donations. |
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Spring 2004 - Shillingstone Station Project Newsletter No. 6 published. The newsletter includes latest project news. If you would like to read the complete newsletter, why not join the Shillingstone Station Project?
Cover designed and drawn by M. Rutter & R Wilson |
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LATEST NEWS (10th April 2004): Volunteer and project carpenter Dennis Burgess is presented with a birthday cake from the volunteers and committee members to celebrate his 76th Birthday.
Happy Birthday Dennis! |
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25/04/2004 More treasure un-earthed by P. Cadman.
Does anyone know what this small brass plate would have been attached to? |
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LATEST NEWS (20/21st March 2004):
Over the weekend 20th and 21st March 2004 volunteer Peter Dawson unearthed a treasure trove of relics from the Station's heyday.
Peter Dawson pictured here on the left with the treasure that he discovered. |
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On the right, the relics discovered include an L.M.S. mug, a Somerset Joint Committee button, the plate from an S & D milk churn reading "EMPTY TO STURMINSTER NEWTON S D & J R" and the wick mechanism from a lamp. |
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LATEST NEWS (5th March 2004):
The North Dorset Railway Trust was pleased to welcome Mr Bob Walter M.P. for North Dorset on 5th March 2004 for a guided tour of their new Shillingstone Station Project and a briefing on the Trust's plans for the station's future, with its value in terms of architectural and railway heritage conservation, heritage skills training, and tourism. The Trust was pleased to correct any misconceptions as to the nature of the scheme, and to show Mr Walter the scheme's potential when partnered with the leisure track, and the facilities it will be able to offer cyclists, walkers and horse riders using the new tourism route. The picture shows from left to right Mr Bob Walter M.P. for North Dorset, Syd Howlett secretary of T.N.D.R.T., Keith Bottomley vice chairman of T.N.D.R.T., and volunteer and committee members David and Mike Clark. Click here to read newspaper write-ups |
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THE DAMAGE NATURE CAN DO
AFTER 38 YEARS OF NEGLECT (22nd February 2004): |
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6 trees that have grown out of the back wall of the down platform pushing the brickwork and railings out of the way |
The remainder of a removed tree that once grew out of the down platform retaining wall at a point where the railings ended and the platform shelter began. |
The ivy that has grown around the base of the railings has caused its fair share of damage as well, pushing the brickwork apart. |
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Christmas 2003 - Shillingstone Station Project Newsletter No. 5 published. The newsletter includes latest project news. If you would like to read the complete newsletter, why not join the Shillingstone Station Project?
Cover designed and drawn by M. Rutter & R Wilson |
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FIRST ACCESS (8th November
2003): |
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LATEST NEWS (5th November
2003):
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LATEST NEWS (24th October 2003): The North Dorset Railway Trust is delighted to announce that it has finally secured a lease of Shillingstone Station and from 1st November 2003 will have the privilege to embark on a lengthy and undoubtedly expensive restoration programme. It is the Trust's intention to restore the Station to how it would have appeared in the early to mid 1950's.
The executive committee requires the assistance of highly skilled, qualified individuals willing to lend their expertise on a voluntary basis to help the project reach its objective. We currently require a Commercial Manager and a Construction/Project Manager.
Members are also reminded that our AGM is to be held at the Portman Hall, Shillingstone on Saturday 15th November 2003 at 15.00 hrs. We envisage this to be a very positive and interesting meeting in light of the fact that our first hurdle has been overcome - securing the lease of the station. After the meeting there will be a talk/slideshow from Mr Alan Matthews of the Avon Valley Railway at Bitton (near Bath).
PRESS RELEASE dated 24th October, 2003 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shillingstone Station in Dorset has just celebrated 140 years in existence on 31st August 2003. It was once a busy rural station that provided local employment, firstly as part of the Dorset Central Railway and subsequently the much mourned and now famous Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway. It currently presents an unkempt and sorry (but essentially intact) sight after surviving for almost 38 years after closure of the line. After many years of negotiations The North Dorset Railway Trust finally secured the lease of the Station and from 1st November 2003 will have the privilege to embark on a lengthy and undoubtedly expensive restoration programme. It is the Trust's intention to restore the Station to how it would have appeared in the early to mid 1950's.
As a result of this we are urgently looking for both new members and donations (contact address at the bottom) to help with the impending work and assist it to progress at a reasonable pace. The executive committee requires the assistance of highly skilled, qualified individuals willing to lend their expertise on a voluntary basis to help the project reach its objective. We currently require a Commercial Manager and a Construction/Project Manager. Ideally these persons would reside local to the project, but not necessarily. As long as the prospective persons are capable of devoting a fair amount of time and physical on-site attendance then location is immaterial. If you feel you have the skills we are looking for, and very importantly the time to carry them out, please contact the address at the bottom of this advertisement.
Members are also reminded that our AGM is to be held at the Portman Hall, Shillingstone on Saturday 15th November 2003 at 15.00 hrs. We envisage this to be a very positive and interesting meeting in light of the fact that our first hurdle has been overcome - securing the lease of the station. After the meeting there will be a talk/slideshow from Mr Alan Matthews of the Avon Valley Railway at Bitton (near Bath). He will detail the trials and tribulations of starting from basics with a disused station and building it up to the attraction that it is today. He will also show how a railway and a cycle track can exist together in harmony just as it is hoped to at Shillingstone. Refreshments will be provided.
The address to contact the TNDRT with any donations/enquiries/membership etc is: The North Dorset Railway Trust, P.O. Box 82, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8TF |
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LATEST NEWS (1st September 2003): Click on the following picture opposite to see more photos. |
Photo copyright Mark Pike. |
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Summer 2003 - Shillingstone Station Project Newsletter No. 4 published. The newsletter includes photographs and latest project news. If you would like to read the complete newsletter, why not join the Shillingstone Station Project?
Cover designed and drawn by M. Rutter & R Wilson |
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LATEST NEWS (13th August 2003):
Further contact has been made by D.C.C. on 12th August and it appears that once the boundaries and 'rights of way' have been agreed then the matter will be placed in the hands of the solicitors for completion. It has been stated by Dorset County Council that they would like to see us in possession of the station by the end of August.
As a result of the lease of the station being awarded to T.N.D.R.T. we have at very short notice obtained a stand at this year's Great Dorset Steam Fair to publicise the project. We would like to thank the organisers of the Steam Fair for their support and generosity by donating the cost of the pitch. The event runs from Wednesday 27th to Sunday 31st August. For more details see their website www.steam-fair.co.uk. Please come along and give your support. |
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LATEST NEWS (17th May 2003): The North Dorset Railway Trust has received a letter from Dorset County Council Valuation and Estates Department confirming that the shortlist of interested parties for the station at Shillingstone has been reduced to 2. Before the final recommendation can be made to Dorset County Council Cabinet a meeting is required between the Estates & Valuation Dept., and the local council member ( who incidentally is on holiday). This meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 21/05/2003 and The Trust will be notified of the outcome shortly afterwards. |
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LATEST NEWS (6th May 2003): After conversations with Dorset County Council, the expected decision on the future of Shillingstone Station was not made at D.C.C.'s April cabinet meeting. Early indications also, were that the Station did not feature on the agenda for May's cabinet meetings. Further investigation has revealed that a recommendation will be made by Dorset County Council Valuation and Estates by the end of this week (w/e 09/05/2003) as to who they think should be the successful recipient of the lease of the station. This recommendation will be made to the Cabinet during May and the successful applicant will then be notified. We are assured that D.C.C, want a swift conclusion to this matter as well.
WATCH THIS SPACE |
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LATEST NEWS (19/3/2003): With some difficulty The North Dorset Railway Trust has managed to establish that 13 interested parties placed offers for Shillingstone Station and its platforms when Dorset County Council placed its lease for sale last Autumn. The Council has recently reduced the potential purchasers to a short list of the 6 preferred schemes for the site. When approached for more information it has become evident that only 2 parties remain interested (The North Dorset Railway Trust plus one other). We have been assured that the decision will be made in the next 2-3 weeks. This news will be the subject matter for newsletter No 4 which will be sent out to members shortly after we hear the decision.
The North Dorset Railway Trust, through donations, subscriptions and pledges has raised over a third of the money required to purchase the lease of the station. We have been offered an interest free loan to meet any shortfall but will then have to set about raising more funds. In order to prevent the council from erroneously assuming that we could not afford the station and allowing that to influence their decision we elected not to make a public appeal for support during their decision process. Should our bid be successful then a national appeal will be launched.
If you wish to be part of this exciting project to reinstate part of the Somerset & Dorset Railway, sign up today by completing a membership form. |
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LATEST NEWS (21/12/2002): The deadline for offers on the station has long past (31/10/2002) and after a brief period of the station’s future being held in the hands of Chaffers of Blandford Forum (this period saw a high level of activity, and provided a body of people to communicate with), the station’s future has now fallen back into the hands of Dorset County Council. Chaffers assure us that a decision was to be made at DCC's cabinet meeting of either 6/11/2002 or 4/12/2002 and then the 13 potential purchasers were to be notified.
As yet we have heard nothing, but we are told by the estate agents that nobody else has heard anything either. Watch this space !!! |
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After 2 years of
frustration and prevarication experienced by the committee of The North
Dorset Railway Trust (TNDRT) in its attempts to secure the future of
Shillingstone Station from Dorset County Council (DCC), there has been a
remarkable development.
WE URGENTLY NEED TO
RAISE THIS MONEY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE |
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The photos show the finish, at Shillingstone Station, of the Dorset Doddlers 3 peaks run held on 27 October 2002. (about 12:00 hrs).
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The photos show the damage done to the roof by thieves over the last 4-6 weeks. The parcel shed has been attacked on 2 occasions, and on the first occasion a hole also appeared in the main building roof. The old slates are worth a lot of money and will be very expensive to replace. |
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Summer 2002- Shillingstone Station Project Newsletter No. 3 published. The newsletter includes latest project news. If you would like to read the complete newsletter, why not join the Shillingstone Station Project?
Cover designed and drawn by M. Rutter & R Wilson |
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Some concerns have been expressed as to whether the interests of both the railway and cycle path enthusiasts can both be accommodated. The two photographs here show how the Shillingstone Station Project could look with both the cycle path and the railway line working well together. photos courtesy / copyright Avon Valley Railway |
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THE SHILLINGSTONE STATION PROJECT OPEN DAY On 30th March, 2002, The North Dorset Railway Trust held an open day at the Portman Hall in Shillingstone to give people a chance to see their proposals for the Shillingstone Station area. The event was publicised in the Blackmore Vale Magazine and The Hill and was thus well patronised by villagers, people from further afield, as well as TNDRT members. The event also gave the opportunity to display a fine collection of S&D relics brought in by both members and visitors. Many pictures of the station both past and present were on show, as well as an OO gauge model in its early stages. Refreshments were provided by members of TNDRT for which the committee are very grateful. Click on the photo opposite to visit the Open Day picture gallery |
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The enamel "running-in-board" from the side of Shillingstone C of E primary school was removed on Sunday 3rd March for restoration.
The restoration is being carried out very kindly by one of the members of T.N.D.R.T. who is experienced in such matters.
The r-i-b was showing signs of its age having been exposed to the elements for some 50 years and it was felt it needed some attention.
It is hoped that the finished article will be on display at the open evening (see above) after which it will be presented back to the school for rehanging. |
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The Silent Whistle (formerly the Seymer Arms) situated at the entrance to the station was demolished between 11th Feb and 19th Feb. By 3rd March the site was completely clear ready for redevelopment. This act of vandalism has caused uproar in the village as it has been a prominent landmark (and watering hole) for over 100 years. |
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At the beginning of November the North Dorset District Council constructed a path which runs from the Shillingstone to Childe Okeford Road on the East side of Haywards bridge in a southerly direction up the embankment to track level. Pictures copyright ©2001 M.Rutter |
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VIDEOS FOR SALE |
November 2001 - A deal has been reached with CineRail and Marsden Rail whereby any of their videos sold through the Shillingstone Station Project will earn a commission for project funds. So, if you are looking for last minute presents why not buy a railway video and earn a little extra for project funds at the same time? Click here for a full list of titles available and details of how to order. |
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November 2001 - Shillingstone Station Project Newsletter No. 2 published. The newsletter includes photographs, maps and latest project news. If you would like to read the complete newsletter, why not join the Shillingstone Station Project?
Cover designed and drawn by M. Rutter & R Wilson |
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Shillingstone Station Facelift - Sunday 19th August 2001 Following agreement with the Dorset Countryside Ranger, the Shillingstone Station Project was delighted to welcome approximately 25 members and non-members to a preliminary station site clearance day on Sunday 19th August. This voluntary effort assisted the Dorset Countryside Ranger and will enable North Dorset District Council to proceed with to an application to list this unique property.
If you would like to see some photographs of the facelift underway, visit the Gallery by clicking on the photo opposite. |
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A 9F locomotive seen at Blandford Forum in 1962.
Photo courtesy C.L.Caddy |
Project News Update - August 2001 The North Dorset Railway Trust, which submitted its business plan in May, is moving forward in its discussions with Dorset County Council regarding the lease of the station site. The North Dorset Railway Trust, which supports the Shillingstone Station Project, has now been granted charitable status enabling tax to be reclaimed on donations
The committee continues to meet frequently and has recently appointed a new vice-chairman, Mr Keith Bottomley, who brings not only a wide range of business experience but also owns a 9F 2-10-0 locomotive, the type of which was commonplace on the Somerset & Dorset Railway in its later years. This locomotive is currently undergoing restoration on the East Lancashire Railway.
We have had offers of items of rolling stock of correct heritage to this line, which would create significant added authenticity and visitor interest to the scheme, if taken up. The new website now links directly to Amazon Books whereby any purchases made from Amazon via the website will generate income for the Trust. Membership shows a steady increase after an excellent response following press publicity earlier in the year. If you would like to become involved with this project or have anything to contribute please contact the Membership Secretary, T.N.D.R.T., P.O.Box 88, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8TF or send us an e-mail. |
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In early May 2001, Dorset County Council re-opened the Railway trackbed at Shillingstone to the public. Due to the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in the UK.
Photograph copyright M. Rutter 2001 |
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This enabled Council workers to access the site to remove the shed and its contents on the trackbed to the south of the station - in readiness for the cycle path.
Photograph copyright M.Rutter 2001. |
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Meanwhile the Station continues to deteriorate, awaiting urgent attention.
Photograph copyright M.Rutter 2001. |
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The first Shillingstone Station Project Newsletter No. 1 is finally published !! The newsletter includes photographs and latest project news. If you would like to read the complete newsletter, why not join the Shillingstone Station Project?
Cover designed and drawn by M. Rutter & R Wilson |
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Shillingstone Station Project makes Blackmore Vale Front Page News - December 29th 2000 - last issue of the year!
Copyright BMV 29.12.00 First published in The Blackmore Vale Magazine Magazine 29.12.00 and photographs Copyright Christopher Whitfeld |
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Thanks
to Syd for the photos, we have some pictures for you showing the excavations
between the platforms in preparation for ballast and track to be laid. There
are also some of the trenching work in operation in readiness for the water
supply to be connected. 
