FEATURE
Wootton and Havenstreet since
1971, with and Smallbrook Junction
included in 1991. And there are
lingering hopes that one day it may be
extended to Ryde St John’s Road.
John admits it is difficult to imagine
the strength of feeling against the
Beeching report, pointing out:
“Although a lot of people had bought
cars, many still had strong affections
for the railways. But the truth about
the Island was the fact that the
‘holiday lines’ simply did not carry
enough passengers throughout the year
to survive.
“Of course Dr. Beeching was blamed,
but he was given a particular brief,
and rapidly established that one-third
of the railway network in the UK
contributed just one per cent of the
revenue. As a result vast swathes in
Scotland and Wales were wiped off
the railway map. The irony of course
is that a lot of lines are now being
resurrected, because rail travel is
suddenly more popular than it has
been since the 1920s.
“Naturally we hope the Island Line
between Ryde Pier Head and Shanklin
will survive. But thankfully the IW
Steam Railway is very financially
sound despite restoration costs,
with the creation of some 30 jobs –
full-time, part-time or seasonal – over
the years. If it hadn’t been for that
group of enthusiastic youngsters who
kept the steam railway alive, it might
have gone forever, so we owe them a
great debt.”
Left: W24 'Calbourne' is admired by a
large number of visitors during one of the
steamings held at the embryonic Steam
Railway, Havenstreet, c1971.
Below centre: W24 'Calbourne' in late
Southern Railway livery stands on shed at
Ryde St Johns in 1947.
Below right: Havenstreet as it is today.
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