History made as Bluebell Railway chugs into East Grinstead
TRAIN buffs turned out in force to see the Bluebell Railway connected to the national network for the first time in 50 years.
Hundreds of people came into town on Saturday to witness the historic moment.
Simon Kerr, the town’s tourist information officer, said: “I haven’t seen so many smiling, in fact ecstatic, faces in a crowd like this in my life.
“I’m sure that for long time Bluebell supporters it was a major milestone to bring the railway to East Grinstead.
“For many of us who have been deeply involved in the preparations for the Bluebell’s arrival it is another concrete sign that East Grinstead’s future as a major gateway to the country’s premier steam railway is so very nearly here.”
There was an awed silence as the four coach electric train pulled into East Grinstead station and onto Bluebell land as part of a £4m extension of the Bluebell line.
The slam door train was built in the early 1970s and named Gordon Pettitt, after the last general manager of the old Southern Region.
The train will stand near the station where the Bluebell platform will be.
Mr Pettitt sold the train to Bluebell chairman, Roy Watts, for just £1
It is hoped that the extended stretch of track will open next year.
Bluebell director Roger Kelly said: “It’s the first time a train has been south of East Grinstead for 50 years, and when we can get all the way to our station at Sheffield Park, it will be the first time it’s gone right down there for over that length of time.” BBC news presenter Nicholas Owen, a keen Bluebell Railway supporter, was among those to witness the historic event.
He said he was looking forward to the day when the link would be fully connected to “what is the first and the best preserved railway in the country.”
Town mayor Ginnie Waddingham, told the Courier and Observer: “I think a lot of people don’t realise what a momentous moment it was.
“The track had been finished only the day before, it was a huge leap forward and you could have heard a pin drop.”
4 Comments
by stuart, surrey
Wednesday, March 04 2009, 9:18PM
“it brings tears to our eyes abig thankyou to every one who took part in this you have made my dads day we are all railway mad”
by Richard Mott, Stafford
Monday, January 26 2009, 9:47AM
“Some may be tempted to dismiss railway preservationists as overgrown boys with their toys. However, one need only look at the professionalism, vision and determination of the staff and volunteeers of the Bluebell Railway, along with their shareholders and other stakeholders who take them seriously, to see just what can be achieved. The northern extension to EG , with all the accompanying difficulties and obstacles, is testament to a movement that has matured and this project is perhaps the finest current example of "amateurs" operating in the big league. Inspirational. Well done all!”
by Alan Powell, Crawley
Saturday, January 24 2009, 4:36PM
“What a fantastic day for the railway,perfect weather,plenty of supporters,excellent interaction with the volunteers with the walks on the viaduct and track bed towards imberhorne lane,and YES a massive pat on the back to all that arranged to get the VEP's safely away and down to Eastleigh,what a fantastic day it will be the open day in Eastleigh,thanks to the BlueBell Society and all the volunteers,as they use to say East Grinstead hear we come,not any more,East Grinstead hear we are.”
by Mark Ford, East Grinstead
Tuesday, January 20 2009, 1:03PM
“Congratulations to everyone involved. What a momentous step forward in the development of the town after a year of high street closures and disillusionment. I am truly excited to see such a wonderful part of the town's heritage restored and I look forward to the continuation of this project. Let's hope this is a catalyst to bring out the character of the town once more.”