Chelfham Update: Summer 2014

More steady progress this year at the L&BR's second original station.

1. Chelfham as seen from the approach drive.

2. The Midlands Area Group came to visit Chelfham as part of their tour of the L&B route in June.

3. Rob Sadd with son Jayden, begins excavating the site of the down platform (Barnstaple end)

4. By late July, Rob and Andy Hearn had dug out and revealed the foundations of this short length of the down platform which was originally dissected by the down siding.

5. Red bricks forming the ramp at the Barnstaple end had remained in-situ. Plans are in place to relay blue engineering bricks along the top of the down platform.

6. For many years, the original signal cabin has stood on the up platform. It is hoped that it will soon be moved off-site for restoration. John Edmonds has fixed a temporary wooden lifting frame to the cabin.

7. Frank Daff puts in long hours on a variety of projects. This platform barrow has just been donated and will require some repair and repainting before it can be used as another item of platform furniture.

8. Taking a break from showing visitors around and giving 'tours', Nigel Thompson is often seen mowing the lawns and parking areas.

9. John Edmonds continues the programme of restoring and repairing window frame exteriors.

10. Inside, Jim Pounds has been burning off the paintwork from the original wooden partition separating booking office and waiting room.

11. Jim makes steady progress with the partition.

12. The partition provides an interesting and authentic feature inside the waiting room.

13, 14. Dave Evans did most of the decoration inside and has also recently repainted some of the inside window frames, now providing an excellent view towards the viaduct.

15. Views of the front of the station.

16. Inside the  shell of the 1960s extension, the original exterior is being restored so that visitors will be able to enjoy an authentic view of this picturesque little station.

17. No, this is not an illicit still, but a water heater donated to us which John is testing. Oour small team at Chelfham will now be able to enjoy the sheer luxury of hot water on tap, as do our friends at the Great Yeldham Carriage & Wagon Works.

18. Chelfham Station in 2014

Chelfham Station is open to all visitors every Sunday from 10 am. Visitors can view the restoration progress and enjoy a trackbed and woodland walk. Parking is limited at the station but on-road parking below the viaduct is possible on Sundays.

Words and pictures by Nigel Thompson, John Edmonds
Friends of Chelfham Station Group July 2014