Members Weekend

Report on the recent Members Weekend in North Devon

On Saturday 7th November, many L&B Trust Members gathered in the Music Room of Woolhanger Manor. Owner Mr Graham Mellstrom. (See L&B Magazine No.107 page 59) is to be congratulated on its superb restoration.

Built in the 1890s; domed and crowned by a rectangular lantern, the east and west walls have massive fireplaces of bath stone, each surmounted by the Carew coat of arms. Each of the walls flanking the fireplaces has a tall square-headed window frame with stone mullions. The original glazing had stained glass portraits of writers and composers.

In 1907, the building was domesticated. With the outbreak of war in 1939, it was requisitioned for the forces. When the War Office decided not to use it, it was let to Pickfords for storage of furniture from bombed houses in Plymouth and Exeter. Circa 1980, the lead was stripped from the roof, and any saleable plasterwork removed. The stained glass went to Sotheby's, and the floorboards reused in pigsties.

By 1989, the Music Room was in a very dilapidated state with the roof falling in. The organ - the bellows of which were driven by shaft from a water wheel - was still in place, but the water wheel had gone.

Today all is as it once was.

The meeting commenced just after 11:30 with an Introduction by L&B Trust and Company Chairman Peter Miles to the approximately 70 or so members present,

Photos by Judy Williams

This was followed by a briefing from L&B Trustee and Company Finance Director Ian Cowling, who provided much information on the current profitable financial situation of the railway, as well as insight into the several planning applications.

At 1 pm, a buffet lunch featuring homemade cakes was provided by Kate Pounds and Jackie Bromidge, with assistance from Judy Williams, Heather Cross, and Sandra Dandy.

There was a brief question and answer session followed by some film of the progress of the heritage L&B from early days at the Lynbarn up to our current operation, as well as some black and white cine film from 1935.

This was followed by a more general discussion covering many topics.

The event ending sometime after 4 pm.

On the Saturday evening, a bonfire party and barbecue was held at Rowley Moor Farm. Organised by Martyn Budd, John Uphill, and Claire Jeans. This was much enjoyed by all the members and friends present.

On Remembrance Sunday, many members, friends, and family gathered at Woody Bay for the two-minute silence at 11am. With trains running the rest of the day, many members enjoyed free travel, whilst others visited Chelfham Station to see the work being carried out there.

A very good weekend, thoroughly enjoyed by all.