Work in Progress: Chelfham Station, December 2012
posted by Nigel Thompson
on Tue, 18/12/2012 - 12:46
Over the past month, considerable work has been undertaken at the L&BR's second station at Chelfham. The small 'Friends of Chelfham Station' group has continued the early restoration work in and around the station building.
There was a major tidy-up of the stored equipment outside including a scrap-drive of a number of unneeded and irreparable items. A trailer-load of scrap metal, combined with a similar clear-out at Woody Bay yielded a considerable sum for the General Manager's Equipment fund for future signalling, engineering and heritage projects.
During December, volunteers at Chelfham have carried out signalling equipment restoration work within the sheds whilst others have focused on removing more of the plaster covering the original stonework from what was the front of the building, in preparation for the eventual removal of the 1960s extension over the platform.
After quite a busy November when many members were about for the half-term period and the forum weekends, unsurprisingly, fewer visitors have braved the cold and rain this month. However, please remember that Chelfham Station will be open every Sunday during the winter, when Trust members, friends and families are encouraged to visit and view the progress.
Words and pictures by Nigel Thompson
There was a major tidy-up of the stored equipment outside including a scrap-drive of a number of unneeded and irreparable items. A trailer-load of scrap metal, combined with a similar clear-out at Woody Bay yielded a considerable sum for the General Manager's Equipment fund for future signalling, engineering and heritage projects.
During December, volunteers at Chelfham have carried out signalling equipment restoration work within the sheds whilst others have focused on removing more of the plaster covering the original stonework from what was the front of the building, in preparation for the eventual removal of the 1960s extension over the platform.
After quite a busy November when many members were about for the half-term period and the forum weekends, unsurprisingly, fewer visitors have braved the cold and rain this month. However, please remember that Chelfham Station will be open every Sunday during the winter, when Trust members, friends and families are encouraged to visit and view the progress.
1. John Edmonds begins to chip away plaster from the original outside stonework (now within the extension).
2. Slow careful progress with the hammer and chisel as John reveals the area where the original window between the doors once was.
3. Martin Williams helps to remove unwanted bushes from around the 'porch' area of the station building.
4. Frank Daff busy in the garage shed.
5. Dave Drayson brought along his drill hammer and successfully removed more plaster from the stonework.
6. The fireplace is well used during the winter as Frank and Nigel Thompson enjoy a break inside the building on this very cold early December day.
7. This is the driveway view from the station.
8. It'll be warmer inside Chelfham Station as this view with the viaduct shows the fireplace chimney smoking well.
9. Further up the path and looking back down to Chelfham.
10. The woodland walk path is to the right whilst the trackbed is down below.
11. A view of just the original station building at Chelfham in winter.
12. Inside, Dave inspects the old plaster area to remove before continuing.
13. A close-up of the recently exposed brick lintel above the bricked up window.
14. Later Dave had managed to reveal all the area around this original window place.
15. Another inside view showing the original stonework revealed between the kitchen door and window. As the restoration progresses, a new door and window will be installed before the extension is removed.
16. Nigel in the festive spirit with his Christmas hat, continued with some more cleaning up and painting of some signalling equipment outside the shed.
17. With the station building modestly decorated inside with some tinsel and L&B Christmas Cards, Frank, John, Nigel and Dave enjoy their afternoon tea and mince pie break.
18. The teas and mince pies on offer were well enjoyed today.
19. The gang enjoying their break in the station this afternoon.
7. This is the driveway view from the station.
8. It'll be warmer inside Chelfham Station as this view with the viaduct shows the fireplace chimney smoking well.
9. Further up the path and looking back down to Chelfham.
10. The woodland walk path is to the right whilst the trackbed is down below.
11. A view of just the original station building at Chelfham in winter.
12. Inside, Dave inspects the old plaster area to remove before continuing.
13. A close-up of the recently exposed brick lintel above the bricked up window.
14. Later Dave had managed to reveal all the area around this original window place.
15. Another inside view showing the original stonework revealed between the kitchen door and window. As the restoration progresses, a new door and window will be installed before the extension is removed.
16. Nigel in the festive spirit with his Christmas hat, continued with some more cleaning up and painting of some signalling equipment outside the shed.
17. With the station building modestly decorated inside with some tinsel and L&B Christmas Cards, Frank, John, Nigel and Dave enjoy their afternoon tea and mince pie break.
18. The teas and mince pies on offer were well enjoyed today.
19. The gang enjoying their break in the station this afternoon.
Anyone who would like to help us with the restoration at Chelfham is very welcome. A lot of work is on offer, both inside and outside the building. During 2013 we hope to progress further towards the eventual removal of the extension, whilst outside work includes tree and scrub clearance along the trackbed sections.
Words and pictures by Nigel Thompson
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