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Bramleyman · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 481 Location: Norfolk

Here are some details of the Bramley Line.

The Wisbech & March Bramley Line, was formed in February 2004, with the intention to re-open the Wisbech to March railway line as a Heritage Line and Tourist Attraction in the area. It was decided to call it the Bramley Line in order to relate to the rail service provided for this one time large fruit growing area.

The line first opened on 3rd May 1847 and was then closed to passenger traffic on 9th September 1968. There was only the one single intermediate station at Coldham which closed on 7th March 1966.

The current project to re-open this line as a tourist attraction is supported by Cambridgeshire County Council, Fenland District Council and our local MP. Network Rail has shown a great deal of interest in this project but the Group could well be required to find a substantial amount of funds in order to cover insurance and legal fees prior to getting things operational. To do this we need more members, where for membership fee starting at £10 for a single member, we can raise some of the capital needed to get the legal fees paid and then the legal work started.

Two important level crossings were removed in June 2005 following a single complaint from a local resident and saying that the rails were loose, but one has since been replaced again back in March 2006. Network Rail very kindly replaced the main one across the A47 at Wisbech end and stated the second one is out of the question totally.

Corporate sponsorship is currently being sought from many of the Local businesses in both towns, but at present, response is terribly slow. What they fear is a repeat of the previous failures by Groups who folded and one at 24 hours notice, so I can understand their hesitance, but we are even more determined to get this line open as a Tourist attraction to the area, bringing in new customers and trade to both towns of Wisbech and March.

Negotiations are underway with Network Rail and the Bramley Line even have a copy of a lease to study. If you or anybody you know, are interested in getting involved or just membership, then please contact The Bramley Line, PO Box 132, Wisbech, PE13 2WZ. PLEASE HELP RETAIN THIS IMPORTANT PIECE OF LOCAL HERITAGE. Public meetings on their progress are held on the last Wednesday of each month at St. Peter’s Church Hall, Wisbech adjoining the Council's car park unless otherwise stated on the website at www.bramleyline.org.uk or at any meeting prior to the next.
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Please help us to 'Raise a Wagon Load of Cash' and so we can get the lease, then start running. See the main website www.bramleyline.org.uk for further details.

Bramleyman · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 481 Location: Norfolk

Despite numerous requests to some local businesses for some corporate sponsorship in order to get things moving and legal fees paid, it seems our appeals have fallen on deaf ears, because only two bothered to reply and with some good news.

The Track Clearing Team had to cancel work this week for only the second time through rain, so we aren't complaining about that, because we still got to do something else for the Group.

I refuse to give up on this project too soon and despite lack of help on different projects.
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Please help us to 'Raise a Wagon Load of Cash' and so we can get the lease, then start running. See the main website www.bramleyline.org.uk for further details.

memorex · Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Posts: 50

Bramleyman · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 481 Location: Norfolk

Thank you kind Sir. There are yet more changes afoot as they say, but at this moment in time, I cannot divulge, but if all goes well, it WILL be for the better. If it all comes off, I WILL let you know on here.
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Please help us to 'Raise a Wagon Load of Cash' and so we can get the lease, then start running. See the main website www.bramleyline.org.uk for further details.

Bramleyman · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 481 Location: Norfolk

We have the AGM this Wednesday night. Following this, I MIGHT be able to give you some more news on developments, but it is subject to getting them in the post, by phone or E-mail first and above all else, Hopefully.
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Please help us to 'Raise a Wagon Load of Cash' and so we can get the lease, then start running. See the main website www.bramleyline.org.uk for further details.

nebulaman · Site Admin Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 188

I remember a copy of Model Rail Magazine had a feature a couple of years ago (I will try to dig out the issue for copy reference) about a group of volunteers on Mull who ran a light railway and applied to the Lottery. They detailed how they made their application to try and help other parties. I think the only downside is that the party has to raise at least an equal amount to the lottery award.

Bramleyman · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 481 Location: Norfolk

I am very pleased to inform you that I was re-elected Vice Chairman of this Group at the AGM.
About the Track Clearing Team, I would like to say what a Tremendous job these guys have done in the short time they have been helping me and so making it possible to see the original trackbed a lot quicker than was first thought upon seeing the task ahead.
Following the AGM, things could very well start moving faster than originally anticipated, due to a considerable amount of what I will class as outside interest. A couple of companies have shown an avid interest in what we are doing, plus following a radio interview earlier this week, we COULD have trains running sooner than originally expected.
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Please help us to 'Raise a Wagon Load of Cash' and so we can get the lease, then start running. See the main website www.bramleyline.org.uk for further details.

Bramleyman · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 481 Location: Norfolk

Really stupid rumours are now going about in saying that locomotives using Whitemoor Yard are now being stabled on the Bramley Line to ease congestion within the yard confines. The stabling of a single loco is 100% impossible due to the vegetation just 15 sleepers from the junction and along the Bramley Line. I should know, as I checked it all out last weekend and again yesterday.

Just why idiots have to start stupid rumours like this, gets me puzzled, unless of course, they are twisted as the saying goes? Twisted Evil

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Please help us to 'Raise a Wagon Load of Cash' and so we can get the lease, then start running. See the main website www.bramleyline.org.uk for further details.

Bramleyman · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 481 Location: Norfolk

There is another item of news about the line, but being held back for the moment. If all goes well, it will be released in the next two weeks. One matter I can now disclose, is that we found that the intruder who got in and slept on one of the coaches, was in fact a foreigner who claimed he was homeless, but.......................couldn't speak English? Rolling Eyes

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Please help us to 'Raise a Wagon Load of Cash' and so we can get the lease, then start running. See the main website www.bramleyline.org.uk for further details.

Bramleyman · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 481 Location: Norfolk

It is with some sadness that the Gentleman who started this project, resigned as its first Chairman last night at an EGM. The Vice-Chairman and being yours truly, was duly and unanimously elected as the New Chairman. The outgoing Chairman did get the Thank You he rightly deserves. Had it not been for this man, the project would more than likely never have got started, let alone as far as as it has.

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Please help us to 'Raise a Wagon Load of Cash' and so we can get the lease, then start running. See the main website www.bramleyline.org.uk for further details.