Wisbech & March Bramley Line

Bramleyman · Wisbech & March Bramley Line

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.

Bramleyman

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.

memorex

Bramleyman

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.

Bramleyman

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.

nebulaman

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

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.

Bramleyman

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

Bramleyman

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

Bramleyman

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.

Bramleyman

If anybody wishes to join the group and volunteer for Track Clearing, please PM me and I will get back to you asap. I have to admit, we are in Urgent need of more Track Clearing Team Members.

Bramleyman

Pictured above, is the temporary stall as used by the Bramley Line 'Roadshow' Team bearing their new Banner and for the first time. It sure attracted some attention at the Vintage Military Vehicle Display held near Downham Market today. Sadly, the regular stall was unavailable for this event.

Bramleyman

The 'signature' of the total SCUM behind this picture, is oh so VERY TRUE indeed.

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Bramleyman

Last week I sent a news item in to the only local paper that gives us publicity and they turned the story round. below is exactly what I had written:-

News Item:-
It was discussed at some considerable length and then agreed by those attending our October meeting on Wednesday 31st, that due to continuous and unwarranted vandalism to our coaches stabled in March Yard, the Group are now going to sell them off. I would like on behalf of the Bramley Line say that we are very grateful to the Signalbox personnel at March and the passing train drivers who have remained as vigilant as possible in looking out for the vandals. We do have some other Groups already showing serious interest in the coaches, but can’t disclose exactly who until the sale has been agreed with them and then we will let you know who they are.

While the Fund-Raising Team have been trying very hard to raise the £20,000 required for both the legal fees and the lease and well on the way to getting it, the Track Clearing Team have been continuing with the programme most weekends, regardless of the fact we are yet to get the lease.

The money from the sale of these coaches will now go towards the money needed and when we get the line, we will then look for new rolling stock to use along the line. Some members who paid in advance and to have the coaches named, will now be getting the choice of either a Full refund, the names placed on new the rolling stock, or on the present ones once they have been sold as a part of the condition of sale. These people will be contacted as soon as possible with regards to their decisions and their wishes will be adhered to.

Lately, there have been a few critics that feel we will never get the funds needed and even wasting our time track clearing, but how did all the other groups start up and without the capital to finance their respective projects? They had to start somewhere, so like them, we are doing likewise and most certainly Not going to give up easily.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What did they do? They told the readers we have already SOLD the coaches.
Thank Goodness the Local BBC Radio got their facts correct.

Bramleyman

As many of you may have read either in the papers, or on our website, the Group had applied for a £20,000 grant from the local council so they could get the lease and pay the legal fees to get this line quicker. Sadly, we got refused financial help, but have been offered help to make a new Business Plan and in order to help.

For the fourth or fifth time tonight, I had a telephone call on the Group's Mobile and seeking times of trains from Wisbech. fortunately, I was at home and able to help the caller and by going on to National Enquiries for the gentleman who was so grateful. He had got the number of the Office through Yellow Pages, then the mobile number from the answering machine.

We may not be running our own trains just yet, but we are helping with enquiries.

Bramleyman

Rumours are currently going around saying that the website ends .com, WHEN it is still as before and www.bramleyline.org.uk and will remain so.

Bramleyman

HIT will not be getting us like this?

A POPULAR Thomas the Tank Engine event has been derailed after the Fat Controller was told he wasn't sufficiently qualified.

Despite playing the role on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for more than 20 years, Derek Robinson has been ordered attend an acting course to allow him to portray the portly gent in the correct manner.

As a result, the railway has cancelled this September's Thomas the Tank Engine weekend.

The order came from Hit Entertainment, which owns the rights to Thomas the Tank Engine events.

And it said that the railway must obey if it wants to retain its licence to stage Thomas events.

This means having everybody associated with an event undergo a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check, having a single admission charge for the railway, and enrolling any would-be Fat Controllers on an acting course in York or London.

Mr Robinson, from Whitby, said: "I've played the Fat Controller for the last 20 years and now I'm being told I have to go on a course to learn how to do it. It's ridiculous.

"It must take around 200 people to stage the event on the railway and for everybody to be CRB checked is too impractical and too costly. It is political correctness gone mad.

"I've played the Fat Controller for the last 20 years and now I'm being told that I have to go on a course to learn how to do it. It's ridiculous."

"As an entertainer I am CRB checked - as I should be - but for everybody involved to be checked, including canteen staff and the like, is ridiculous.

"It is disappointing that the Thomas the Tank Engine weekend will not be taking place on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, not only from a Fat Controller's point of view, but for everybody who looks forward to the event."

The Thomas the Tank Engine weekends and Day Out with Thomas events have been running on the line between Whitby and Pickering every year for more than 20 years and they always draw huge crowds.

Phil Bustard, marketing and external affairs manager for the railway, described Hit's demands as "too onerous" and "extreme." He said, instead, the railway will organise its own family event for September 6-7.

A spokeswoman for Hit Entertainment said: "The course is designed to achieve a high level of performance for all our Fat Controller's. We can't have anyone playing the role, they have to be trained in performing and acting."

There is to be a new section of a Theme Park opening soon in I believe Drayton Manor and with TTTE theme to it. I just hope this is now boycotted by the Millions. As a contributor has said on another forum I belong to, "What is to stop some pervert travelling as a passenger on one of these trains and then flashing himself to a female?" and I wholeheartedly agree with them.

Owen

I heard about that, absolutely stupid isn't it! Just like Father Christmas[TM, R etc] school Evil or Very Mad

Bramleyman

As much as we are close to where some of the books were originally written, we will be boycotting even the sale of any goods to do with them, other than second-hand videos, toys, etc., if I get my way. I have been a fan of Thomas for many years, but now refuse to give the current company 1p profit and it needs millions more to do the same, even though it will hurt millions of youngsters who Love him.

Owen

I noticed on the NNR newletter that Thomas Days are being replaced by 'Children's Days'.

Bramleyman

At the monthly meeting last night, I asked everybody attending to boycott all HIT products, plus join me in refusing to sell their merchandise when we open unless they change their ways.

I am wondering IF the staff at Drayton Manor 'Thomas Themed' Theme Park have 'Qualified' at London, or York in their new Acting profession? Laughing

nebulaman

I saw a post on anglia gen about a Network Rail van parked along the route. Is there something going on or just somewhere quiet for a tea break?

Bramleyman

Bramleyman

As I had expected, I was re-elected to the role of Chairman at the AGM last night, but boy, it was Cold where we met and despite being told there would be heating for us.

Bramleyman

According a recent report given to Cambridgeshire County Council, Freight trains are STILL travelling along the Bramley Line. How exactly they get through a LOCKED point on to the branch is the first puzzle, then next is how to get past the STOP board with RED light and sleeper across the track, followed by the mass of vegetation just 100 metres from Whitemoor Junction, across Elm Road crossing without setting the lights off and then Chain Bridge which has fencing across??????????

The last train ran in 2001 and the target for the next one is now 2011, ten years later.

Bramleyman

Track clearing is going down a treat of late and well advanced considering the lack of volunteers at present. Very soon, the five coaches should be disappearing and to a far off land. Details when finalised.

Owen

Hopefully when I can drive I might be able to give a hand with track clearing if it still needs doing in a year and a bits time. I drove over the line a while ago and was surprised to see that the majority of the infrastructure was still present.

Bramleyman

Bramleyman

The five Ex-Gatwick Express coaches held by the Group were late this afternoon, in the process of being removed from March and transported by road to Kent, from where they are to be shipped over to the Ocean Beach Railway in New Zealand, where they are to be renovated and used to carry passengers and hauled by steam, according to information received via our negotiating team. I am unable to supply any photographs from this occassion, due to being on my way back from a funeral at the time.

DMCBG

Bramleyman

Coldham Jan 2008 after months of clearing in 2006/7.

Then the same site today and I am Gutted

Owen

It looks like a never-ending bit of work for you there. I presume it's just horrid weeds and such like - Brambles and Nettles etc?

Do you just cut it from the stem or pull the whole roots out where possible? Are you allowed to use weedkillers?

Bramleyman

Bramleyman

I can be an Evil so and so at times. While on Track Clearing today, I discovered a Dead body and photographed it. I never bothered to report it to the Police or media, because despite it being a killing as such, it was as seen below...............................

I sent an E-mail with this attached and (hopefully) getting all members somewhat excited. The main reason being there is one total Mr. R. Sole who revels in any story we have printed in local news and so adds to them every time, just to get his name in the papers.

Bramleyman

Following a meeting by two Committee Members with two Managers from Network Rail while paying a Courtesey visit to the area in early July, the long-time missing gates at Newbridge Lane, Wisbech have now been replaced by Occupational Crossing style gates as per photo below.

Bramleyman

Sent to me via E-mail and from another totally unconnected website using OUR Registered Name.

There is a private organisation called The Wisbech & March Bramley Line (Heritage) Group that is a not-for-profit group formed officially in January 2004 to reinstate the Wisbech East to March railway line, always known locally as the Bramley line due to it's links with the shipment of Bramley apples from the surrounding area. Their aim was to operate as a 10 mile long Heritage Railway in to March Station? In a moment of rashness, they purchased five ex Gatwick Coaches in February 2005 with the full knowledge that only two classes of locomotive could couple to them. They ended up stabled in March up sidings until May 2008. They were never used by them. They have now been sold to a company in NZ.
(Not private. Formed in October 2003. Actual length of line is 7.8 miles. We are NOT going into March Station. It has NOT always been known as Bramley Line. Our aim IS to operate and definately NOT was. Strange how these coaches can be hauled by MORE than two loco's according to the Real Experts. As for the rashness, WHY did he try to not only take the credit, but try to get all the publicity when they were delivered?

Now that the Gatwick Coaches have left the UK for New Zealand on board the container ship, MV Comoros Stream that also had on board three additional Gatwick Coaches. All the coaches it seems were purchased by Main Line Steam Ltd to tie in with their new Tauranga excursions line to link with Cruise ships.
(No longer on board a ship.)

The whole deal was brokered by a visiting member of Ocean Beach Railway Museum on their behalf.
(NOT by any means.)

It is regretably, such a pity this was written by an Ex-Member with hardly ANY truth to what is written. Corrections in brackets.

manmikey · Bramley Line & bad feeling

Bramleyman

A lot of bad feeling is apparent in some of the posts about the various proposals and progress with reinstating services of somesort on the Bramley line, it even spilled over in a recent letter to Heritage or Steam Railway (can't remember which)

Whats is the history behind this? I am interested in the local Railway scene and enjoy reading about progress that is made but The Bramley line seems to be having an unfortunate battle in the press and various forums, do you think this is holding back progress on your aims for the line? what other facters are stopping progress?

For the record I am not in any way being critical, I am just interested in whats going on

Bramleyman

Thank you for asking Manmickey and rest assured I never felt you are being critical.

What it is, is the fact we have a now Ex-Member who is trying to 'cash-in' on the Bramley Line name by claiming to be a Friend of it while not only spreading gossip which couldn't be further from the truth, but seeing as he is retired, WHY does he suddenly need to commute?

The reason we are on a slow bit at present is because a couple of Outsiders who have never even spoken with us, are making claims about what we have and have not got and all without checking their facts first. We have a Fund-Raising team who are trying hard to get the finance to get the lease, but things aren't going very fast on that part at present and not for the want of trying, believe me.

As for the Media, I have sent several of them a number of items and one in particular WILL re-write the articles to read different to how it actually is, so I have curtailed their habit by refusing to answer their questions anymore. They have the choice, print what is written in front of them and the truth, or print nothing at all.

Bramleyman

Bramleyman

It doesn't seem a year ago that when track clearing on the Bramley Line, one of the 'Bramley Boys' found this shed hidden in the shrubs and so cleared the area around it to look like the picture below. There is a second version of this same picture and with 'Booking Office' on the facia board area of it for one total idiot who has been retired longer than me and wanted to reopen the line, but run a commuter service along there because he didn't get elected as Chairman at the 2006 AGM.

Sadly, this was the sight that greeted us today and again cleared most of it away again.

Mr M&GN

wisbech and upwell tramway coach at the nnr should be in traffic at the end of the year

Bramleyman

Thank you for this info Mr. M&GN. I must try and visit there again as I also have a connection so to speak, with that as well now.

Owen

The Wisbeach & Upwell car is now out of the sheds and the last time I checked was in the yard. I think the idea was to use it with Ring Haw on a Sunday afternoon cream teas special. Both the interior and exterior are restored to a high standard.

Bramleyman

For the chance to see what I look like, read and hear a little more about this line, click on the link below.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/cambridgeshi.../10/31/bramley_line_feature.shtml

This interview was done to coincide with the anniversary of the Beeching Cuts.

LNERGE

I was out and about taking photos yesterday and thought i'd have a look at the Bramley line. Oh dear was my initial thought. How much of the line is laid in LNER 1948 rails elastic spiked directly to the sleepers? The high ballast shoulders around Elm Road worry me greatly. One cannot tell the condition of the sleeper ends and the security of the spikes that actually hold the rails to gauge.

Bramleyman

IF this worries you that much, join the Group and when we get the lease, you can suggest doing something about it seeing as numerous trains have crossed here with no problems. The last train actually run across this crossing in 2001. The drivers never worried then, so why are you?

LNERGE

My services have been offered to the Bramley Line via email some years ago and more recently via John Bowers. As a qualified permanant way inspector and a signalling tester me signing something as 'fit for purpose' is something i take very seriously. I do wish the Bramley line every success and will help if needed.

As an aside i do have office copies of the signalbox diagrams for Coldham and Waldersea Drove. I also have a limited amount of paperwork for Smeeth Road box.

Bramleyman

LNERGE

Do Bramley Line members have access to the line for care and maintenance?

Bramleyman

We have (and paying for) a license from NR for the Track Clearing programme at present, ready for it to be Inspected by an employee of theirs whom I have Personal Contact with when we get the lease and will go by what he says, but you are more than welcome to assist him.

The Vice-Chairman who works on the railway at Cambridge, will be doing Track Safety Instruction and Testing, then issuing of our own design certificates, to NR standard once we get the lease.

Bramleyman

Just to prove the few critics, including one Political party who this week claimed we haven't raised any money for the project, here is a photo taken today at the proposed 'Depot' sign and made by one of the members.

IF these critics made time to join us, then they would learn the truth, instead of simply summising as to what is happening.

Bramleyman

Forward Goes The Bramley Line

Forward goes the Bramley Line
No use looking back
Forward! Is the word,
Continuing up the track!
Though the way has been stormy
Still we carry on;
Forward goes the railway
Where many trains have gone.

Troubles have been in our way
Obstacles galore!
But we still surge forward
Determined ever more!
For our determination is forever strong
As we carry on;
Forward goes the railway
Where many trains have gone.

Follow this we will
Because we want to be
Where the trains once travelled
Beautiful, and free!
Forward then those determined,
We will carry on;
Forward goes the railway
Where many trains have gone!

Brian Baylis.

tim.s

How's everything going on this? I saw from the supporters' website that the legal fees appeal has been launched - any chance of having a online payment portal so that the public could donate directly via the website?

I'm not from wisbech, but have had a girlfriend there for a couple of years, so will make sure I join the bramleyline itself soon Smile

Bramleyman

Bramleyman

I must be doing something right, because at the AGM held today, I was re-elected as Chairman of the group. We are literally, just £2,000 short of the Legal Fees required by Network Rail and for us to obtain the lease, despite launching an appeal for £10,000.

tim.s

Brilliant! Good to hear, can't wait to see locos running up and down past Coldham/Begdale...

Might be a good idea getting in touch with today's free-rag (Fenland Citizen is it?) who completely cocked up the supporters' website.

(Quoting it as www.webs.com/bramley...)

But would be great to know how the appeal's going, especially on the official Bramley Line website, could get more exposure/donations Very Happy

Bramleyman

Bramleyman

As you are aware, I am Chairman of the Wisbech & March Bramley Line and from where the idea of Wisbech Model Railway Club was started. The first photo below was I will admit, taken in 2008. The site was identical to this this morning when the Track Clearing Team arrived at 09.30.

Now look at the same site, just before they left at 14.00.

Not bad eh, for 4 of us?

Owen

Stirling work Cool

Bramleyman

Just how often do you hear of a Preserved/Heritage Line using 'Rail Replacement' services, if at all? For a change from Track Clearing today, the team decided that as we don't have any trains yet, we would run our own 'Rail Replacement' Service and using a Members Heritage bus being a Dennis Lancet that I had Pleasure in being a 'passenger' on for the run from Waldersea to March, stopping briefly at Coldham, where many local residents came out to look at it.

After arrival at March Station.

We are now planning to do something similar and on a Larger Scale in due course, so 'watch this space' as the saying goes and check oput the Main website on www.bramleyline.org.uk for details.

Owen

This might be of interest to you:

http://uk.reuters.com/article/dom...r=1&virtualBrandChannel=11559

http://www.atoc-comms.org/dynamic...R-CONSIDERING-NEW-COMMUNITY-LINKS

Graphs on p10, MNR Derham line is mentioned on p16 and Wisbech on p20
http://www.atoc.org/general/ConnectingCommunitiesReport_S10.pdf

Interesting to see that the Bramley Line is considered, presumably because the track work is in place. Have you heard anything on this? They put the cost of reinstating the line at £12m.

Bramleyman

Thanks Owen, but the very First I knew of it was when BBC Radio Cambridgeshire telephoned me at 07.55 this morning. I was trhen interviewed live 'On Air' about it, interviewed later by another radio station, then filmed, but later cut from the item for Anglia TV. Where they showed a lady walking the track along part of the Bramley Line, so I was behind the cameraman and watching this being filmed.

Bramleyman

With Immediate effect, the Wisbech & March Bramley Line E-mail address, is now office@bramleyline.org.uk

If you use the old one and peter@bramleyline.org.uk there should be a message received back saying about the change, while your message has been diverted to the new one.

Wisbech & March Bramley Line

Bramley Line & bad feeling