A new book about the Bridport branch railway was launched at Bridport Museum this week.
“Railway Memories: All Aboard The Bridport Line” is the outcome of an oral history project that gathered memories from local people who used the line and recalled its quirks.
The Railway closed fifty years ago this year and museum volunteers interviewed 40 people and combed through local history books and museum archives for the book, which was compiled and edited by volunteer Tegwyn Jones.
At the book launch, Tegwyn said: “It’s been a fascinating exercise, which would not have happened without the willing participation of a lot of people. Our conversations uncovered a lot of great stories, which will go into museum archives for future researchers; there was a lot more material than we could get into this book.
“At talks we gave on the railway in Powerstock and Toller Porcorum, people came forward with their memories, and one thing led to another.
“The museum published a book on Quirky Bridport this time last year that proved so popular that it sold out, and we had to print two more editions. Encouraged by this, we felt that a book on the human aspect of the Bridport branch railway might be really interesting for locals and visitors alike.”
Douglas Beazer, who contributed several stories to the book, attended the launch and said “It’s absolutely brilliant to be in the book. It was a pleasure writing my stories up, and it’s nice to see that my particular adventures will be recorded forever and a day.”
Michelle Caesar, museum manager, said, “During this anniversary year, the museum has run several initiatives about the Bridport Branch railway. The exhibition we are running at the moment in the museum has been popular, and this book, Railway Memories, is part of that effort. Its publication is at an ideal time, as it will make a welcome Christmas gift. It’s a great way to support the museum and find out more about the town’s fascinating history.
“We are indebted to all those who took part in this project: all the people who were prepared to be interviewed for the book and the many others who supported the project or provided photos.”
Railway Memories: All Aboard The Bridport Line is available from Bridport Museum shop, Toller Porcorum Post Office, and the Marquis of Lorne, Nettlecombe. It is hoped that it will be stocked by other shops in the area in the new year.
