OUR TRAIN
Our train on our opening day on 15th August 2004. The train was seen off by the Mayor of Bideford, accompanied by a pipe band. Many passengers enjoyed the day, as they did over subsequent operating seasons.
Our train consists of two items, an 0-4-0 Planet diesel shunter and a BR brake van. After restoration to operational condition, and the acquisition of appropriate permissions to run a train service, we commenced running our train in 2004 over our short line southwards from the station.
The service ran on occasional weekends until it had to be withdrawn following a serious act of vandalism. The opportunity has been taken to subject the diesel shunter and brake van to extended maintenance so that they can be returned to the standard achieved on our opening day. The locomotive returned to service in 2021 in a new BR black livery (shown here). When we're going to run it next is shown in the panel to the left.
See historical details of the Planet here.
LATEST NEWS
We have had a reorganisation at Director level. Andy Mills has stepped down as a Director but has agreed to become our Operations Manager. Andy did a great job as our MD but felt it was time to focus on his particular interest on the operations side. He has been replaced as MD by Lewis Andrews and Alan Heard and Steve Trowbridge have also joined the board. Karen Harley remains as Financial Director. We wish our new board every success for the future.
Put this date in your diary! We're going to have an Open Day on August 17th. We will be offering cab rides in our diesel locomotive for the first time since we relaid our running line. Come and experience the smoother ride! We will also be having a steam lorry and a Blights' 1930s delivery van as guests. More details soon!
We are now making considerable progress on replacing the woodwork on the brake van. Repainting is now following on. The Planet diesel has been repainted for its return to operational use (see above). More work on the new picnic area will happen later this year. Our enhanced museum space will follow on later.
Our Instow site was also given a complete repaint over the 2024/25 Winter.
Travelling on and payment for the train
Only two passengers may travel at any time and children must be accompanied by an adult. Ride fares are £4 a head for adults and for children, but families with multiple children wishing to ride will not be charged again for the accompanying adult.
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PAYMENTS AND DONATIONS
This is where you can pay for sales items and pay your membership fee.
You can also make a donation to support our work at Bideford and Instow.
There are three options:
1. a cheque made payable to the Bideford Railway Heritage Centre and sent to BRHC c/o Tree Tops, Northdown Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 3NA or
2. by bank transfer (BACS) to A/C Number 20370096 Sort Code 20-04-59, using your surname and DONATION, MEMBER or SALES as the Reference or
3. by PayPal, debit or credit card leaving a message saying DONATION, MEMBER, or SALES. (Don't worry that our PayPal access portal uses the word Donate rather than Pay.)
Many thanks for your support.
BRHC on Facebook
Bideford Railway Heritage Centre, Instow Signal Box and Bideford's Cafe in the Coach all have pages on Facebook - join us there!
Visit Us!
Interpretation Centre
Our historic railway parcels van at Bideford contains a fabulous interpretation display, with beautiful information panels, a model railway and a high-tech touchscreen interactive.
It's an in-depth historical experience of life on the north Devon railways - come and see us!
Cafe in the Coach
After the complete renovation of the catering facilities, take-away and eat-in options are now available.
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