A ceremony was held on Wednesday (August 19th) to mark the completion of a project to return a set of railway buffers to Burnham-On-Sea’s seafront.
The Burnham Buffer Stop Memorial Project has installed a set of reconditioned railway buffers at the top of Pier Street, where the town’s former railway line previously ended.
John Strickland, on behalf of the Buffer Memorial Project Team and the North Sedgemoor Local History Group, formally unveiled them on Wednesday with Cllr Bill Hancock, the Deputy Mayor of Burnham and Highbridge.
John said: “I am delighted that Burnham now has this memorial to remind people that this town once had an important railway terminus.”
“It was the coming of the railway on 3rd May 1858 that led to the growth of the town as a holiday resort and an increase in its residency.”
“When in 2009 I spoke with my former employer BAE Systems about the possibility of using the buffers from the ROF Bridgwater site I thought it was a pipe dream.”
“Most surprising of all has been the interest and support shown from people and local businesses both in financial donations and also in the giving their time.”
A formal unveiling ceremony was held on Wednesday, followed by a service of dedication by the Reverend Graham Witts afterwards. Those who have supported and sponsored the project over the past few years were thanked.
Wednesday’s unveiling of the new buffers in Burnham’s Pier Street
How the original buffers in Burnham’s Pier Street looked
