Burnham-On-Sea marked the 160th anniversary of the first passenger train arriving in the town with a day of events on Thursday (May 3rd).
Thursday was the exact anniversary of the first passenger train coming to Burnham railway station in what is now Burnham’s Pier Street and Old Station Approach.
To commemorate the event, 160 years on, several activities were organised by Burnham residents and historians.
A traditional steam-driven traction engine was driven along Pier Street to the buffer stops, tooting as it arrived.
A crowd of residents gathered to watch the vehicle arrive before a plaque was unveiled on the buffer commemorating the important date 160 years ago.
Among those in attendance was Burnham and Highbridge Mayor Bill Hancock and Town Crier Alistair Murray, as pictured here.
The Burnham Railway Heritage Group also has a model of Burnham’s railway, made by Burnham & District Model Railway Club, on show in the tourist information centre on the seafront.
BBC Somerset was on hand to broadcast a radio programme from the seafront, interviewing local people who remember the railway station.
Gordon May, whose father Bill was the engine driver of the final goods train from Burnham, recounted his wonderful memories alongside Terry Fry, a former engine driver and railway fireman, and Billy Connabeer, a railway fireman.
John Strickland from North Sedgemoor Local History Group gave an overview of the Burnham station’s history, while George Brown and Alan Heal recounted their memories of the railway line, along with Ann Popham and Dave Pussill who recalled travelling between Burnham and Highbridge. Mike Lawrence also discussed the history behind his traction engine.
John handed out replica Burnham railway station tickets, plus free copies of a guide to ‘walk the old line’ as far as Apex Park, which are still available in Burnham tourist information centre while stocks last.
John told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The day really exceeded our expectations – it was wonderful to see so many people come along and to hear their memories.”
“We thank everyone that supported us, and a special thank you goes to Mike Lawrence for allowing his steam-driven traction engine to come in from Isleport, bringing back steam to Pier Street for the first time in many years!”
Burnham and Highbridge Mayor Bill Hancock told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It all went off very well and thanks go to everyone involved. I learned lots about Burnham’s railway history. It is great that the plaque will be there for many years to come.”
The commemorations continue this Sunday, May 6th, when the West Huntspill Model Engineering Society will be running Somerset & Dorset Railway themed miniature trains on their site at West Huntspill Memorial Playing Fields, New Road, West Huntspill from 12 midday until 4pm.
