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RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may 2019 :: RMTnews 26 REBUILT?: A visualisation of the Southwold Railway by local architect John Bennett. This beautifully illustrated book reveals the fascinating history of the Southwold Railway, a remarkable narrow gauge line that once linked the Suffolk seaside resort of Southwold with the Great Eastern main line at Halesworth nearly nine miles inland. After opening in 1879 it was closed suddenly 50 years later but the Southwold Railway Trust is today dedicated to re- opening as much of the old route as possible. Remarkably, after nearly one hundred years, much of trackbed is still intact as it gently winds its way towards the sea through the beautiful valley of the River Blyth and former stations at Wenhaston, Blythburgh and Walberswick. At the turn of the 20th century there were even plans to link up the Southwold Railway with the Mid Suffolk Light Railway on the other side of East Anglia – which still operates as tiny heritage line today – but by then the railway boom was already on the wane. This historical coffee table book, complete with stunning contemporary pictures and stories of personnel and infrastructure, also looks like a manual for re-creating an incredible little railway which would be a boon for the local economy. The latest venture is the Southwold Railway Steamworks at Blyth Road, Southwold where you will find an office and shop and a Trackbed Fund which looks even further into the future. Whatever the future holds for the Southwold Railway, this book is a well-researched little gem of railway history. SR is always grateful for support from volunteers who are able to offer skills and help in a variety of ways. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer contact: mail@southwoldrailway.co.uk to help bring narrow gauge steam back to Suffolk after a gap of over 90 years. BOOK REVIEW A HISTORY WITH A FUTURE? The Southwold Railway: 1879-1929 The tale of a Suffolk byway David Lee et al, Pen and Sword publications STAFF: An undated picture of Southwold Railway staff left to right – King (Porter), Stannard (Driver) Steadman (Goods Clerk), Fisk (Porter), Moore (Foreman Porter), Jackson (Loco Foreman).