RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april 2021 :: RMTnews

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april 2021 :: RMTnews 25 R MT Reading branch secretary Chris Reilly became a volunteer on the Cholsey to Wallingford heritage railway after the branch held a social event there. “The enthusiasm of all of the volunteers struck a chord with me and I thought I’d help out in whatever way I could,” he said. Cholsey Wallingford Rail Preservation Society chairman Anthony Stead explained that due to the fact that the main line did not connect to the market town of Wallingford it was decided to build a branch line from Moulsford to Wallingford built it in 1866. Due to its unprofitability, it was taken over by GWR in 1872. When the main line was converted from Broad to Standard Gauge two additional lines were built and the branch line from Moulsford to Cholsey became part of today’s relief line. A new station was built at Cholsey and the branch line from Wallingford was realigned to terminated in a bay platform at Cholsey. As demand declined in the line was treated as a 2.5 mile long siding until 1981 and the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway Preservation Society (CWRPS) was formed to preserve the line. Thus 2021 will be the 40th anniversary of closure. The CWRPS first operated passenger trains in 1985 using a 08, TSO coach and a Guards van. That 08 is believed to be the oldest operational one in the country. Steam power is usually provided with hired in locos although currently the Sentinel loco Iseworth is resident on the line. CWRPS is entirely volunteer-run which makes it possible for volunteers to become involved in all aspects of the operation and new members are always welcome. Volunteers have re-laid the track into Cholsey thus giving passengers the opportunity to travel by GWR to Cholsey and transfer to a preserved line for a trip to Wallingford. This year the Victorian canopy from Maidenhead Station has been erected at Wallingford and it is hoped that the signal box from Stoke Canon will arrive at Wallingford and, together with the Oxford signal gantry, this will further improve the railway ambience of Wallingford.” Chris Reilly said that due to the Covid 19 pandemic it has not been able to run services or have private hire events which means there is a lack of funding and urged members to assist in any way they could. Vsit www.cholsey- wallingford-railway.com for more information. CHOLSEY TO WALLINGFORD