HALESWORTH to Southwold Narrow Gauge Railway Society volunteers have completed the first phase of their Blythburgh station project by stabilising and restoring the goods shed which had fallen into a parlous state.
This is the sole surviving original building of the Southwold Railway, which closed in 1929. The 16-month project, financed entirely by donations, has also seen the surrounding area cleared, parts of two 3ft gauge sidings laid, and the site enclosed by a timber fence of the original design.
Work has already commenced on phase two, which includes provision of a history display inside the building.
Having unearthed one corner of the long-lost foundations of the main station booking hall and waiting room at Blythburgh, which was demolished during the Second World War, the foundations are being excavated to recover artefacts.