IN early September I travelled by train from Horsham to Swanage, changing at Southampton andWareham.That does not appear to be a particularly momentous journey, but for 45 years it was not possible to travel from Wareham to Swanage by train.
The Swanage branch was well used by both freight and passenger traffic, especially in summer with regard to the latter, so the line was not included in the infamous Beeching Report of 1963. However, after a later review of unprofitable branch lines, it was announced in May 1967 that the Swanage branch would be closed to passenger traffic by September 1968. This did not go to plan though, as there was opposition revolving around perceived problems regarding the introduction of a replacement bus service, but the line eventually closed in January 1972.
For the Swanage Railway to have reached the situation that it is in today has required the expenditure of much blood, sweat and tears, not to mention hard cash.The Swanage Railway Society formed in May 1972, with the intention of providing a year-round railway service between Wareham and Swanage. During the summer of 1972, BR lifted the track between Swanage and Furzebrook. The line remained in situ from Furzebrook toWorgret Junction for ball clay and oil traffic.
Gradually, restoration commenced at Swanage and the first short length of line just beyond the environs of Swanage station was reopened in 1979.This was extended to Herston, and then to Harman’s Cross in 1988. In 1995 the railway reopened to Corfe Castle and to Norden, where there is a park and ride facility that greatly reduces the amount of road traffic into Swanage during the summer months. However, the railway still had not achieved its ultimate goal of reopening toWareham.The remaining freight line was in situ a little beyond Furzebrook to Motola, and on January 3, 2002 (the 30th anniversary of the line’s closure) temporary track was laid to connect to the Swanage Railway just to the north of Norden – meaning for the first time in 30 years theWareham to Swanage branch was physically complete. This link was used by an incoming train on September 8, 2002 when ‘Voyager’No. 220018 journeyed to Swanage to be named Dorset Voyager.
Preserved Class 121 DMU No. 55028 and three-car Class 117 Nos. 51346+59486+ 51388 at Swanage on September 6, after arriving with the 13.05 from Wareham.
MARK KELLY/RCTS