BRING "BIDEFORD" BACK HOME!

Bideford Railway Heritage Centre are trying to bring the very attractive nameplate from the steam locomotive called "Bideford" back to the town.

The locomotive was named by the Mayor, William Chubb, at Bideford station in 1946 and was scrapped by British Railways in 1967, after pulling trains across the south of England, to places as far apart as Ramsgate and Padstow, but its nameplates were sold. Many other locations in the west country, such as Barnstaple, Torrington, Appledore and Westward Ho!, all have their nameplates but Bideford does not. Chairman Andrew Mills says "This is an opportunity to bring back part of Bideford's heritage that should not be missed, not only for the railway heritage centre but also for the town as a whole. This opportunity may not present itself again for many years. The nameplate would also be an appropriate companion to a coffee table that was presented to Mayor Chubb at the naming ceremony in 1946. This was donated to the Centre last year."

The set of plates (image shown) coming up for auction at the end of February consist of a "Bideford" plate, a beautiful town crest, a scroll saying "West Country Class" and a plate with the locomotive's number on it. Bideford Station Manager Lewis Andrews explains that "Auctions are obviously unpredictable so we would like to raise a few extra thousand pounds to ensure that our bid is successful. Any contribution would be gratefully received. Yes, it is going to be expensive but we feel the town can't miss the opportunity."

If you would like to find out more about the locomotive as well you can buy a booklet about her for £5 from the group website. Many thanks.

https://www.bidefordrailway.co.uk/