SWANAGE RAILWAY 'SYGNET' VOLUNTEERS ENJOY A SAFE TASTE OF SHUNTING - 12th April 2008

Press Release from Andrew P.M. Wright - dated 16th April 2008
Official photographer & press officer, Swanage Railway.
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Members of the Swanage Railway's Sygnets Youth Group at Eldon's Sidings on Saturday 12th April during the annual Branch Line Weekend

Youngsters who will be the next generation operating the award-winning Swanage Railway have been given a practical hands-on taste of what it's like to undertake shunting duties.

Members of the Sygnets Youth Group spent the Saturday of the annual Branch Line Weekend being instructed in the art of shunting - before being given a practical taste of the art.

But before the work started, the Sygnets were given a detailed safety briefing as a railway can be a dangerous place - even when the only movement is a slow moving diesel shunter. Constant awareness of the safety of yourself and others is always a priority.

Members of the Swanage Railway's Sygnets Youth Group being instructed in the art of shunting on Saturday 12th April during the annual Branch Line Weekend

The closely supervised special day took place on the Swanage Railway's construction section of line between Norden park and ride and Motala - the boundary with Network Rail - at Eldon's Siding which is not currently open for passenger train running.

The teaching and supervisory staff involved in the special day were Ian McDavid, Suzanne Goodwin, Malcolm Sellen, Steve Barker, Arny Arnold and Matt McManus.

Driving the Class 08 diesel shunter was Arny Arnold whose son is a member of the Sygnets youth group.

The shunter travelled light engine up from Swanage in the early morning before returning light engine to the terminal station late on Saturday afternoon.

During British Railways days, the last shunting activities took place at Eldon's Siding in the early 1960s.

A trans-shipment siding for the transfer of mined ball clay from the narrow gauge to the standard gauge railway system for export out of the Isle of Purbeck, Eldon's Siding was built with the Swanage branch line and opened in 1885.

The siding gained its name from Lord Eldon who owned the land on which it was built.

Eldon's Siding survived the lifting of the neighbouring Swanage branch line during the summer of 1972 by some four years.

Eldon's Siding looking to Corfe Castle 1971. Photo courtesy Peter R. Frost

The single siding was lifted by Swanage Railway volunteers in 1976 before being taken to Swanage station where it was some of the first track to be laid at the terminal station as the fledgling steam railway was born.

Swanage tracklaying 1977. Photo courtesy Peter R. Frost

To join the Sygnets - or find out more - call Gerald Atkinson on 01243 264897 or email him at bigsyg@tiscali.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can contact Mike Whitwam, the Swanage Railway's youth protection officer, on 01929 475212 or email him at volunteer@swanagerailwaytrust.org.uk

Andrew P.M. Wright has supplied nearly 60 photos of the Sygnet's shunting activities. Please scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the full set of photos.