Chairman’s Update: March 2007

Our volunteers have been very busy separating another 1,000 sleepers from the rails at Penryn and are now currently transferring this latest batch to Trevarno.

This has been possible because of the generosity of our members and supporters following our appeal for funds in the January Newsletter. A huge thank you to everyone who sent donations. Your details have been sent to our membership secretary, Alan Burton, who will add your names to the Sponsor a Sleeper list.

The vegetation clearance at Truthall is now almost complete. However the recent heavy rain has brought a new problem. It seems that County Highways’ ditch that drains water away from the road is draining it onto the track bed at Truthall Halt. As a result the track bed resembles a canal. This explains why so much of the platform has been washed away over the years. Clearly we will need to address this drainage problem before the rails return here.

We have also taken delivery of a second site hut (actually a large shed) which is currently being erected near Truthall. This will be useful for the storage of tools and materials when work starts here.

If you are a member of the Helston Railway Preservation Society, you should have by now received details of our share issue which is exclusive to members in the Helston Railway Company plc. If you have not received details, please get in touch.