Latest news/blog:
5th February
Another weekend away, this time in South Wales. I didn't have an enormous amount of time to go ferreting around old railways, but did manage to visit a disused GWR station at Tintern (of Tintern abbey fame) and take some shots of a splendid disused (and falling down ?) viaduct at Monmouth. As with the Devon photos previously mentioned, this shots will shortly appear on the Fabulous Places page on this site, sorry for the delay.
1st February
Had an enjoyable visit to Devon, managing to get some nice stills of disused features around Tavistock. I will post these shots on the Fabulous Places page shortly. I managed to get access to the giant arch at the LSWR/GWR crossover point just north of Tavistock again (friendly landowner) and did a bit of filming. It may be a bit short to release as a film in its own right, but it makes for interesting viewing, will make it available in some way as folk have asked for it.
Other places visited included Grenofen tunnel, Magpie viaduct, Lydford viaduct and an impressive new viaduct that they are building to carry a cycle path where the old one was demolished on the river Walkham near Horrabridge.
The Isle of Wight trip is really taking shape now; crossings and lodgings are now booked, just hoping for decent weather in April ! If anyone knows any railway landowners in the Isle of Wight, I would love to be put in touch with them.
A23 film to be released this month definitely.
20th January
Still working on the Course of the Old A23 in Sussex film, keep finding more to include, but still hoping for a late January release (ok maybe February then).
Have finally managed to set aside two whole weeks in April to go over to the Isle of Wight and do a thorough job of filming all the disused lines there. Regulars will know that I have been hoping to do this for about three years now, but a decent stretch of time all in one hit has so far eluded me. The up side of this is that I have managed to read up about the various IOW lines in some detail now, so the usual haphazard commentary may be slightly more cohesive than normal. Expect IOW disused line films to come out progressively through the year as I get round to editing all the footage. I am very excited about the prospect of finally doing this as I've been snooping round the island railways since the mid 1980s, whenever opportunities arose, so this will be the culmination of nearly 30 years of interest. Watch this space ! Anyone know a cheap place to stay on the island ?
Also popping down to Devon to see relatives this weekend and hoping to at least get some stills of disused lines around Tavistock and maybe a couple of the West Meon line; if so I will post them here as usual.
24th December
I've finished all the filming for the Course of the Old A23 in Sussex, just editing now. One of the reasons this took so long is that as the views on Handcross Hill changed with all the trees being removed, I kept going back for more ! Expect news of this one being released in January 2012. Thank you for your interest and Merry Christmas to you.
26th October
Just had a brief visit to relatives near Rome and they had found a little abandoned railway nearby that they were excited to show me ! I know very little about the geography of the area, but the line used to run in a broadly east-west direction about 40 miles north of Rome. The station I went to see was at a town Caprarola, near Viterba. What was odd about it (when compared to disused lines in this country) is that the track is still present and the platforms area only about a foot high, which gives it a kind of pygmy feel to it ! I will add photos to the website shortly.
Still filming the Course of the Old A23 which is taking longer than anticipated, maybe looking at an early 2012 release.
3rd October
Dumpman Films is on tour again this year, doing the craft fair circuit. By all means pop down and say hello at the following events:
- Lewes late night shopping - Thursday 1st December 5pm-9pm
- Hurstpierpoint village hall - Friday 2nd December 5pm-9pm
- Hurstpierpoint village hall - Saturday 3rd December 9am-12pm
2nd October
My apologies for being slow in putting promised stills up on the website galleries, been having a few problems with that, but more photos to follow as soon as possible.
Last couple of weekends (and the next few for the forseeable) have been involved with preparing for Course of the Old A23 film. Seeing that preparations for the widening of the stretch between Handcross and Warninglid are imminent, I've made a few forays along there to gather footage incase they suddenly cut down a load of trees before I've got started ! The idea of this film will be to recreate the journey made by the old road from Crawley to Brighton, as the new road deviates from it substantially in a number of places.
Part of my preparations have involved building a kind of tripod platform that neatly slots in to the sunroof of my old Nova to carry a camera, with a microphone attached to a coat-hanger that hangs down at head level so I can give commentary while driving. This is slightly safer than driving with one hand on the wheel and holding the camera with the other, which is what I have done previously, albeit only for short stretches ! The steadiness of the picture is also greatly improved, so you can see, a rare technological advance for the largely primitive Dumpman Films.
At the moment I'm hoping to finish this one by the end of the year, all being well.
6th September
A trip to Bourton On The Water in the middle of the Cotwolds for a friend's 40th birthday party afforded me an opportunity to do a bit of exploring this weekend just gone. I visited the station sites of Nutgrove (now a Caravan Club site) and Bourton, both previously part of the GWR. More fun was exploring around the nearby village of Chedworth, where the old railway now runs through a stunning nature reserve and up to a picturesque tunnel. A disused airfield was also found in passing. Photos to follow.
26th August
A lovely visit to the Isle of Wight, albeit rather shorter than I would have liked. I didn't do any filming, but visited a number of places. I will put stills up on the website shortly. Most of the exploring was around the Ventnor area, in particular the two tunnels that served it. Managed to get up close to both ends of Ventnor tunnel, but not get in as it owned by Southern Water and used for their pipelines. I did get in to St Lawrence tunnel which was a mushroom farm when I last visited in 2000. Just an empty quiet place now. I also had a quick look at St Lawrence station, which is looking a bit decrepit now.
Away from the railways for a moment, I also visited the Royal Botanical Gardens on the outskirts of Ventor. This is on the site of an old hospital (for respiratory diseases) that was demolished in 1969; plenty of interesting history there, well worth a visit. The original buildings were a quarter of a mile long.
17th July
Looking forward to a visit to the Isle of Wight next month. Although it is unlikely I will be filming much (still a bit too leafy in August), a certain amount of recce to see what will be possible in future times will be useful. Hoping to get to stroll down St Lawrence tunnel as a minumum !
11th May
Just uploaded some photos of the GWR/LSWR crossover point just north of Tavistock, for anyone who has had a burning ambition to see what it looked like, as indeed I did ! Look at the bottom of the Fabulous Places (stills) page to see them. I had to wade through a river to get to it, but it was well worth the soaking.
2nd May
Midhurst to Petersfield track bed explored is now available as is A short tour of Jack windmill. Any enquiries welcome !
20th April
Finally finished Midhurst to Petersfield ! Will be generally available in about a week. Also delighted to say that a visit to Jack (of Jack and Jill Windmills fame) has been filmed and will also be available very shortly. I will send the usual email proudly announcing etc.
15th April
My apologies for anyone getting impatient for the Midhurst to Petersfield film, still working on it. Quite excited about the prospect of being allowed to film Jack of Jack and Jill Windmills fame. Have had contact with the owner who is selling up and he is happy to be visited, I hope to have more news on this shortly.
I'm feeling under pressure to make some progress of the Course of the Old A23 in Sussex film as I have just read in the Mid Sussex Times that plans to widen Handcross Hill to three lanes will start in October. It would be a shame to miss it in its original, unforgiving state.
28th March
Happily I've had permission to access some particularly beautiful stretches of the Midhurst to Petersfield line and will be finishing this before the end of April (no really !)
I recently received a very stern email from the owners of Lydford Junction Station in Devon, who were annoyed that I had accessed their land to film without permission. I apologised and we agreed I would visit. They turned out to be some of the nicest folk I have ever met, gave me a full tour and offered to allow me to film at length on a future occasion. They are at pains to point out that they are happy to receive visitors by prior arrangement, but take a very dim view of people just strolling in as they have livestock running free in the area. www.lydfordstationstables.co.uk is the web address if you want to know more about the current day usage.
I also managed to see a landmark that I had wanted to see for many years. Just north of Tavistock, you have the two disused lines converging to run for six miles, side by side, all the way to Lydford. Not far north of Tavistock, the LSWR line crosses the GWR line by way of an enormous granite bridge. I'd looked on google earth and any number of other places to try and get a view of this, but finally decided to simply drive down to the nearby farm and ask if I could wander over their land to where I thought it was. Happily, the owner was delightful and showed me the way. After a short wade through the River Burn, I was scampering up the embankment to take photos of a monument that I had wondered about for years. Funny thing is, it turned out that the farm (Wringworthy Farm) had been a B and B in years gone by and I had actually stayed there on a family holiday in 1979 and never spotted the bridge, even though it was only 50 yards or so from the farm. So near yet so far and so long ago.
I will post some photos of this on Fabulous Places page of the website shortly.
3rd March
Midhurst to Petersfield proved to be more tricky to film than anticipated, with some inaccessible stretches. I have written to a number of landowners in an attempt to gain further access and in one case have been kindly invited to go in. I am hoping to get back this month to finish the final stretch to Petersfield, sorry for the wait !
I've also started filming bits for the Course of the Old A23 film, which I hope to finish before the summer.
9th February
Currently filming in Midhurst working on the Midhurst to Petersfield line and all I can say so far is, it's heavy going ! Lots of awkward sections and the occasional awkward landowner. I also had the pleasure of meeting Dr Vic Mitchell for the first time, who gave me a tour of Middleton Press and some useful pointers on how to further the fortunes of Dumpman Films.
Midhurst to Petersfield should be available (finally !) later this month.
12th January 2011
Happy New Year to you. Just waiting for a break in the weather so I can get on out there and do some filming ! Top of the list is Midhurst to Petersfield, but also hoping to do a more detailed look at the Hayling Island branch. Watch this space.
2nd December
Just stepped out of my back door here in Southwick today and measured 8 inches of snow ! I have to say that the Lewes late night shopping event that I was hoping to attend later today now seems very unlikely.
25th November
Delighted that the Bluebell Railway website has suddenly put a link to Dumpman Films; my website hit rate has gone through the roof ! I have no idea who is responsible, but if you're reading this and you had a hand in it then I am very grateful, thank you !
10th November
The little ten minute demo is now embedded on the page entitled "Links to wonderful websites" so all you have to do is go to that page, scroll to the bottom and click on a picture of me emerging from a bunker.
I am also happy to report that any visitors to Jill windmill (of Jack and Jill fame) will see copies of the Clayton Tunnel and Cottage film available to buy there. I am very grateful to Simon Potter for this and for the tour he gave me around the workings of the mill, it is a fascinating place with far more to it than you might imagine. Get on up there for a visit and make sure you donate something as it is always needed.
2nd November
Great excitement ! I'm on youtube ! Go to youtube.com and put in "dumpman films" as a search and (perhaps not surprisingly) I am top of the list. I hope to embed this link into the website, but having a few teething troubles at the moment.
My sincere thanks to my good friend Mike Cock for engineering this for me. Naturally the analogue world of Dumpman Films doesn't extend to this sort of computer trickery, so I'm greatly indebted.
1st November
Dumpman on tour ! The below dates are confirmed craft fairs that I will be attending:
Hurstpierpoint Christmas Fair, The Village Centre
Friday 26th November 6.30pm - 9.00pm
Saturday 27th November 9.30am - 1.00pm
Lewes Late Night Shopping, Town Hall, Fisher Street
Thursday 2nd December 5.00pm - 9.00pm
As usual, the full complement of films will be available for sale and I will standing near them trying to make them appear more interesting by telling people about them. If you're in the area and fancy popping by just to say hello then please do. I've had a number of folk who have previously bought films come up and say hello at previous events and it's always interesting to have feedback.
I am currently in negotiations with the Jack and Jill Windmills Trust with a view to them stocking the Clayton Tunnel & Cottage film in their shop up there at the mills. This was something they suggested as visitors to the mills often ask them about the tunnel. I would naturally be happy for anyone to stock my films (obviously !), but the idea that some of the proceeds would be directed to the continuing preservation of these two Sussex landmarks is something I would be delighted with. Watch this space for details.
15th October
Thanks to anyone who has expressed their interest by requesting the (free !) demo dvd. I'm currently working on a shortened version to be activated via the website. Essentially, there will be a link somewhere on the home page which will connect to You tube, where a ten minute version of the demo dvd will appear. Watch this space.
9th October
I'm delighted to say that a shop in Brighton is now stocking Dumpman Films. A superb dvd emporium specialising in foreign films, classics, avant garde and hard to find items, Timeslip Dvds is in Trafalgar Street, quite close to Brighton station. A small representation of my stuff is available there and I have to say a host of other interesting films. The chap who runs it (Hi Mick !) is also enthusiastic about promoting local talent and has a variety of home grown productions there that will delight any film buff. He's being kind enough to stock my modest offerings alongside these greater talents and I'm most grateful. A shop well worth a visit.
22nd September
I was delighted to hear that the open day run by the resident of Clayton Tunnel Cottage last week had gone well with a huge number of people trying to get on the tours as part of Heritage Days. (I had hoped to get down there and help out, but my tired old Vauxhall Nova was in bits in the garage.) I can't recommend these tours highly enough and hope he decides to continue by running them next year as the place is just so very fascinating. Each tour takes in the spectacular grounds of the place, giving people unique views that they wouldn't normally see of the structure up close. Plenty of historical facts and some of the legends of the place are also imparted. If you ever get the chance to do this trip then go for it.
23rd August
Having emailed everyone on my mailing list announcing the availability of this free demo dvd, I've been quite surprised (and delighted) with the response. If you have asked for one of these then please bear with me while I try and cope with demand, you will get one if you asked for one. You may laugh heartily at my primitive methods, but I don't have the technology to fast copy discs so all the discs I produce are copied in real time. So far I have about 100 requests for demo discs; luckily I started copying before I announced it. I was lucky enough to have one of my previous customers put a note on the Subterranea Brittanica website (thank you sir, I owe you many beers) which has greatly swelled the numbers of folk interested. I look forward to hearing what people think of it and hopefully leaving the odd comment in the guest book.
21st August
I have found that the guest book is becoming a bit of a vault for people's memories rather than film feedback, but I think that's great and have decided to nudge people to do just that. I suddenly realised that I was regularly checking it to see if any more exciting tales had been added and that it would be fun if it was loaded with personal accounts from times gone by. If you have an interesting tale relating to industrial history in Sussex (or elsewhere) then feel free to write a piece about it.
18th August
Dumpman's Demo Dvd is finished and ready to ship. As I said before, just send me a postal address by email and I will post you one gratis. (Naturally in the hope that you will be delighted by it's content and come rushing back to buy something). It runs for an hour and contains clips from very nearly all the films made so far.
I will be creating a page on the website called Demo Disc Contents, which will list the contents with timings, showing which film each clip was lifted from.
13th August
Having started making this demo disc with the intention of a short 10-20 minute taster of all the films made so far, it has as usual turned into something somewhat bigger, which will probably clock in at nearer an hour !
I found having trawled through the contents of every film that I couldn't bear to leave out certain shots, so rather than being a taster dvd it will probably end up being more of a best of or greatest hits ! I must be mad trotting them out for nothing, but I will still do so. I intend to leave them in strategic places where they may entice new folk into my web of intrigue.
To date, I have left the Dumpman Films business cards in various places, like libraries (the railways section), notice boards, gent's toilets in pubs and anywhere else I could think of. I've even been known to slide the cards into railway books in libraries, book shops and railway heritage magazines in WH Smiths. The idea of the demo dvd will be to do something similar, but give something for people to enjoy while they make their minds up.
As I said before, please do email me with your postal address if you would like to receive one, no purchase necessary etc.
On a different note, I've been delighted recently to send films to Australia, USA and Canada all in the same week. What is interesting for me is that these are folk who have moved or retired overseas, but have interesting memories of railway lines in Sussex (or Devon) that date back to the 1950s. I was in email contact with a chap who used to go to school on the Princetown to Yelverton line not long before it closed, how cool is that ? I actively encourage people in this position to leave some memoirs in my guest book for all to see. Happily, I see that the last entry there is a fascinating memory from a chap who not only remembers the demise of the Midhurst to Chichester line, but took an active roll as a vandal at the time ! Splendid stuff which makes great reading, thank you for your contribution sir.
9th August
Work is nearly finished on the demo disc, cramming all my favourite shots into a short, watchable demo is proving quite a challenge, should be ready in the next week or so. If you want one then just drop us an email with your address and I'll pop one in the post to you - free !
22nd July
My apologies to anyone who has had trouble getting on to the site in recent times, my host has been making some improvements. I am told that all is fixed now so there should be no more of that.
Also, I am in the process of making a short demo disc. This will feature a few clips from some of the films and hopefully answer some of the most frequently posed questions about this curious little venture. I will let everyone know when it is ready and it will be free to whoever wants one.
4th July
Nothing to report on the filming front; I tend to do less in the summer because of all the growth that obscures views, especially along disused trackbeds ! However, I do have a number of people pushing for filming to be done of the Isle of Wight railways. Although I am still heading towards doing Midhurst to Petersfield as my next project, I intend to start on the Isle of Wight some time next year, all being well.
3rd June
Just finished editing Cuckfield ROC Bunker to dvd so this is now available. I will add the usual detailed description in the Film Catalogue 2 page shortly.
20th May
I'm delighted to say I've finally been given permission to go public on a project I've been filming that has until now been cloaked in secrecy. Although somewhat under-represented in my film catalogue, I do have an interest in wartime bunkers.
Some time last year I was contacted and asked if I would like to film the restoration of a Royal Observer Corps bunker in Cuckfield, Sussex. Not surprisingly, I jumped at the chance and met a charming chap called Mark Russell, who is really rather a big wheel in bunker hunting circles. You can admire his extensive bunker travels at the website www.rocremembered.com, most impressive.
Mark started work on this bunker last year and I visited him there at various stages of the restoration and filmed snippets on each occasion. It was very interesting for me as I had never seen one of these bunkers as it was during its time of use, only after flooding and dereliction as anyone who has seen my short film about the Billingshurst ROC bunker will know. The standard to which Mark has brought this bunker up to is superlative. I was lucky enough to get along on one of the open days and indeed there will be future open days. I will be linking my website to his so that any forthcoming dates can be more easily displayed to as many people as possible.
I thoroughly recommend a visit and when you are there I would encourage you to put a donation in the pot towards the future maintenance of this unique heritage site and help the fruit of one man's vision continue for as many years as possible. Naturally, Dumpman Films will be releasing a short documentary about the restoration and a percentage of profits will go into the aforementioned pot. Delighted to have been asked to be involved.
9th May
Finally, finished the Princetown to Yelverton film and released it to the world at large or at least the small band of like minded loons who kindly support my endeavours, I thank you etc. It is a two and half hour epic with all sorts of fun contained within. I'm very grateful to the good people of Dousland and Yelverton station sites for allowing me access and to Bob Spalding for meeting me at Burrator halt on the day, very memorable. Thanks also to my mum for driving me and my bike up to Princetown !
4th May
Later today will see the release of Lydford Junction & Mary Tavy stations explored dvd. It's just a little 20 minute job, but the Princetown to Yelverton one should follow later this week and that will be a biggie over a number of discs. I will send out a circular email as usual with full details.
18th April
See numerous still photos added to the site on the Fabulous Places page.
I've just returned from the most superb weekend away ever. My wife took me away for my 40th birthday to Petworth station. For anyone that doesn't know it, check it out on the net. The main bit of the hotel is the stunning old station building and the luxury bedrooms occupy Pullman carriages that are berthed at the platforms ! It really is the most amazing place. I have been there before and know the proprietor well as he kindly allowed me to film to my heart's content when I made the Midhurst to Pulborough dvd a couple of years ago, but I had never actually stayed there as a guest. If you get the opportunity then do it, it is superb.
Seeing as it was my birthday weekend, we also had a charming amble along the trackbed at Ambersham common and a quick snoop around the delapidated station building at Selham. A delicious lunch at the The Three Moles followed. I feel very celebrated.
Must crack on and start editing Princetown to Yelverton, watch this space !
13th April
Sunday evening I returned from Devon having had one of the most rewarding railway filming sessions I have ever experienced. My aim was to film the Princetown to Yelverton line and sneak in to see some favourites in the area.
Having written for permission, I was warmly welcomed at Yelverton station site by the owner, who's family has kept it as a nature reserve since 1964. I was given an extensive tour and then left to film and take pictures in my own time and enjoy the run of the place. It is an absolutely beautiful spot and I hope to put some pictures up on my site shortly. Due to the growth that has largely been allowed to go unchecked for over 40 years, long vistas are not the order of the day. However, plenty of platform, a 641 yard long tunnel and other clues remain.
I was also welcomed at Dousland station and took numerous shots there. Other than that, I cycled the trackbed in its entirety from Princetown down to just short of Dousland. The sites of the various halts and even a peep into one of the quarries are included.
Waiting for me at Burrator Halt was my good friend Bob Spalding, a fellow enthusiast who lives in that part of the world. A couple of his photos feature on the web page Fabulous places. Thanks for making the effort Bob ! Thanks for the pint too !
This was a film I've been wanting to make for ages, finally realised. Not only that, but the weather was stunningly generous and made the whole thing a treat to be involved in. I am currently editing, but it could be a few weeks until this one is ready.
I also went exploring around Mary Tavy station and slipped under the wire at Lydford junction station. Numerous books will tell you there's not much left to see at Lydford, but the open platforms of LSWR and GWR sat right next to each other are still there to see, which was a fantastic thrill and I got some great footage of them. At Mary Tavy I concentrated more on filming the parallel trackbeds of the LSWR and GWR and the long vistas off to the south as opposed to being too intrusive at the station itself, but the two splendid granite bridges there were too impressive not to include.
I will probably release a short Mary Tavy/Lydford "as they are today" type film combining the two of them. Watch this space.
Without doubt the most exciting bit of venturing I've done for a long time and quite fun to finally take the name of Dumpman Films out of Sussex. Just for good measure, on the way home, I scampered up the massive embankment where the A272 runs in a tunnel under the Meon Valley Line and a delightful stretch it was too.
2nd April
Delighted to announce that I have been given permission to enter the incredibly private and fortified Yelverton station, just hoping that the weather is kind enough to allow me to travel the whole line. More details as soon as I have them, very very excited.
21st March
Concerning the Princetown to Yelverton project, I am delighted to be able to report that the owner of Dousland station has responded to my letter and invited me to visit and film his property. This is great news, he sounds like a nice chap and I'm very much looking forward to meeting him. Also, as a result of having an aunt who lives in Mary Tavy, who has a friend in Yelverton, who knows the name of the station site owner, I have been able to write to them directly and am hopeful that they may allow me in to film.
If you look at the section of my website that lists links to other websites ("Wonderful websites"), you will see an entry towards the bottom of the list that shows some superb photos of Yelverton station, past and present.
17th March
Anyone who bought the Redgate Mill to Heathfield film please get in touch (all three of you). I am adding to Disc 3 to include some aerial shots of Mayfield station from the late 1950s and will happily send you a free replacement disc. I had meant to include it first time round, but due moving house I couldn't find the photo.
16th March
Quite excited at the moment as an opportunity to film somewhere really special has come up, quite a departure for Dumpman Films. I'm going to be 40 on the 8th of April and my plan is to scoot down to Dartmoor and do some filming of the railways in that part of the world.
I did walk the Princetown to Yelverton branch in 1980 with my father and even then thought it was quite special. My plan is to be dropped off in Princetown with the Raleigh Chopper and take a leisurely ride down the moor while filming the whole journey. This has been an ambition of mine for some time and to do it on my 40th birthday just seems perfect. I have written to the owners of the notoriously difficult to access Yelverton station so hopefully access may be gained.
I will hopefully also make time to visit and film parts of the Granite Way and the disused stations of Tavistock, Mary Tavy and Lydford Junction. Hopefully the weather will be forgiving enough for some reasonable footage ! Updates nearer the time or just after as they appear. Beside myself with excitement.
18th February
A number of folk have asked what camera and editing equipment I use so I thought a brief description might be in order; it's laughably basic and old technology.
I film using an old Sony 8mm camcorder (the CCD TR series). I actually have two or three working and ready for use at any one time, but most of it is now done on a TR3200E which I think is a fabulous machine and analogue down to its core. All of them have a steady shot facility to try and reduce the seasick effect if I'm walking or cycling at the same time as filming. I always use metal particle tapes, which turn up quite cheap for these cameras now that the technology is considered such old hat.
Recorded material is then transferred from the camera direct to a dvd recorder. This is of the variety that works like an old video recorder rather than anything to do with computers, I tend to avoid them. So stereo sound track travels down straight forward phono wires and the picture travels down an S video cable to try and maintain as much picture clarity as possible.
The editing procedure is simple: I press pause on the dvd player when I want to chop a piece out ! That's all there is ! It's amazing what you can do with just the basic tools. I try to keep the dvd disc length down to a minimum, also to preserve picture quality; two hours as a maximum, but one hour as a preference. Once the I have a master disc of the film it is ready for copying. Copying is simply done between another dvd player and the recording dvd player. Quality diminishing is minimal, but the only downside is that every disc I produce is recorded in real time, think of all those recording hours ! It is running all the time.
I hope that answers most of the questions on production, although don't hesitate to ask if you want to know any more.
12th February
Redgate Mill to Heathfield is now available, I will add full details in the film catalogue shortly.
6th February
Redgate Mill to Heathfield is now filmed and being edited into something coherent; I will of course announce it's availability as soon as I'm done.
Almost on a whim, I decided to make a film covering the Tunbridge Wells West line, which I completed yesterday and is ready now. I got some nice views of the old station building by clambering on the embankments overlooking Sainsbury's car park, much to the bemusement of some of the shoppers ! I also ventured into the old building to get some nice up close footage of the fabulous decorative features. From then on, it was along the old trackbed, through the tunnel and then following as much trackbed as possible (most of it) to the junction with the current line. Great fun short project that I'd been meaning to do for years but never quite got round to it. It was a nice antidote to the arduous slog of Redgate Mill to Heathfield.
2nd February
Finally ! I've made a start on Redgate Mill to Heathfield. It has been fairly hard going as anticipated, but haven't yet come up against any impossible obstacles, just a couple of minor diversions as some folk have extended their gardens on to the trackbed. Some really impressive sights to see, some fantastic relics, a couple of collapsed (or destroyed) bridges, the superb Argos Hill tunnel, a tour around Rotherfield station and much much more. Watch this space for a release date.
Here's a ridiculous name dropping story for you. Saw a very pregnant Zoe Ball in a local garage/supermarket a couple of weeks ago, just before she gave birth. She was carrying a big basket of shopping and proceeded to drop a couple of pizzas at my feet as I passed. Naturally I picked them helpfully and was then seized by the urge to offer her one of my Dumpman cards, which I did, blurting out how it might be of interest. She did the best job of looking politely interested you have ever seen !
18th January
After copious amounts of chiropractic treatment and faithfully doing all the exercises that I've been told to do, the back injury seems to be abating, which is a great relief. I am now looking to take a week in early February to crack on with some new material before the leaves of spring creep in and obscure those trackbed views. Hopefully the weather will be kind. Sorry for the delay, watch this space !
31st December
Happy new year to you and thanks for your interest in the films if that applies to you.
23rd December
This crazy weather has at least given me the opportunity to nip out and film a bit more for the Balcombe Viaduct dvd as I particularly wanted to get some footage of it in the snow.
On the down side, the injury I sustained earlier in the year has turned out to be a disc injury. This means that short forays to the viaduct are one thing, but prolonged tramping down overgrown trackbeds such as Redgate Mill - Heathfield or Midhurst - Petersfield are sadly not on the cards at this point in time. I'm having chiropractic treatment and faithfully doing all the exercises I've been advised to do to speed recovery, but putting a date on being back in the full swing of things is impossible.
However, be in no doubt that as soon as I am able, I will be back out filming big time with a huge appetite and plenty of ideas for entertaining adventures.
Happy Christmas to you.
5th December
Many thanks to everyone to popped along to say hello at the Lewes and Hurstpierpoint craft fairs; it's always nice to put faces to names etc. I will be booking some more craft fairs in the new year and will publicise the dates as soon as they are confirmed. The very best to you and yours for a Happy Christmas and healthy 2010.
5th November
Dates that I am doing craft fairs are:
- 3rd December Lewes Late Night Shopping 5pm to 9pm
- 5th December Hurstpierpoint 10am to 4pm
This is a slimmed down version of what I did last year, but having just moved house, things are a bit busy at home ! If you are passing and want to pop in and say hello then please do.
12th October
I am booking a couple of craft fairs in Sussex in the lead up to Christmas, the dates of which I will post here shortly.
20th September
Had some excitement this week as I was contacted by none other than Mr Vic Mitchell of Middleton Press. Anyone with an interest in disused railways will be familiar with the spectacular selection of authoritative books that have emerged from Middleton Press over the last twenty years and also how good they are. So many railway enthusiasts use them as guidance for seeking out places that would be almost impossible to find without the detail and passion that goes into these books. I somewhat shyly sent off one of my films for his perusal and have yet to hear what he made of it.
11th September
Quite delighted as I've approached to film and document the restoration of a Royal Observer Corps bunker. Not being deliberately irritating and mysterious, but I have been asked not to announce the whereabouts of this bunker until works have been completed. I can tell you that it is an excellent example and it is in mid Sussex, all will be revealed ! The idea is that it will be restored to its former glory and may possibly be visitable in times to come as part of these "heritage open days" that seem to be sweeping this area. As soon as I am allowed to tell you more I will.
2nd September
Having found a spare day, I raced down towards Selsey today, camera in hand. A number of folk who bought the Selsey Tramway Tour 2006 got in touch and told me that some changes had gone on and I should go down and film them.
Firstly, the remains of lifting bridge at Hunston have been cleared and a short section of ballasted track has been laid to show the direction of travel. You can clearly see the bases of the uprights that made up the lifting bridge frame. Just to top it off, they have placed an axle with wheels on the track which looks great. An old lady who was sitting on the bench told me that the wheels had been found in the canal ! True or not, it is a good story.
Secondly, the station remains at Chalder Farm have been cleared, although they are fast being overgrown again from what I saw today. You can clearly discern the platform and base of the station building. A timber upright sticking out of the ground could be part of the old station sign !
Both sites well worth a visit for anyone who is interested in the Selsey Tram. I will add the new footage to subsequent copies of my 2006 film.
23rd August
Many thanks to everyone who came down to say hi at the Rockinghorse event at Brighton station today. Quite bizarre to have a number of people come up and say "oh yes I've had one of yours", thanks for the feedback. I also had some interesting chats with a number of train drivers who had informative points to make. All good stuff.
17th August
Gearing up for the Rockinghorse Appeal show that is taking place this coming Sunday the 23rd in Brighton station; it promises to be fun. Do come and say hello if you're passing.
I'm slowly edging closer to completing the Balcombe Ouse Valley Viaduct film, but still need to add a few more essential shots that I do not yet have. Other than that, I'm still hoping to crack on with Midhurst to Petersfield and Redgate Mill to Heathfield later this year as soon as I can find the time. A few people have expressed a preference for films made in the winter when there are fewer leaves and visibility is better so maybe I should follow that advice.
27th July
I've just enjoyed a lovely break in the Isle of Wight. Although little activity was completed in the film making department due to time constraints, I did see some great sights, some of which I've not seen for many years.
The northern entrance to the tunnel serving the Ventnor West line was a mushroom farm with a little old man sitting at the entrance with a till and a set of scales last time I visited in 1998, but now it just looks closed up. Last time I was there I walked the length of it inbetween the rows of mushrooms, enjoyed mushroom man's little museum of railway pictures and then walked through the undergrowth to find the southern portal near St Lawrence station.
This time, apart from visiting the northern portal, I only drove over the road bridge at St Lawrence. The station building there looks very run down and as though it is no longer inhabited. Someone needs to buy it and restore it ! Having had a quick look at the www.28dayslater.co.uk site, you can see that someone has been in there fairly recently and that the mushroom growing appears to have ceased.
I also managed to find the site of the main station at Ventnor where the southern portal is now bricked up, but the quarry that the station was set in (now an industrial estate) is still kind of evocative when you look at old photographs. Anyway, other than that it was touring the IOW just enjoying all the normal tourist sites. I would love to move there for a month and do all the railways !
9th July
I had a very enjoyable time this last Sunday exploring Lywood tunnel on the Ardingly branch line. It wasn't a filming opportunity, but it is always a treat to see this place and always a treat to get out with the guys from Ghost Trains. Ghost Trains run a superb website that is full of information about Brighton that is highly recommended. I will put the web address in my list of favoured sites shortly.
Also greatly looking forward to the Rockinghorse Charity Fun Day at Brighton station on Sunday the 23rd of August; I will be there with a table full of my dvds and a portable dvd player, come and say hello if you are nearby. Further details at: http://www.brightonlinecommuters.org/station-event.html
28th June
Clayton Railway Tunnel and Cottage is now available with far more interesting work on it than the version I did earlier in the year.
22nd June
I was very lucky to enjoy a return trip to Clayton Tunnel Cottage this last weekend just gone. Having been there to film before in February, I was interested to see how it would differ in the summer months and I also wanted to achieve some interesting shots that weren't possible last time I visited.
Firstly, my kind host had purchased himself a series of ladders that meant we could actually climb to the top of one the turrets and check out the breathtaking view.
Secondly, having cleared a load of foliage from the manhole cover, we were able to enter what has become known as the "secret passage". A horizontal brick service tunnel goes from the back of the cottage into the hillside directly above the roof of the main railway tunnel. After a few yards the tunnel intersects with a much larger, vertical shaft. It is of similar dimensions to the ventilation shafts that service the tunnel, but is capped off and there is no sign of it on the hillside.
We lowered a ladder down (about 8-10') and descended the shaft onto a curved brick floor and suddenly realised that we were most probably standing on the roof of the tunnel, on the outer most course of bricks. While pondering this and hoping that the structure was sound, the rumble of an approaching train created a fantastic blast of air that came up through cracks and imperfections in the brickwork ! Clearly we were on the roof of the tunnel and the air compressed by a train along the tunnel indicated maybe the old LBSCR brickwork wasn't that perfect after all ! A swift exit ensued ! But not before plenty of footage to show what we'd found was taken.
As soon as I get a little bit of time I will edit this together for general viewing.
29th May
In the last few days I've heard that another part of Hellingly Mental Hospital has been set alight although I'm not sure how much damage has resulted. I'm glad I got in when I did !
I'm in the process of trying to move house at the moment so the productivity of the filming department is suffering somewhat. I do now have very nearly all the footage that I need to a job on the Balcombe Viaduct film, so that will hopefully emerge shortly.
The various craft fairs were fun and it is always fun when someone comes along and says hello; thanks to those that did. I'm very much looking forward to the Rockinghorse event in August and I'm also looking to book some more from October onwards. There is a craft fair in Balcombe towards the end of June (think its the 27th, but it might be the 20th) that I will be attending if anyone is passing.
2nd May
Mobility somewhat improved ! Looks like I will be able to make some of these films this year after all, hurrah etc.
I'm doing some craft fairs in the near future, so if you're nearby and want to come and introduce yourself then please do. Here' s a few dates for you:
Friday 15th May, Lindfield King Edward Hall 9am-12 midday
Friday 22nd May, Cuckfield Queen's Hall 9am-12 midday
Sunday 23rd August, Rockinghorse Appeal Event Brighton Station ,think it is an all day event but I will write more as I find out. Delighted to be attending an event that is held in Brighton Station though !
I will be trying to get involved in other craft fairs and shows and as and when I do I will post details here.
22nd April
Knee injury is continuing to prevent me doing any reasonable distance on foot which is irritating in the extreme. However, I have a couple of projects to be getting on with. Although I filmed the course of the Selsey Tram in 2006, I have been contacted recently by a chap indicating that some parts of it have been cleared to show more of what remains. This includes the lifting bridge at Hunston and the station area at Chalder Farm, most exciting. I will be visiting these areas in the next month or so and will add new footage to my 2006 film as an extra.
If my lack of mobility continues then I will embark on filming the Disused Stations of Sussex as this will involve less walking and more motoring. I had hoped to do a film on the Midhurst to Petersfield stretch this summer, but I'm not sure if that will be possible now, wait and see ! It is the last remaining stretch of regular railway that I have not filmed in Sussex, so I think some sort of party is in order when it's done. Next stop, Kent and Hampshire !
29th March
I had a great afternoon meeting like minded souls Loz, Geoff, Nick and their buddy (whose name I can't remember) and having a nose around the disused railways in Lewes. Due to a damaged knee, I didn't get to walk up the disused section through the deep cutting at Malling to the missing river crossing onto Hamsey Insand. However, I did get to stroll around the wonderful "Railway Land" where all the sidings used to be and appreciate where the viaduct used to be; we even saw a few visible remains which was most exciting.
Then we retired to the John Harvey to discuss our findings, very nice it was too.
25th March
This week sees the release of the hotly anticipated Crowhurst to Bexhill West film. I'm actually putting the finishing touches as we speak, but it will be definitely ready to ship at the end of the week. It is another sprawling epic consisting of 3 dvds checking in at just over 3 hours. No stone unturned etc and plenty of attention to the structures that will most likely be demolished to allow passage of the bypass. It was great fun to shoot and quite challenging in places as it is by no means open to the public all the way through. See film catalogue for full resume of the contents.
13th March
I'm out on tour again ! Tomorrow I will be setting out my stall in Steyning. I can't quite remember the address, but it is a craft fair that is always well sign-posted from most main roads in to the village. If you're around then pop in and say hi; it runs from 10-4pm. I also have craft fairs booked for the following Fridays:
17th April and 15th May: King Edward Hall in Lindfield (9-12pm)
24th May and 22nd May: Queen's Hall in Cuckfield (9-12pm)
9th March
I had an interesting evening with the Southern Electric Group in Southwick this evening. They asked if they could screen a couple of my films (Devil's Dyke Railway and Kemp Town Branch) and I thought I would go along. I was particularly interested to see what it would feel like sitting in an audience (of about 50-60) of railway types watching my material. It's amazing how self critical you end up feeling ! I realised that there is a difference between what is interesting to an individual who can scan ahead, go back, pause etc with the flexibility of dvd and what is interesting to an audience who have to travel at your pace. On more than one occasion I found myself thinking that I had laboured certain views too long, but despite that it was a very interesting evening and I met some fantastic people. My grateful thanks to Bruce and Mike for making me so welcome.
28th February
Today was another exciting one. Apart from being lovely weather, I ventured over to Bexhill to finish off the filming for Crowhurst to Bexhill, which feels like it has been a long time in coming. I went along to the site of Sidley station and introduced myself to the motorbike training people there who were happy for me to scramble all over the site. Having thoroughly examined the site and found a few interesting things, I set off south, happily trespassing my way down towards Bexhill West station. To my delight, I managed to access all the track bed between Sidley and Bexhill leisure centre, which I didn't think was going to be possible. It is impossible to imagine it being a bypass, but there for all to see are numerous laminated notices of compulsory purchase for all the necessary pockets of land. As soon as I have finished editing I will advertise this film, I guess in the next couple of weeks or at least before the end of March. Its certainly been one of the most interesting ones to do, with the added ingredient of the bypass thrown in.
I also investigated the disused link between Polegate and Stone Cross. Anyone who has looked at it before will tell you that the bit between Polegate and the A22 is easily travelled as it is a bridleway. However, once you cross the A22, it soon descends into a cutting that is impossible to travel. Without doubt, the stretch that runs from the A22 to the east towards Stone Cross junction is absolutely the most overgrown stretch of disused railway I have come across in Sussex. It runs along the south side of a dreadful, legoland housing estate. Oddly, there is a green lane that runs to the north side of the trackbed that I think belongs to Southern Water as an access route for them. There are sturdy green, steel gates that attempt to prevent you entering this green corridor, but as numerous folk have slipped round the sides of them over the years, access is very easy. I decided not to film, as access to the actual trackbed is largely not possible, but for anyone who wants to walk next to this stretch, just navigate your way to the south side of the legoland housing estate and you will most likely find your way to the embankment. It is isn't stunning, but there are one or two access bridges hidden away there. Possibly only for the completist !
23rd February
I started making a short film about the Balcombe Viaduct today (or Ouse Valley Viaduct if you prefer). Nothing new, secret or disused about that I admit, but I have fond memories of illicitly scampering across the top of it as a child and had meant to go back and have a look just for fun. You may be relieved to know I didn't go up to track level this time, but I did enjoy looking at it from as many different angles as possible, including distant views as seen from Cuckfield.
In the 1980s, it was said that a brick fell out every time a train went over and you could see large sandstone (or sedimentary stone of some sort) blocks that had come unstuck from the parapets and hurtled to the ground. Looking up, you could see the gaps where they had come from, like missing teeth. The fact that they were the size of a car engine meant certain death if you got hit by one. One of the most amusing activities was to lie in the cut-out of one of the piers when a train went over and feel the substantial movement.
Nowadays, a plaque stating the years of renovation (96-99) is visible at the northern end. Interestingly, there is still evidence of masonry coming down, but it is fragments now rather than lumps.
This film will show views that you can only get from being right up close, so if you live way away from it and fancied a look it may be of interest. If you live locally then I should go and have a look for yourself as it is always impressive. I imagine I will have it available in the next few weeks.
19th February
Coming off the subject of railways for a minute, I'm eternally grateful to the gentleman that emailed me and politely pointed out that the bunker I had explored at Billingshurst was a "Royal Observer Corps" bunker not a "Observatory Corps" one as I had stated. How embarrassing ! I have changed all the references to it on the site (I think); anyone else like to point out any error ?!
9th February
I realised a long held ambition today, which was to enter the fantastic Bexhill West station building. Having contacted the man in charge who heads up Gorringes auctioneers there, I was allowed in to film under supervision. The views were superb and there were plenty of original features left to see, although it was sad to see that the building is in need of some restoration. Bizarrely, it is not a listed building, which seems insane to me. Certainly, it is unique and without doubt an asset to the history of Bexhill. All will be revealed once I have finished filming the rest of the line.
7th February
Today I had the great pleasure meeting David Porter, the current resident of Tunnel Cottage, Clayton Tunnel. Ever since I was a child, the fascination with this building has endured and to actually have the opportunity to go and look at it up close was breathtaking.
Now a grade 2 listed building, the facade in front of the north portal of Clayton tunnel is a wonder to behold. Nestling over the top of it is Tunnel Cottage with all the eccentricities and charm that you would imagine from a place such as this. I filmed the outside of the building from all angles and got the chance to see the bird's eye view looking north that the cottage enjoys. Trackside views showed close up what the building really looks like. Watch this space for the release of this film.
1st February
Having filmed the majority of Crowhurst to Bexhill West, I'm delighted to have been given permission to enter the wonderful old station building at the terminus in Bexhill. Opportunities for filming will be limited as the proprietors of the business there are auctioneers and they have their security to consider, but I'm informed that some shots under supervision will be allowed.
Naturally, footage of the outside of the building is not a problem, but I'm particularly happy to be able to get a look inside; many original features remain. Apparently, this building is not listed in any way, which seems to me to be ridiculous as it is quite special.
My intention is to finish filming Crowhurst to Bexhill during February and have it available for early March.
I have also been out filming various places to capture winter views without the problem of leaves obscuring them. Most of my material is shot in the summer for better light and more pleasurable walking, but some views are better in the winter months. One of these is the disused Guildford platforms at Christ's Hospital station. Get on down there and have a look for yourself now that the bridleway from Baystone Bridge is clear, its a lovely little walk.
18th January
Went along to the Bluebell East Grinstead site for the formal handing over of a string of old coaches, which I think I'm right in saying will form the first train south when it runs. What interested me most was the opportunity to walk over the viaduct rather than slyly filming through the gate from the southern end. You don't get much of a view as the parapet walls are quite high (over 6') but it was nice to have an amble along it before the trains return. Great pomp as formal announcements were made and veteran members looked on misty eyed, a great day.
16th January
Had an interesting day watching other people's films last weekend. I was invited to be a judge at film competition known as the North vs South. This involves numerous amateur film making clubs competing against each other and it is divided up between the north and south of the country. I was honoured to be asked and thoroughly enjoyed watching ten short titles before discussing them with the other judges. I soon realised what an amateur I am ! Hopefully I'll be involved in similar future events as it was most interesting.
3rd January
Fantastic filming session today. Started at Crowhurst at 8.00am in the freezing cold and then worked my way down the line to Sidley. Numerous good views, especially in the Combe Haven valley where the viaduct used to be and where the bypass will now run. I have yet to do the stretch from Sidley to Bexhill West as its a bit more complicated, but watch this space as I hope to have it available in the next month or so. Great fun spotting the numerous brick remains left from the demolition of the viaduct ! Quite tragic seeing the course of the bypass on a map while looking at the land it will affect.
30th December
I have just found out that the relevant local authority have infact given the go ahead for the construction of the long discussed Bexhill bypass. Having had a little nose around the internet, I've found evidence of this road being discussed as early as 1972, but now it seems that despite spectacular opposition it will most probably be built. My interest in it is that the new road cuts across the old Crowhurst to Bexhill branch line at Adam's Farm (near the northern end of the former viaduct) and then follows the course of the old line from just north of Sidley, right the way down to the A259 in Bexhill. If you have a look at the following link http://editorial.jpress.co.uk/4780874/ESCC%20road%20map.pdf you can see the proposed course of the bypass for yourself and the way in which it relates to the old railway.
There is no doubt that it will ruin that charming valley and of course the visible remains of the old railway; rest assured I will get in there first to make a film and preserve the views ! What I would like to do is return as the road is built capture the changes. My sympathies lie with the residents of Adam's Farm as their property will be chopped in half along with their impressive railway embankment !
I have also been in discussion with the resident of Tunnel Cottage at Clayton in the hope of being allowed to film views of his home. This extraordinary building, which effectively is the northern portal of Clayton Tunnel on the London Brighton mainline needs looking at more closely, watch this space !
23rd December
I had the pleasure of watching the fabulous "Bittern" pulling a train through Haywards Heath and Hove and captured it on a short film. For those that don't know, this is the same series of loco as the Mallard that broke speed records (125mph !) way back in 1938. Regulars will know that I'm less interested in rolling stock and more interested in the civil engineering aspects of the railways, but having a steamer roll through on the mainline is always an impressive sight.
2nd December
Halfway through the "tour", thank you kindly to those of you who popped down to say hello and introduce yourselves, it's always nice to put a face to a name. I'm unlikely to have any new titles out til next year now, but may use some of the Christmas break to try and get some material on Crowhurst - Bexhill.
2nd November
Demolition of the Pullman Works dvd is released today ! I was lucky enough to capture a section of the roof coming down during the demolition process and got a couple of interesting views from moving trains ! Sad to see the building go, but not altogether suprised.
21st October
I've just been watching the demolition of the old Pullman works near Brighton station, quite a sight ! I will hopefully manage to film quite a bit of the demolition process as it progresses and release a short film. My plan is to take a train or two past the site and film it from the carriage as well as shooting footage from the roads nearby. Already got some good shots of part of the roof tumbling down.
13th October
I am on tour in the next few months, Dumpman on the road ! No tour t-shirts available, but below is the gig list. I'm doing a variety of craft fairs (rock and roll !) and these are they:
- 8th November - Hassocks, Adastra Hall, Keymer Road
- 15th November - Uckfield, Civic Centre, Bell Farm Lane
- 29th November - Crowborough, Beacon Community College
- 4th December - Lewes Late Night. Town Hall, Fisher Street
- 6th December - Henfield, Village Hall, High Street
- 20th December - Shoreham, Shoreham Centre, Pond Road
They are all morning to afternoon events apart from the Lewes late night shopping one, which runs from 5pm to 9pm. If you're passing then pop by and say hello. By then I hope to have completed my demo disc which will contain tiny, tantalising segments of all the films and I will be giving them away as freebies.
1st October
Visiting relatives in Tavistock in Devon gave me a brief but great opportunity to see some old railways in that area. The stretch between Tavistock and Lydford being of particular interest. Two separate railway companies ran competing lines up the same valley here, often with the lines literally side by side.
I got have a look at station sites at Tavistock, Mary Tavy, Brentor and Lydford junction. Mary Tavy offers a fantastic view of the two embankments travelling side by side across the slope of a lush green field next to the river. Brentor station building is all still beautifully intact. Lydford junction station has all been almost completely removed from the landscape, but the open spaces that this double station site used to inhabit are superbly evocative. The National Trust owns Lydford Gorge too, which features a short stretch of GWR embankment. Anyone visiting this area is highly recommended to visit these places. Also worth looking at is the The Granite Way, a footpath/cyclepath going along the trackbed further north from where I was exploring; fantastic granite viaducts to be seen.
Sadly, I didn't do any filming on this occasion as time was simply too scarce, but I would very much like to go back and capture some of these images.
BBC 4 had a superb railway evening with lots of relevant programmes recently too.
20th September
Fantastic day spent with the Railway Ramblers exploring the Hop Picker's line between Paddock Wood and Hawkhurst. I met many interesting people who I had only emailed previously and the weather was fantastic. Sadly, I had to leave the group before getting the chance to explore Badger's Oak tunnel and Hawkhurst station, but numerous great sites were seen anyway. Most entertaining was a very deep cutting (partially filled in) and tunnel in Horsmonden.
8th September
Not been filming what with this spectacular rainfall ! I enjoyed a lecture given in Haywards Heath library by Bill Gage (excellent name for a railway boffin) on last Friday the 5th. He showed some great slides and I would recommend anyone to attend a future event hosted by him.
Currently working on a demo disc which will contain clips of all the films to use for publicity purposes. I am also hoping to attend a number of craft fairs in November and December to sell some films. Once the dates for this are finalised I will publish them here; come along and say hi !
17th August 2008:
Currently in the process of trying to obtain more permission for access on to property to make the filming of Crowhurst to Bexhill West a bit easier. Actual filming unlikely to take place til the autumn.
I have put some more grainy stills up on the slide show page to take in some of the recently completed films and also added a Midhurst to Chichester slide show in it's own right. Enjoy the lo-fi quality !
26th July 2008:
Released today is:
- Midhurst to Chichester
21st July 2008:
Released today are:
- Hardham Canal Tunnel
- Midhurst to Pulborough (Hardham Junction)
- Baystone Bridge to Christ's Hospital
I'm happy to say that a friend and previous customer provided me with some great vintage photos of Christ's Hospital station which I have included in the last film on that list.
5th July 2008:
Had a week off work to do some filming and had cracking weather for it. I've managed to gather enough footage to create the following:
- Midhurst to Chichester old railway
- Midhurst to Hardham junction old railway
- Baystone Bridge to Christ's Hospital station
- Hardham canal tunnel
These are all at the editing stage currently, but should be available in the next two or three weeks.
Midhurst to Chichester was tremendously exciting to do, what with all the deep cuttings and tunnels through the Downs. Some of the cuttings at the tunnel mouths are terrifying with large chalk overhangs and plenty of evidence of major rockfalls at the bottom of the sheer sided slopes. I was also given permission to roam around the enormous layout of Singleton station, but sadly not around Cocking station. I will be including some old footage of the tunnels as I have some of Cocking tunnel before it was fenced off and I will also be using footage from a couple of years ago for the trip south of Singleton as I cycled it and it came out quite nicely, including Lavant station.
Midhurst to Hardham junction was a longer trawl than I had anticipated, but a very rewarding trek. Got a look inside Midhurst tunnel when the lock was broken ! Much of it was cyclable on the way to Selham. Managed to sneak onto the edge of the polo field at Ambersham to get a good look at the lovely embankment in their field. Also got a look at the earthworks where they started to build a station near Ambersham common, but left unfinished. A sneaky peek at Selham station, then a full on filming session at Petworth station where the owner is a great supporter of mine, may he live forever. Hard going and very overgrown towards Fittleworth and only a passing glance of the station there as permission was not granted and it is well shrouded in trees. East of Fittleworth saw some overgrown patches, but then a lovely open stretch to the finish at Hardham junction.
Baystone bridge to Christ's Hospital has only recently been opened up after some years of legal wrangles. Technically you're only allowed up to the boundary of the station, but naturally Dumpman Films went in boots an' all and had a good shufty. A variety of goodies to see along the way, including some old signal rodding, track and even some LBSCR railchairs that I'm sure won't be there for long. Of course the old platforms are the thing of greatest interest and I filmed them from as many different angles as possible, great fun and well worth a visit.
Hardham canal tunnel is a fascinating structure. I think it dates back to 1790 and looking at it, you'd have to be fairly tired of life to crawl into it. I managed to get good shots of it from both ends with a 5,000,000 candle power torch that really lit it up along it's length. The footpath bridge that crosses the current Pulborough to Arundel line that used to be used for the towpath horses was being re-built at the time of my visit so I included some footage of that too.
All in all, a fairly busy few days filming !
27th June 2008:
Just been for walk down the newly cleared stretch of Downs Link, between Baystone Bridge and Christ's Hospital station, very exciting ! After a hotly contested legal battle between the local authority and landowner, this last stretch has been opened up as a bridleway. It is a delightful stretch with some interesting relics along the way. Technically you are not allowed into the remains of Christ's Hospital station, but it's the easiest thing just to stroll in, very well worth it. I will be making a short film of this in the next week or so to compliment my Guildford to Christ's Hospital film.
6th June 2008:
I am planning to film a number of locations in early July with a view to releasing new titles later that month. All the lines that used to serve Midhurst will be the main focus, but I hope to take in some other lines too, such as the Crowhurst to Bexhill West one. Watch this space...
3rd May 2008:
Great to be back in the saddle ! I visited Lyminster today and re-traced the stretch of coastal mainline that was abandoned in the late 1800s when they diverted it to make the triangle junction. (Check your OS map). Although there is not an enormous amount to see, it was possible to re-create the exact course of the track. Most interesting and challenging was struggling through the dense undergrowth in the area known as the "triangle". Again a quick look at the map will show you why this is so. True to his word, the landowner allowed me full access and provided me with some home cine footage from 1975 showing the demolition of a brick access bridge. This will be included in the film that should be available this week.
13th March 2008:
My wife gave birth to our first child today, called Emily. Both mother and daughter are doing well, consequently filming escapades are on hold for a while ! Hoping to get to the little disused stretch at Lyminster and do a job at Hellingly station in April, will get back to you then.
9th March 2008:
I now have a slide show on the website featuring some of my favourite views, taken from stills from all the films; running time is around six and a half minutes. They were taken by photographing the laptop while the films were in pause mode, so the quality is pretty grainy, but the idea is just to represent some of the views. Enjoy !
5th March 2008:
Never got to Hellingly, was laid up in bed with flu ! Hope to get there in April sometime. I will be off filming for a while as I am just about to become a parent for the first time, so don't expect too much filming news here for a little while !
1st March 2008:
Very happy to have been invited to film at Hellingly station today. Having already done a little feature on the Hellingly Asylum branch line, I know the area quite well, but an opportunity to film the station thoroughly is very welcome. This will be included in the Disused Stations of Sussex film that I am working on.
5th February 2008:
All future copies of Sheffield Park to Lewes now to include the Barcombe station footage.
27th January 2008:
I've had a lovely afternoon at Barcombe Cross station on the old Bluebell line. Having written to the owner I was invited to film to my heart's content and I did just that. Fabulous weather and light gave me great views of the building all round, in particular the platform side. Interesting to see the now bricked up road bridge, which was shored up from falling down earlier last year. I will include this footage in future copies of Sheffield Park to Lewes and also in the Disused Railway Stations of Sussex dvd that I am currently working on. My sincere thanks go to the owner of Barcombe station.
26th January 2008:
Happy news ! Having posted a friendly letter to a variety of locations and landowners, along with a free film, I received a delightful phone call this morning inviting me to go and film around the junctions of Lyminster (as mentioned last week below). The farmer has lived there all his life and remembers playing in the cutting as a child. He even reckoned he had video footage (converted from Super 8) of the brick hump back access bridge to his farm being demolished at the time the cutting was filled in in the mid 70s. If I am allowed to use it I will include it in a film about this fascinating, quiet little backwater of the railway system.
Also had a quick look at the entrance to Steyning Royal Observatory Bunker and decided that I'd have to nip back there soon and film it. Its in a lovely location and apparently is in excellent condition inside.
20th January 2008:
Today I drove over to the Lyminster area of Littlehampton in the hope of filming a variety of things. I wanted to get the site of the old Lyminster station, the site of the old rolling bridge over the river Arun and in particular the abandoned trackbed that runs through the middle of the triangular junction just east of the river crossing, check your OS map if you're in doubt.
Nothing much left to see of Lyminster station, just an area that's been cleared with a pile of rubble; land about to be sold by the railway ? The bridge over the Arun is of course still there, but the only evidence of the original bridge is a couple of Victorian brick piers. The disused trackbed just east of the river that used to carry the main line before re-alignment is fairly hard to ascertain. The stretch east of the triangular junction can be just about worked out, although a gruff landowner informed me that any sign of it had been filled in by him 25 years ago and that it was private land. This made it somewhat tricky for me to wander into the area inside the triangular junction as it involved crossing more of his land. I have no doubt that there is still an embankment in there and with luck in the future I will get a shot of it.
On my way back through Shoreham I saw that the embankment at the end of the Downs Link had been completely stripped of vegetation, so naturally hopped up on to it to get some shots. I guess it must be in connection with all the building that's going on there; I will keep my eye on it and film any further developments.
Finally, nearing home, I heard on the radio that the huge timber cargo of a stricken cargo ship was washing up on the coast, so I nipped down to Shoreham harbour and then Hove beach to get some shots, couldn't believe my eyes !
January 2008:
Uckfield to Lewes film is now available ! See film catalogue for details.
10/12/07:
A man called Stephen Lewis contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in doing a swap; some of my dvds for his book, which is called "Boots on the line; walking 1000 miles of dismantled railway". I have to say I think I may have done better than him out of it as his book is superb. I've waxed lyrical about it and dedicated a page to it elsewhere on the site, highly recommended and I can assure you I'm not being paid to say this. Have a look at the page on this site that mentions the book and get in touch with him for more details.
December - I've been contacted by the Railway Ramblers association which is a nice surprise. Apparently a happy customer who is also a member gave me a favourable mention in their magazine for which I'm most grateful. Kindly, one of their members sent me a copy of Railway Ramblings, their publication, so I could see the Dumpman Films bit in it.
Interestingly, I also read in there that East Sussex County Council are spending £140,000 on a feasibility study to re-open the Uckfield-Lewes line. Even to those who remember the line running, it must be almost impossible to imagine certain bits of that line running again now. I'm very glad to have shot footage of the various bits of it, especially the Hamsey Loop, although clearly a re-instatement would take ages to implement. I will hurry up and finish filming the Uckfield to Barcombe end; probably bump into some boffin doing his feasibility study while I'm there ! Now that would make good television, if anyone knows when these guys are due down there then let me know and I'll go and see what they're up to...
November:
28th November - Sheffield Park to Lewes released today, its a whopping 4 hours and 43 minutes long ! See Film Catalogue for more.
16th November - Views of Hellingly Mental Asylum has just been released which is now in the Film Catalogue.
18th November - Hellingly Hospital Branch Line has been released, also in Film Catalogue.
The Hamsey Loop Line has also been released.
Extra footage has been added to Offham Chalkpits.
Volk's Seagoing Tramway (Daddy Long Legs) has been almost doubled in length with additional footage.
Just started working on Uckfield to Lewes. Anyone who collects railchairs should get on down to Uckfield's old station. There are piles of the things ! The local kids make camps and have fires, burning the piles of old sleepers, which in turn leads to big piles of old railchairs ! Makes an impressive doorstop, but at 20kg, they're quite hard work to cart back to the car (I imagine !)
It's been a busy few weeks !