While the heritage line is a popular tourist attraction between Swanage and Norden, the aim to restore the branch line to Wareham and connect to the national rail network remains to be achieved.Īll the track and signalling has now been fully restored between Swanage and Wareham, however a crucial trial service was postponed due to the Covid pandemic. “I pay tribute to all the volunteers who gave so much over the years to the Swanage Railway, many of whom are no longer with us.” Reconnecting the Swanage branch line to the rail network remains an aspiration “What those dedicated volunteers achieved, against the odds, shows what the power of the human spirit can achieve. It is wonderful that there is so much care and love for the Swanage Railway.”Īndrew Goltz (seated) and John Sloboda at Harmans Cross station “What the power of human spirit can achieve”Ĭhair of Swanage Railway Company Robert Patterson added: “It has been very emotional to see the difference between what we saw in 1972 and today’s vibrant and loved working railway. “Lesson – if a goal is worth pursuing, start it and trust that others will complete the job! “We also met with people who could help the railway to at last achieve the aim that motivated us in 1972 – through trains running from the main line as a regular dependable public service for residents and visitors. “We met several people who were there with us in the 1970s including an old school friend Peter Burke, and Nick Hanham and Robin Brasher, two of the very early volunteers. “We were invited back to Swanage Railway by the chairman of the trust, Gavin Johns, to pay tribute to all those no longer alive who worked to bring about the result we now see – a successful heritage railway with the track and signalling reconnected to the main line. Swanage resident Robin Brasher (right) was another early volunteer, joining Andrew and John in 1972 “If a goal is worth pursuing, start it”

Love on a branch line book