We have already built a much loved model of the famous old Axminster to Lyme Regis Railway and placed it on temporary display in our town centre. We now have an opportunity to create a long term ‘For the Love of a Railway’ centre as a long term attraction for both the local community and visitors. Please help us make this bold project happen.
The main elements of our plans are:
Establish a centre for all ages - we have been offered the use of an empty shop to create our centre but we still have a mountain to climb in raising the funds we now need to develop and sustain it, and to open to the public on a regular basis.
Model development - We have ambitious plans to make our original model even better with added ‘content‘ including industrial buildings, a school, hotel, quarry and more features that define and populate the landscape. It will be enhanced with accent lighting and for 24-hour street viewing.
Modelling club - in the coming months we aim to develop a modelling club for all ages and to build a transportable model that we can take to events in places like Lyme Regis and Uplyme. We also want to establish an annual Axminster Model Railway Exhibition that attracts enthusiasts from a wide area. As an immediate priority, we are extensively rebuilding the popular model of Axminster Station for the Community Waffle House.
Education pack - the reaction from young people highlights the potential for the model to become the focus for a wider learning opportunity. We envisage a curriculum-linked resource pack with opportunities to involve real people who worked on or rode the railway.
Public leaflet - We want to explain the significance of the railway for tourists as well as for members of the community who were not around at the time. The initiative has real potential to add to the local sense of pride and to attract much needed visitors to support our businesses.
Record social history - We aim to record the memories of people who played a part in the Lyme Billy era. Many have come forward with memories that must not be lost. While recording those memories, we also aim to make them accessible long-term.
Heritage group - older members of the community have shown substantial interest in gatherings to reminisce about the railway. This may well have a role in tackling loneliness amongst vulnerable members of our community.
Walking opportunities - the disused bed of the railway was once a favourite local walk. Much has been lost to farming and some to development but we believe there is still potential for guidance that highlights what is still there and capable of being safely enjoyed.