Various News Articles
A View
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27th February 2008 contractors removed with permission a few trees from a slope below the Cliff Cafe. A quiet time of the year so there was minimal disruption to traffic and pedestrians.
Decimation
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On Saturday the 31st March 2007 an extensive section of mature woodland area alongside the Babbacombe Cliff Railway was decimated. A swathe of woodland on the cliffside slopes felled. Apparently allegedly without permission from Torbay Council the land owner.
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Whoever was responsible must be held to account. All avenues explored and rigorously applied along with the full cost incurred for any remedial work. Otherwise a precedent will be set which others may copy now and in the future with disastrous consequences. The consequences for the flora and wildlife inhabitants especially birds nesting at that time of the year will have its effect for many years.
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Ironic
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Woodlands naturally soak up considerable amounts of water. Has the water table been disrupted? Climate change will have to be taken into account. Warmer temperatures and increased rainfall may undermine the area resulting in soil erosion. There are many concerns raised in the loss of this woodland environmental, geological and the alleged unauthorised access. This is an area subject to sudden rockfall due to a geological fault line one cannot help wondering. In time could interference with the balance of nature be costly?
Vandalised
Whoever was responsible for the graffiti on the Babbacombe Cliff Railway (2006) has added to the ever increasing blame culture. Senseless property damage such as this perpetrated by a small minority has repercussions on the publics view on today’s youth. Ultimately the true cost of vandalism financially and socially, a burden borne by everyone. 
Categorizing any age group under the same umbrella, purely through of the antisocial activities of a minority is unjustifiable and derisive. It creates divisions as the majority of young people are decent and respectable. They as we all do deplore and condemn the criminal destruction committed by a few. Irrespective of their age!
Bristol Clifton Rocks
The railway has a fascinating history a secret BBC broadcasting station during the second world war contains some of the old operating equipment preservation work currently underway. Contact Maggie Shapland e-mail at Maggie.Shapland@bristol.ac.uk
Aberystwyth
The funicular railway in Aberystwyth is at the north end of the promenade. It lay derelict for many years but has been taken over by a group which now operated it using volunteers. Originally a water powered railway it now uses electricity. Entry to the cars is from flight of steps alongside the track as the floor inside the cars rises in the same profile as the steps all passengers are treated to amazing views as the car ascends. This arrangement has given rise to the nickname 'Toastracks' for the cars.
The train moves at 4 mph and half way up the track levels out for a distance to assist in maintaining this speed. The ride takes the passengers to a hilltop, which provides wonderful views across the town and up to Anglesey in the north and opens up an area for walkers. At the top is a camera which provides a detailed view of the town, new cafe and gift shop. The latter has been built using money from Objective 1 (supporting development in less prosperous regions) funds from the Lottery.
Lynton & Lynmouth
Since its construction in 1890 its been run as a private company a Grade I listing in almost original condition, repairs and replacements in the same materials and style. Four FBCR members visited Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway in February 2006. They met the manager and his assistant and were unexpectedly invited to participate in the opening ceremony. They were offered advice, information and support and an invitation for a business visit. They hoped to return at a later date to learn operational functions and how they could be applied to Babbacombe Cliff Railway.
Charity Auction.
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Friday 17th November 2006 the date of the auction. However, it all started a couple of months previously when Bill Becher rang me and asked if I would him help him organise the auction. The first problem finding a safe venue to store the items prior to the auction, solution was my house as there are a couple of unused rooms on the ground floor. The next worry whether we would receive enough saleable items to make it worthwhile. Well as Bill knows just about everyone in Babbacombe, St Marychurch and Torquay he started his mammoth task of persuading businesses, acquaintances, friends and family to donate something.
We aimed for around fifty lots but eventually given eighty all saleable. One evening two days before the auction Richard Bearne the auctioneer came round to my house and gave advice on the best sequence of lots, which I duly lotted, and then later I typed the sale catalogue.
Friday morning the day of the auction the 7.30am weather forecast was frequent and heavy showers and possibly thunder. Oh great, fortunately Bill arrived early at my house and we were able to load both cars with all the items and deliver them safely to the Trecarn Hotel before the heavens opened. The management and the staff of the Trecarn were most obliging and allowed us to deposit the goods well before the agreed time. After the hire company had delivered the tables, we were able to set out the lots. Gail and Adele Farrell arrived and decorated the tables in the seating area everything looked appealing.
At 6.30pm people began to arrive and at 7.00pm the delicious buffet supper started and we all tucked in. At 8.00pm, Richard Bearne got to his feet and the auction started, there were eighty lots with one extra. The Trecarn Hotel had donated an upright piano. There were several lots with meals for two at various locations and there was some competitive bidding for these. There were eager bids for the prints of the cliff railway carriage (three in all and the original).
Some lots a little more difficult to sell nevertheless Richards’s enthusiasm and masterly auctioneering won the bidders over and everything sold. For Bill and I as we had both worked for Bearne' for several years it was an opportunity to work together once again.
You could say ‘Been there done that and got the apron’. Rachel Ives.
20th April 2007
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A hang glider had a birds eye view of Babbacombe Bay, St Marychurch, Babbacombe and the surrounding area.
David Cameron visited the cliff railway.
Christmas 2006
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Five hundred Christmas cards specially printed for 2006 were sent to FBCR members that year as a token of thanks for their support. Card designed by J.M.L. St Marychurch & District Action Group www.stmarychurchdag.co.uk and FBCR member. (Note: Re-printing, copying of card and/or any of the graphic artwork contents in any form whatsoever by anyone strictly prohibited. Not for re-sale. ©J.M.L.2006. All rights reserved.)
Updates reference the three articles below: the brief summary of September general meeting. Since this meeting on September 12th 2006 Lindsay Yelland withdrew interest in becoming a director and resigned from the committee. The Department of Transport has ruled the 1923 Railway Order governing the running of the Cliff Railway is still valid and will need to be set aside before any lease can be arranged. The legal process could take time therefore the setting up of a not for profit organisation is in abeyance, see Links & Information page for FBCR member queries contact details.
Brief summary of September 12th 2006 FBCR General Meeting.
John Ayres, the chairperson, began by welcoming the forty or so of those present at the meeting and then offered congratulations on behalf of all to the St Marychurch & District Action Group for their work in achieving Silver Gilt award in this year’s (2006) South-West Britain in Bloom Competition organised by the Royal Horticultural Society
John Ayres spoke on the progress of the lease arrangements. A draft lease should be available for the FBCR committee by 20th September (no details to date). He went on to explain that the legislation involved in the takeover is still being investigated with help from Richard Hutchings of Kitsons Hutchings (FBCR solicitor who has given clear and precise advice at no cost so far) to ensure that there are no future problems. see: update above.
Charles Blake then explained progress on the selection of director’s for the new Community Interest Company (CIC). He suggested in order to retain continuity, as recommended by the committee, the new CIC board should include Arthur Christian, and David Cooper for his technical expertise on cliff railways. David previously made it clear he would be unable undertake a directors position until after the completion of the refurbishment programme due to a possible conflict of interest.
Charles then presented an update on the selection of directors. Applications for directors had been publicised as agreed and six applications were received - Penny Crump, Les Jennings, John Ayres, Gayle Farrell, Adele Farrell and Lindsay Yelland see update above. All six were selected subject to ratification by FBCR members.
As eight of the nine planned directors places were filled, John Ayres asked members to vote that they approve those selected by the panel. The motion was carried by a majority show of hands. On behalf of the members he thanked Charles and Bob Hunt for their time and commitment to the selection process.
John Ayres briefed members on a business plan, a draft would be ready for board members at their next meeting on Monday September 18th. In addition, it was hoped to have the management agreement for discussion shortly.
Although some strategic marketing of the Babbacombe Cliff Railway by Babbacombe Bay Marketing Group and Attractions Marketing Partnership is currently in place and planned to continue under the new management, further advance marketing is required - for obvious reasons. Various options would be examined over the next few months for office, storage and retail premises in order to run the CIC professionally from its inception.
John Ayres asked members to be aware that as so many of the committee had been approved to become directors of the new CIC, the possibility of future difficulties or conflicts of interest could arise. He asked members to consider taking an active part on the committee.
He congratulated those members who attended the first wedding on the Babbacombe Cliff Railway on the 8th of September 2006 and hoped for more such occasions in future. In particular, Gayle and Adele Farrell for decorating the carriage and organising the drinks and savouries at Oddicombe beach for Denise and Graham and their guests after the service.
Arthur Christian the FBCR secretary gave members a brief summary on the proposed forthcoming Winter Social and auction event on Friday 17th November. He made a request for quality items donations to be deposited with Bill Becher at the top station as soon as possible. Donations totalling £60 enabled Penny Crump, Gayle Farrell and himself to attend funding application courses at St Annes Hall within the next few weeks.
Jill Gillon gave an update on present membership; 416 individual members, 9 under sixteen’s and 9 corporate members. As Treasurer Kerry Gillon was unable to attend, a summary of the accounts was read out by John Ayres. The secretary would prepare a report to Awards For All regarding their funding of the 1st April celebration day with a request for any surplus funds to be retained to help with current projects.
John Ayres spoke on the recent and planned forthcoming series of lectures presented to clubs and nursing homes that had resulted in additional corporate membership applications. It is hoped that Jim Gill’s archive of film along with activities since March 2005 would be available for presenting at future lectures.
The meeting concluded at just after 9pm.
Note: I have endeavored to compile a fair and accurate synopsis of said meeting from copy of minutes I received in 2006. Some notes omitted as they are covered by various articles within this website J.M.L. Webmaster.
EGM Meeting
At the Extraordinary General Meeting held at St Annes Hall, Babbacombe, Torbay, South Devon on Tuesday 20th June 2006, John Ayres FBCR chairperson, presented details to those present for the setting up of a not for profit Community Interest Company (CIC). Proposal details see below. Following the presentation to those present, a vote on the proposal to operate and manage the Babbacombe Cliff Railway Babbacombe, South Devon, Torbay, United Kingdom as a CIC was unanimously accepted.
Babbacombe Cliff Railway CIC
The proposed Babbacombe Cliff Railway Community Interest Company will be a not for private profitorganisation with 'Limited Liability' operating under the close scrutiny of the FBCR, the Local Authority and will report to Companies House.
CIC Information: www.cicregulator.gov.uk/welcome.shtml
Local Authority: www.torbay.gov.uk/index.htm
Companies House Information: www.companieshouse.gov.uk/
The Main points of Heads of Terms and the Management Agreement forming the Lease are as follows:
Heads of Terms
- Lease to cover land within current fencing and top and bottom stations.
- Length – 40 years
- Non renewable
- Council to retain responsibility for any cliff subsidence and for the maintenance of the bridge across the roadway.
- Existing guarantees on rails and cars to be passed on.
- Rent to be £1
- All buildings, plant, and equipment to be fully insured.
- Public liability of minimum £10,000,000.
- Unable to sublet.
- Work to continue on the present refurbishment contract during the next two winters.
- Permit to operate the cliff railway and for the sale of goods depicting the railway.
- Responsibility for the maintenance and when necessary the replacement of all plant and equipment.
- Alterations to buildings or equipment permitted without landlords consent.
- Right to break if substantial breach of the lease or management agreement.
Management Agreement
Unfavourable conditions
Complaints
Recording of injuries
Evacuation
- Contacts with emergency services
- Staffing and competence of staff with one person appointed to oversee the operation.
- No smoking in stations and cars
- Compliance with all statutory requirements.
- Quarterly monitoring meetings
- Establishment of sinking fund
- No one on premises if under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Structure for the Future
FBCR
To be the subject of an application to the Charity Commissioners to become a charity.
Remain as a fund raiser
Organise supporting events
Provide a base for volunteers
Gift Aid on subscriptions and donations
Operating Company
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Babbacombe Cliff Railway Community Interest Company (CIC)
Not for profit
Seven (7) unpaid Directors
Company Limited by Guarantee
Annual report to Registrar
Directors
Members will be invited to submit applications to become a director and a selection procedure is to be put in place. Some of the qualities required are listed below.
- Interest in the preservation of the railway
- Willing to take responsibility for an aspect of the business
- Time to carry out the required duties, and attend meetings.
- Willingness to do all this with no salary
Actions to be carried out in the near future.
- Apply for charitable status for FBCR
- Select Directors of CIC
- Submit Company application to Registrar
- Arrange start up finance
- Public advert for transfer
- Prepare lease
- Prepare procedures and other documents
The FBCR are grateful for the legal and financial advice received for the above proposal to operate the Babbacombe Cliff Railway. A great deal of administrative paperwork needs to be prepared for the formation of a not for profit Community Interest Company (CIC) to set out the proposed framework to operate and manage Babbacombe Cliff Railway for the next 40 years.
Babbacombe Fayre
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This annual fayre is organised by the Rotary Club of Babbacombe and St Marychurch and held on Babbacombe Downs. Among many charity stalls who raisied funds at the annual Fayre on Wednesday 21st June 2006 were friends who sold suns hats, badges and signed up new members.
Check it Out
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In November 2005, Michel Azema editor of ‘Funimag’ the web magazine on funiculars created an entry on his website on Babbacombe Cliff Railway. Unbeknown to many he flew over from his home in Paris France for the FBCR 80th celebration day in 2006. See website www.funimag.com/ articles and photographs covering the day. Merci Michel.
The Two Funiculars Walk
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Following the visit to Lynton and Lynmouth in February 2006 Arthur Christian FBCR secretary came up with the idea to Arthur Christian link Lynton and Lynmouth with Babbacombe to establish a physical connection between the two funicular railways. A four day 125-mile trek along the Two Moors Way John Musgrave Trail a memorial to a well respected local rambler.
http://www.countryside-trust.org.uk/John_Musgrave_Heritage_Trail.htm
Nuggit and I met with Ashley the General Manager at the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway on Thursday 15th June 2006. We chatted about their excellent business then posed for a few publicity photos with him and the operators together with three of our own Friends, Jill and Ted Gillon and Emily, my daughter (and driver). Just after mid-day, Ashley and the gang walked us to the start of the Two Moors Way and waved us off in glorious sunshine.
Seven hours later (most of it walked backwards to take in the stunning views) we arrived hot and tired in Withypool having stopped briefly in the outdoor store in Simonsbath for a well earned ice cream (before she shut up shop to watch the England match). The man in the Royal Oak phoned 'Andrew' who, without hesitation gave us permission to pitch in his field by the river excellently located just behind the immaculately clean public toilets. We awoke in the night to see the moon beaming into the far end of our canopy before drifting off again and being rudely awakened by Nuggit launching out after an early rabbit!
Army rations provided a fat-boys breakfast for us before we hit the trail arrived nine hours later much hotter and much more tired at Witheridge. Glory be we were welcomed by a man who turned out to be the landlord of the Mitre he brought out a complementary ice-cold lager because he was not open! After waiting just long enough for the bar to open, recommended the old vicarage where some lovely people let us camp in their back garden for £1, and given access rights to the downstairs loo and an outside tap luxury! No guessing which pub we went to for a big steak dinner and several more lagers.
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Next morning off to Drewesteignton a ten-hour trek that took in more astounding scenery and beautiful villages including Morchard Bishop on the day all their gardens were opened for public visits for charity sadly not enough time to stop for more than an ice cream though. The Drewe Arms landlord let us set up camp in the bottom of his garden and when we had cleaned up and bought food and drink he and the locals proceeded to tell me ghost stories including the one about the wartime US solder who haunts the back garden!
After a somewhat restless night hiding behind the dog we set off bright and early past Castle Drogo in the mist and across the moor to Widecombe where we stopped too long in the pub with cider and ploughman’s lunch Nuggit jealous of me and my food, spent two hours sleep in the shade. Arrived in Holne at six after being chased by cows, taken a serious wrong turn with stinging nettles, lost my multi-tool (including can opener) sunburned my nose, only to find the pub shut. "Opens at 9-10.30 FOR DRINK ONLY," said the sign but that would be good enough. We divvied up on the kids football pitch at the camping barn and had a hot shower there all for only £3.40. The lady was good enough to open my last can of tuna (missing multi-tool) and we feasted on rice, fish, and dog biscuit! On the doorstep of the pub at nine and 'fell out' at ten thinking myself a real lightweight.
Breakfast of hot chocolate for me an oatmeal block for Nuggit then made our final assault on Dartmoor at seven. Straight into wind, which turned into sideways rain that soaked us in minutes despite the waterproof hastily thrown on. Every time I wiped the glasses to read the map, the map case obscured and vice versa so, we took a simple compass bearing and headed into the clouds. Before long, I found a streambed with my entire right side but got no wetter! The bearing (and Nuggit's intuition) brought us square onto the granite MW marker at the top of the seven kilometre track into Ivybridge which we marched along drying on the way.
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We will do it again next year but with others, more slowly, carry more rations and beer tokens, picking a slightly different route and to raise some money for deserving causes. Anyone for Walkies? Oh, come on Nuggit stop hiding under the stairs!
Oddicombe Dog Day
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First FBCR AGM
Proposals to increase membership fees to £5.00 per year, a new £20.00 corporate membership fee, free membership for under sixteen's and the re-election of all FBCR committee members were agreed at the first FBCR AGM on 8th April 2006.
Tourist Weekend
84 people booked in for the Local Tourist weekend on the 4th and 5th of February 2006. The hospitality from the proprietors of the Norcliffe Hotel and the refreshments provided provided during the weekend were appreciated .
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Two groups one Saturday, one on Sunday all pleased with the experience. Some joined the friends group before leaving others promised to join later. Tours began with reception and refreshments at the Norcliffe Hotel.
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John Ayres Chairperson gave a presentation on the cliff railways history and FBCR aspirations. Visitors walked down to Oddicombe beach cafe for refreshments and viewed two of Jim Gill's Babbacombe Cliff Railway films.
Questions during the tours in February answers by David Cooper.
Q. Why use wood for the sleepers and runners and not concrete?
A. Wood sleepers used on inclines, as there is a likelihood of sub surface movement albeit slight. The wooden sleepers would align themselves without cracking whereas concrete is not good in tension.
Q. How are the old sleepers being disposed of and where can we recycle them in the vicinity?
A. The contractor is disposing of the old sleepers. If I remember correctly, part of their bid included a cost for them to be able to recoup some money on them.
Q. Is it possible to have a couple of the new sleepers to display with an interpretation board.
A. We have only ordered enough sleepers for the job. If you wish to purchase, one you might want to speak to the contractor to see if they can obtain any more. Trust me they are heavy and expensive they are probably the best wooden sleepers you can get. (See article below)
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Used in civil and naval construction work, flooring, and furniture. Difficult to treat even with high pressure due to its impermeability.
Promoting Tourist Attractions
Torbay Development Agency (TDA) organised a event at the Riveria Centre Torquay on Thursday 2nd February 2006 to publicise Torbay’s attractions. Invitations were issued to hotel restaurant owners and their employees attend to see for themselves what the local attractions had to offer for visitors their establishments. Delegates received a passport entitling them attraction discount admission. The friends stand drew interest and new members. That was the first time such an event had been organised participants hope the TDA will repeat it in future years.
Christmas 2005
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Five hundred Christmas cards specially printed for 2005 were sent to FBCR members that year as a token of thanks for their support. Card designed by J.M.L. St Marychurch & District Action Group www.stmarychurchdag.co.uk and FBCR member. Note: Re-printing, copying of card and/or any of the graphic artwork contents in any form whatsoever by anyone strictly prohibited. Not for re-sale. ©J.M.L.2005. All rights reserved.
Last Trip Before Refurbishment
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A small number of friends members due to adverse weather gathered at the top station on 30th September 2005.
It was an opportunity for a final trip in the familiar yellow and turquoise cars before the commencement of the cliff railway refurbishment programme.
Films
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Approximately 30 members attended the friends general meeting at Furrough Cross Church Hall Babbacombe on the 13th September 2005.
Jim Gill local amateur filmmaker presented two archive films 'Time for Restoration' the last renovation of the BCR in the early 1990s and 'Over the Rails' practice exercises by the emergency services.
Train & Test
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The friends group were grateful to Peter Aunger from Torbay Council Cultural Services who gave up his evenings for six days in August 2005. He kept the cliff railway open until 8.00 pm and supervised the training of ten friends volunteers. A statistical record was kept each evening to determine whether it would be financially viable extending the railway opening hours. Despite no pre-advertising or organised events many people used the cliff railway. Statisticaly there was the potential to stay open until 8 pm most evenings.
David Cooper
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David Cooper consultant to Torbay Council presented a lecture on funicular railways operating in England at an open meeting the friends group held at St Marychurch Precinct Social Centre in June 2005. His enthusiam for cliff railways reflected in his voice and the presentation.
Dorothy Wright
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Dorothy Violet Wright (nee Diamond) accompanied by Ian and Brian two of her three sons, and her lifelong friend Joan Clarey and husband Don visited the cliff railway on the 31st May 2005. Joan (nee Kingdom Dorothy's bridesmaid of 1940) and Dorothy have only seen one another a couple of times since Joan moved to the United States at the end of the WW II. Joan and husband Don reside in Tennessee USA. Dorothy, Joan, Don and personal friends from Paignton and owners of the Aveland Hotel David and Jacqui Blenkinsopp were met by friends members and welcomed to the Cliff Railway.
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John Ayres chairperson of FBCR presented Dorothy with her membership card. The party proceeded via the cliff railway down to Oddicombe Beach for refreshments at Oddicombe Beach Cafe. Dorothy ex pupil of Westhill School has lived in Weymouth Dorset ever since she and her family lost their home number 7, Portland Road through a bombing raid in 1943; previously they lived at The Green just behind Babbacombe Downs Road. One of Dorothy's memories of the opening day 'My cousin Nettie and I sneaked into the photograph with the Mayor in it by climbing under the legs of the adults there. We were not supposed to be there and my mother gave us such a telling off mostly because we had been crawling about in our best coats which were kept nice for Saturdays and Sundays only'.
Children's Competition
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Miss Jenny Richman and Phyllis Tiltman were guests at the 79th railway anniversary celebration on 1st April 2005. They shared their experiences of the opening ceremony and early days of the cliff railway. Jenny Richman had the difficult task of selecting selecting a winner from the thirty-two entries in the children's drawing competition. Winner and five runner-ups received prizes. The picturess were laminated and displayed for a short time at the base station on Oddicombe Beach.
Volunteers Clearing Paths & Steps
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