Barnham Signal Box Trust

History

As part of the upgrade to the signalling on the South Coast main line, Network Rail were to dispose of the signal box at Barnham. A group called SAVE BARNHAM SIGNAL BOX, CAMPAIGN (SBSBC), led a campaign to save the signal box from demolition. The group worked closely with Network Rail to formulate plans to relocate the signal box to land at the Aldingbourne Community Sports Centre, where Bognor Regis Model Railway Club (BRMRC) currently have their clubrooms. Once relocated, the box was to become the new BRMRC clubroom.

Phase 1 of the project was to move the box from its location at Barnham Station. The projected cost was £133,000 with sponsorship received from various organisations, including:
Network Rail, Railway Heritage Trust, Southern Railways, Gaugemaster, Duke of Norfolk plus many others.

Local businesses and attractions supported campaign by providing entrance tickets. At Toy and Collectors Fairs and the Bluebell Railway the donated tickets were offered as raffle prizes.

Additionally, Gaugemaster commissioned a limited edition of 150 OO-scale 7 Plank Private Owner wagon depicting a local Barnham Coal Trader, W.M.Miles, of Years Gone By, where £2.00 from every wagon sold went towards the campaign.

The move took place on 6 December 2009. There was a ground cutting ceremony held in October where the Duke of Norfolk had the honour of cutting the first turf. Work started on site on 19 October. The contractors moved in to prepare the ground for the concrete base. The concrete block supporting wall was then built.

The signal box was stripped of all remaining internal fittings and a supporting cradle/frame built to provide support to the structure whilst in transit. The box was lifted from its old position on Barnham station and craned across the main line and placed on a low loader transporter. It then undertook a slow journey to its new home at the Aldingbourne Sports ground where it was craned off the lorry onto the prepared foundations.

Phases 2 & 3 are to refurbish as needed, add the necessary services and provide wheelchair access. A grand opening was planned for June 2011 to coincide with the 100th Anniversary of the box opening at Barnham Station. However an arson attack in November 2010, that nearly destroyed all the restoration work carried out, put the grand opening back to a date in 2013. Despite our best efforts the opening date was put back further and will now be in June 2016. More details will be provided when available.

Details of the work carried out can be found in the News section detailed in a year by year format. The gallery section contains a photographic record of the work as it progressed.

If you are able to contribute in any way, your donations, large or small, will be gratefully received.

Cheques should be made payable to: SAVE BARNHAM SIGNAL BOX CAMPAIGN and sent to:
Mike Burton, 37 Oak Tree Lane, Woodgate, Chichester, PO20 3GU.
Tel: 01243 542436 or 07795 237167
Email: woodgate37@talktalk.net

Thank you for your support.

Barnham Signal Box on the move

For Sat Nav Users or anyone who wishes to use another mapping system, enter the postcode: PO20 3YA

Visiting Address (we cannot accept post at this address):

Barnham Signal Box Trust, Aldingbourne Community Centre, Olivers Meadow, Westergate, West Sussex PO20 3YA.

Postal correspondance Address:

Mike Burton, BSBT Chairman, 37 Oak Tree Lane, Westgate, Chichester, PO20 3GU.

John Wakeman, BSBT Secretary, Sandon Cottage, Church Lane, Barnham, PO22 0DB.

Please use the Contact Us page to email John or Mike.