All Aboard! The museum book of Railway Memories

Bridport Museum has released a new book about the former Bridport branch railway.

Railway Memories: All Aboard the Bridport Line grew from an oral history project that gathered stories from local people who used the line and remembered its quirks. On Sunday 25 November Bridport Museum hosted a book launch where many of the contributors gathered to celebrate.

Collecting Local Memories

The railway closed fifty years ago, so volunteers wanted to record memories while they still could. They interviewed around 40 people and searched local history books and museum archives. Volunteer Tegwyn Jones then shaped the material into the final book.

Tegwyn said:
“This project has been fascinating, and it succeeded because so many people took part. Our conversations uncovered many stories, and we added them to the museum archives for future researchers. We also found far more material than we could include.

“After talks in Powerstock and Toller Porcorum, more people shared their memories, and the project grew quickly. We are grateful to everyone who offered interviews, supported the work, or provided photos.”

Part of This Year’s Railway Events

Throughout this anniversary year, the museum has run several activities about the Bridport Branch railway. The current railway exhibition has attracted many visitors, and the new book adds to the programme. Its release also comes at the right moment, as it makes a thoughtful Christmas gift and supports the museum.

Where to Buy It

You can buy Railway Memories: All Aboard the Bridport Line at the Bridport Museum shop, Toller Porcorum Post Office, and the Marquis of Lorne in Nettlecombe. More shops are expected to stock it in the new year.