BODMIN AND WADEBRIDGE RAILWAY By John Burden

Talk  |  Seated

JOHN BURDEN: I'm a retired head teacher, and have spent a good deal of my new-found freedom writing books. In addition to my trilogy about the life and times of the Baby Boomers, I've written a couple about the Bodmin Railway.

TALK: My talk comprises two parts: a brief history of this unique railway, and then a more detailed account of an extraordinary restoration project which began in Swindon in 1962, and ended at Bodmin over half a century later.
Included in the former will be evidence that the original Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway has justifiable claim to being one of the most famous and long-lasting railways in the world and whose historical provenance is confirmed by its prominent place in the National Railway Museum in York.
The restoration story involves royalty (Edward VII and Princess Diana) a world famous opera singer, a fairy-tale castle in Wales and a near-fatal disaster. The book on which this story is based is called 'Something Special', and copies will be on sale on the day at just £5 each.
The book itself was reviewed in the railway press, and includes the following: “It's rare to find an historical railway title that is actually capable of raising a chuckle, but this one did on more than one occasion, thanks to the lively and informal style in which it is written. There really is something here to interest most: early railways, Victorian history, BR engineering and carriage restoration. A quality, glossy book that puts many more expensive books to shame. Something Special indeed!”