Fawley Hill Railway

This is slightly off topic, but nevertheless, relevant, because of it's preservation qualities. I wanted to produce this video for several good reasons. It shows how, with enthusiasm, effort, determination and good will, our heritage can be preserved to educate future generations and to enjoy. Bill and Judy McAlpine have not only saved this railway from the scrapheap they have transformed part of their estate into a working, living museum. Complete with station, carriages, crane, sidings, tunnel, workshops, footbridge and a mile or so of track. And, If proof were needed of their generosity, from time to time they open up this treasure trove to charitable causes.

I chose the music because, whilst filming I found George Harrison's version of "It Don't Come Easy" going through my head. I know he used to live nearby at Friar Park and was also known for his charitable work and down to earth working man type qualities, so I hope he approves. Where ever his spirit may be R.I.P.

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• fawley
• hill
• railway
• lord
• lady
• mcalpine
• preservation
• george
• harrison
• ringo
• starr
• john
• young
• mastercrafts

[FonteDeiMarmi]

We are all getting older and Each year that passes Heritage is becoming more important to us all. It reminds us of happier times I guess, when we were kids

[bygonetoni]

I could not agree more - if it makes people happy then save more of it.

[FonteDeiMarmi]

Beautiful, I was driving to Hampton Court today 29th October 2009 and" All things must pass" came on the radio and I was thinking .. George lived along the Thames and he was in my generation. Nice touch, to a lovely clip not far from where George lived. Sir Robert worked very hard to get the dream railway garden, so good to see it achieved and so much history saved, wonderfull! 5*

[bygonetoni]

Thanks for your comment. I probably could have chosen anyone of a number of great tracks by George, but that one popped out whilst riding the train and I think you are right, it works. I think when town planners make their decisions to approve projects that radically alter the towns appearance, they should always strike a balance between old and new - preserving our heritage is a must.

[FonteDeiMarmi]

I think more will be saved than we imagine in our wildest dreams, may be that we will be long gone by then but talk of lines like Oakhampton to Cornwall being re-awoken now that it has new owners, The Tavistock extension and a project involving heritage between Newquay and St Blazey, and Bodmin into Wadebridge. More mainline steam than we ever had and lines springing up UK wide it looks good for the future all thanks to the far sighted few a long time ago, and Dai Woodhams of course.