In April 2024 there was a Celebration Opening of some interpretation and history boards for the Lost Railway at Steyning and Bramber.
Funded by the Sustainable Communities Fund (SCF) the four interpretation boards are located near to Bramber in West Sussex.
One gives the history of Steyning Station, located on the verge near the Bramber roundabout on the A283. The other three stand where Bramber Station was once located, giving information about the station and also depicting the history of the entire Steyning Line. QR links to Steyning Museum, ECHO and an augmented reality Station Master are also embedded on the boards.
For the celebration opening the sun shone brightly despite the forecast rain. The ribbon was cut by Stephen Cranford, BBC Radio Sussex presenter and the host of a series of films being created about the bygone age of railways entitled: Tracing the Rails. Russell Barnes, the initiator of the project and Chair of the Steyning & District Community Partnership Visitor & Tourism Committee, delivered a short speech of thanks to all who have been involved in this three year project. Special recognition was also given to the superb designer of the boards, Michael Bissett-Powell, who unfortunately was unable to be present because of ill health.
Amongst guests present at the Opening were representatives from generous match funders, the South Downs National Park Authority and the Community Rail Network; Lost Railway committee members and local District & Parish councillors. Following the ribbon cutting, all adjourned to St Mary’s House & Gardens to drink a toast to this superb achievement.
When you next visit the South Downs National Park, the Downs Link or just the glorious area of Bramber and Steyning, stop by and view them – they are fantastic pieces of art as well as being educational.
Find out more about the Sustainable Communities Fund.