‘It’s a wonderful introduction to engineering’

For nearly 50 years, the Bristol Society of Model and Experimental Engineers (BSMEE) have operated a miniature railway from Ashton Court Estate. However, this popular family attraction may now be forced to close as Bristol City Council has proposed not to renew their lease.

Fridays are maintenance days at the model railway. A few yards from the miniature station, which is tucked alongside Abbots Leigh Road and Ashton Court Golf Course, two BSMEE volunteers in navy overalls crouch over the miniature track which has a kink in it. “Easily fixed,” they say. They’re preparing for the weekend when they open their gates to the public; an estimated 30,000 people ride their trains every year.

Members of the Bristol Society of Model and Experimental Engineering maintain the model railway

The BSMEE was founded in 1909 and consists of around 250 members, all of whom are volunteers. The workshop by the railway, where the charitable trust runs events to introduce young people to engineering, is bustling on a recent Friday afternoon. Members chat as as they operate the vintage Myford lathes and discuss their latest hobby projects.

BSMEE chairman Norman Rogers kneels next to a steam engine with a bold blue livery, a perfect miniature fondly named Ashton Court. “It’s a complete working replica,” he says. “It took us five years to design and construct from scratch.” Norman points inside the crew compartment to the coal fire, the ashes still present from its most recent outing: “It’s all part of being an engineering society, rather than simply railway operators. We’re engineers. We design it, we build it, and we have fun with it.”

Working replica steam engine Ashton Court is a favourite among engineers and visitors alike

The railway has been based at Ashton Court for 45 years, but is under threat due to Bristol City Council’s austerity measures. Norman explains: “They’ve told us they can improve their return from this site. If they can find an appropriate commercial opportunity, they’d much prefer it to an amateur society and charity. We’ll get priced out.”

The Society’s lease is renewed on a five-year basis but the Council’s proposition would result in the closure of the site at the end of the 2018 season.

“I can’t imagine losing the site,” Norman, who has volunteered with BSMEE for 12years, says. “Bristol would lose an enormous community asset, loved by so many.” This year, Ashton Court Miniature Railway has hosted visits from Bristol Autism Project, Special Friends Club and Gordano Valley Church’s Cludo Club.

BSMEE is also considered a charity for its educational value: “Children come and they learn here. It’s such a wonderful introduction to engineering,” Norman continues. “Often they’ll jump off an American switcher engine and beg their parents for another ticket because they haven’t ridden the steam engine.” The money made from rides largely goes to the upkeep of the railway.

Norman Rogers, chairman of BSMEE, at the station which has been based at Ashton Court Estate for 45 years

BSMEE’s eviction would raise many complications. The engine shed, which was built by Society members, sits behind a grove of trees also planted by the Society. Norman believes their hard work in developing the site should be recognised.

The railway, which spans a third of a mile circuit, would prove difficult to move. It is estimated that removing the track alone would take a few years.

Elsewhere on the site, a volunteer mows the lawn and a group of members set up a marquee for a 70th birthday celebration. Looking over the grounds, Norman says: “We are very, very proud of all we’ve done here. Imagine the distress of it being needlessly broken up.”

“The best outcome would be rent we can afford. We will respect the decision of the council, but we hope they come to a happy, sensible conclusion.”

The railway spans a third of a mile, passing through groves, a bridge and a tunnel

A Bristol City Council spokesperson said: “We are looking for new income generating opportunities at Ashton Court, and the miniature railway site is one of the sites being considered. This is because it brings in very little money and the site does not currently pay for itself.

“However, no decision has been made and we are still working with BSMEE to try to find a solution that is acceptable to everyone. Current options being discussed include continuing to run the railway at Ashton Court using a new business model, or looking at opportunities to move the railway to other Bristol parks. Until a long term solution is found the council will negotiate the terms of short term lease with BSMEE.”

BSMEE have launched a petition to keep the railway at Ashton Court, which will be discussed along with the lease renewal at a full council meeting on September 11 2018. To sign the petition, visit www.bit.ly/ SaveAshtonCourtRailway