2011 will see Exmoor Associates carrying out the first conservation and restoration work to the shelter and halt for many decades, but it seems this was not the first time the halt received a new lease of life…
We now know the halt received a bit of a spruce up around its twentieth anniversary as part of the Southern Railway’s investment in the line following their take over in the 1920s. On examination of the shelter it looks likely that the structure may have had attention to the roof timbers and ceiling panelling, with the original tiles then likely being reused, most probably to make the roof weather tight once more.
The photo above shows 88 year old signatures we have uncovered on the roof timbers.
We have also observed that the platform edging was replaced (originally stone) with cast concrete, as well as being lengthened. Furthermore, the footpath from the road down to the platform seems to have been moved sometime after the halt initially opened – the original path being slightly shorter and steeper, after some time the decision seems to have been made to regrade it making it easier for passengers.
2 thoughts on “Snapper Shelter – A New Lease of Life”
Congratulations on securing Snapper Halt and associated track bed. When growing up in North Devon, I was often looked after by a kind old lady, born in 1900, who had been brought up as a farmer’s daughter at Snapper. She had vivid and very fond memories of the railway in its hey day. I know, for sure, that she would have been really pleased that the future for Snapper Halt -and the railway- is so bright.
Your careful archaeological approach to the site is hugely to your credit. The workmens’ signatures are a fine survival.
Congratulations to all concerned with the excellent work done at Snapper Halt. It looks as though it is all ready for the track to be laid! A big leap- forward – may we have more bof thewm soon!