All about early days of railwayin the area

Following the recent five-day wine tour of Burgundy, very much enjoyed by the travel club, the October meeting of the Bognor Regis Men's Probus Club reverted to business as usual.

A strong attendance was reminded that payment was now due for the two-day Christmas shopping visit to Calais and Bruges and very soon for the annual Christmas gala luncheon, both to include ladies and guests.

The club welcomed back Mrs Sylvia Endacott as speaker.

From halts at Yapton and Woodgate prior to the Bognor Spur from Barnham, she brought to life the early railway days of the town with her comprehensive range of slides and witty repartee.

When the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway passed little Bognor by, passengers had to either walk or use horse-drawn '˜taxis' to and from the nearest halt, usually Woodgate.

In 1864 a single line from Barnham to Bognor (no Regis yet) became the preferred connection to the rail network with a turntable to reverse the engine for the return journey. The train had first, second and third class carriages and an early poster advertised a half day return fare to London at three shillings.

Original buildings at Bognor were of wood and suffered storm and fire damage before a much more substantial complex was completed in 1902, remaining today much as it was, with the exception of sidings and a goods yard where Covers now stands.

The benefits to the town were two-fold, embracing building and people.

The Arcade was built which extended London Road towards the sea, as was the pier with its measurements being 1,000 feet by 10 feet.

Many boarding schools were attracted to the town, as were nursing, convalescent and holiday homes, both private and subsidised by councils or major commercial companies.

Day excursions poured into the town ranging from Sunday schools to full trains from London bringing their own barrow boys, which upset local traders.

Facts and figures show that the arrival of the railway brought unprecedented change and prosperity to the town in the years prior to the first world war.

Sylvia was thanked warmly for her thorough research and professional presentation.

The Bognor Regis Men's Probus Club meets in the Royal Norfolk Hotel every third Wednesday of the month. More details from club secretary Wilf Archer on 01243 821388.