Ref.: thisisbristol - 31 August 2006
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Experts appeal for railwayana
Railway enthusiasts are being urged to bring their railway artefacts to the Avon Valley Railway's (AVR) annual Valuation Day on Sunday. In an effort to unearth railway memorabilia of years gone by - known in the trade as Railwayana - the AVR is holding the event.
It is asking people to check their attics, cupboards and drawers for some long-forgotten railway artefacts. Anything taken along to Bitton Station on Sunday will receive a free valuation.
The railway's museum curator Paul Baulch said some pieces can be worth more than their owners realise.
He said: "Last year someone brought along a really superb set of signalling instruments from a local signal box, and later they were sold at auction for more than ú1,000.
"However our best find was a Somerset and Dorset Railway train staff, which sold at auction recently for ú2,100.
"Railway lamps are not uncommon and even old paperwork.
"But occasionally we do find something a little more unusual, such as a test kit for colour blindness.
"We've even had chamber pots from old sleeping cars."
The Avon Valley Railway holds the event every year. The valuations are done by Mr Baulch and his colleague Mark Bladwell. The event takes place between 10am and 4pm.
Trains will be operating a regular schedule with the first train leaving Bitton at 11am and the River Princess will meet up with the first four trains for a 40-minute boat trip through the Avon valley.
For further details call Bitton station on 932 5538.