Throughout 2013 there have been multiple events in celebration of the historic Hayling Billy train line that was in operation for almost 100 years. In 1963 the service closed in the wake of the notorious Beeching cuts which saw multiple routes axed across the UK. The Hayling Billy 50 group have laid on various commemorative events through the last few months now culminating with an exhibition at The Spring Arts Centre in Havant.
Stories from the days when locos would puff across the wooden Langstone bridge pass close by the waters of Langstone Harbour and finally reach their final destination of the station in West Town are numerous and many will be featured in the presentation. Youngsters who want to learn about the line now have the opportunity to do so.
Replicas of trains and the service are now on show and give everyone the chance to see how the Hayling Billy was spark memories and create discussions. Visitors also learn about the people who worked on the line the oyster beds that lie on its flank and the diverse array of wildlife.
The exhibition is running until November 8.
