28 September 22 The Selsey Tramway

Presenter: Joe Whicher

An audience of 50 started our new season to hear a well-researched and illustrated talk on the local Selsey Tramway by Joe Whicher. Joe moved to Chichester 15 years ago and has researched the line thoroughly which opened in August 1897 and closed in Jan 1935.

The first application to Parliament was in 1888, then surveyed in 1896 and was built by the famous Lt Col Holman Stephens, his second railway and first standard gauge line. The 7 mile line ran through flat country, with the only structures of note being the hand operated lifting bridge at Hunston over the Chichester canal and one overbridge near Selsey.

The line was built to serve the farming community, fishing industry and the holiday resort of Selsey, even having a short lived extension to Selsey Beach added in 1898 lasting 15 years. The line was plagued with floods & accidents at numerous level crossings and many derailments.

Seven steam locomotives were obtained for the line over the years, only one being brand new and there were later services using road vehicles converted to rail seeing the early use of rail cars. Little was spent on the ten stations & halts compared with the well-built accommodation for railway staff. Joe also covered the line with now and then pictures as there are still many signs about, plus local pub signs with the tramway name, including a classic tram car with overhead electrics! About 8 disused coaches moved to the area for homes and holiday accommodation were also featured which are very nice-looking conversions.