23 February 2022 Magnus Volk and His Amazing Railways

Presenter: Ian Gledhill

Whilst Volk’s railway in Brighton is known by many, the life, and times of Magnus Volk are much less well known. Ian Gledhill’s presentation was a comprehensive review of Volk’s achievements and gave a valuable insight into the character and enthusiasm of Volk.

Ian initially covered Volk’s early life, from his birth in Brighton, education and early working years in the family Clock & Watch business. The talk then covered Volk’s initial interest and fascination with the, then new, phenomena of electricity and how that led to Volk’s house becoming the first in Brighton to have electric lighting, and later, a telephone. Volk also built himself an electric car several years before Benz got his petrol one to work. Ian explained that Volk also became the first person to sell a car (electric of course) to the export market!

Ian’s talk then moved on to the Railways that Volk is better known for. The story behind the construction of the original Volk Railway and the short lived “Daddy Long Legs” was fascinating to this reviewer. Despite many setbacks and issues with the Brighton authorities Volk’s energy and determination never seemed to have waivered.

In summary, Ian’s talk was highly informative, entertaining and delivered in a thoroughly professional manner.