Following inauguration in October 2006, the HAMPSHIRE NARROW GAUGE RAILWAY TRUST aims to build on the experience of 45 years of service to local railway preservation. We aim to promote the technical and general education of members and others in safety, workshop practice, motive knowledge and good engineering practice related to narrow gauge railways. As a Charity newly-registered with HM Revenue and Customs, the Trustees anticipate a positive future ahead. The HNGRT will continue to provide a volunteer workforce and locomotive power to help conserve and operate historic narrow gauge equipment at various heritage sites across the South of England. We aim to promote the technical and general education of members and others in safety, workshop practice, motive knowledge and good engineering practice related to narrow gauge railways. From an expanding operational base at the Bursledon Brickworks in Swanwick near Southampton, HNGRT members and equipment will also continue to support the Narrow Gauge Railway Collection at the Amberley Working Museum near Arundel, West Sussex.

At 11:30 am on the 22nd of August 2010 saw the official opening of the Bursledon Light Railway (BLR) with the coach and guards van pulled by ‘Emmet’ a steam locomotive kindly made available by Bob Haddock of the Hayling Seaside Railway. The occasion was celebrated with a special Railway ‘Open Day’ at the Brickworks which provided numerous displays of various model railway layout of all gauges for all ages.

Since I last provided details of the situation at Bursledon much has happened with the installation of a "road crossing" the fitting of "buffers", track "anchors" the construction of the "Kiln Halt" station platform and the completion of the 300 yds of track. In addition thanks to Ron Bristow the Vita tender has been transformed into an excellent Guards van as can be seen.

The opening of the BLR passenger railway completes the first phase of the railway project and work has now begun on the next phase which will extend the track a further 150 yds providing access to the proposed new engine shed a challenging project which Les Munckton has kindly agreed to undertake. This engine shed which we desperately need for our coach and Simplex locomotives will be designed to also allow the maintenance and accommodation of a steam locomotive, which the recent appearance of ‘Emmet’ has shown would provide a major attraction.

The next phase has begun the Brickworks have the rails and the sleepers but they still need 20 ton of ballast, fishplates and coach screws so if anyone can assist we would be delighted to hear from you.