In this edition of Picture in Time we head to the Sussex coast again although whereas last time we were there we were concentrating on the Modern Electric Tramway operation this time we are looking at the Volks Electric Railway.
In this view we see the rare sight of three of the cars at either terminus with 2, 5 and 7 all captured on camera on 6th July 1998. This is the Black Rock/Marina terminus which has been the site of the end of the line since the Volks Electric Railway was shortened by a few hundred yards in 1937. The terminus building was rebuilt in 1948 in an art deco style replacing the 1937 version which had suffered damage during the Second World War. The occasion of the three cars at the terminus was the reopening of the VER station here incorporating Southern Waters Black Rock Pumping Station with the grand opening being conducted by the Mayor of Brighton and Hove. The date of the photo is 6th July 1998.
And in this second image we see the official opening plaque.
Both Photographs by Tony Sullivan
Mayor of Brighton and Hove Albion?
The line was further shortened by 211 feet in 1998 when the new station incorporating the Southern Water pumping station was built. There have been calls over the years since then for the line to be re-extended into the Marina. However the difference in levels between the present station the Marina could present problems for the cars of such an age to surmount. It would in the writers opinion be an excellent scheme to complete since it would mean the line would have a destination to which many would want to travel – in other words a purpose!
A re-extension would be welcome. Its original purpose all those years ago, 134, was to demonstrate the then new technology of electric traction. Long may it continue to run.