Hythe Pier Heritage Association to name restored locomotive after chair of Beaulieu Beaufort Foundation, Edward Fort

A SECOND locomotive which runs on the historic Hythe pier is set to be officially named after its restoration.

The Hythe Pier Heritage Association (HPHA) will honour the Beaulieu Beaufort Foundation for its long-term support by naming the 102-year-old train after its chair, Edward Fort.

As reported in the A&T, the foundation, which was established to support local organisations and individuals, gave the association £10,000 back in 2020.

The other locomotive which carries passengers to the ferry, Gerald Yorke, was restored in 2021 with help from the local Men's Shed and support from engineers at Blue Funnel.

Together with a third which was dismantled in 1935 for spares, the locomotives were built in 1917 by Brush Electrical Engineering of Loughborough for use at a First World War munitions factory in Avonmouth.

After the war, Hythe pier and ferry proprietor Thomas Percy bought them from a surplus plant catalogue ahead of the installation of the railway, which began operating in July 1922.

It was given its name in honour of railway engineer Mr Yorke who oversaw the installation of the railway.

An HPHA spokesperson told the A&T: “Their appearance has changed little over the past 102 years, while apart from converting from battery to mains electrical supply, the mechanics hasn’t changed at all – a testimony to early 20th century engineering.”

The HPHA is looking forward to completing the restoration, expected to take a few more months, and welcoming Edward Fort “to the family”.

HPHA director Alan Titheridge said the organisation was “really proud” of what it had achieved so far, but there is “so much more” it both wants and needs to do.

Chair Anthony Smith added: “We need a larger pool of board members. To expand that pool, we need to develop a list of active volunteers who are interested in becoming involved in the organisation of some of our projects and events.”

Those who can offer their skills or time can contact HPHA by visiting www.hythepierha.org.uk or emailing information@hythepierha.org.uk