Interchange Sidings at Welford Park and the construction of a new line to Welford airbase got under way in 1952 bringing with it some alterations to the signaling system and the hope that the line would face a more secure future.  August 1954, and Traffic losses were still giving cause for concern. In a further attempt to reduce expenses British Rail reduced the status of Boxford Station to that of an unstaffed halt. Ticket revenue would be collected by the Guard on route.

.........In 1956, the diesel railcars were displaced and steam powered sevices were re-introduced to the line. This particular year also saw the removal of West Fields Halt as a stopping place,coinciding with the new Winter timetable. The Halt was officially closed on the 4th of February 1957, shortly after, both shelter and platform were demolished. The financial situation worsened culminating in notice of closure for all passenger based services on the line. This notice being issued in June 1959. Plans were anounced to retain the line only as far as Welford Park, thus, Welford Park became the Lambourn Valley Railhead.

........January the 4th 1960, the very last day of passenger services. Thoughout the day, enthusiasts and local people alike, turned out to enjoy a final journey on the line, or simply to wave goodbye. The last train out of Newbury, the 5.20pm, required six coaches to accommodate the waiting passengers. So it was, on a dark winter's night, sixty-two years after it's inauguration, The Lambourn Valley Railway ceased to exist as a fully operational branch line.

1969

In October 1969 a special train was laid on for enthusiasts to travel the remaining part of the line for what most considered to be their last opportunity to do so. During the latter part of 1970, agreement with BR was finally reached and the USAF took over all traffic operations.

Below a Heavy goods negotiating the Speen level crossing. further along the line the same unit photographed passing through Boxford

The goods almost at Journeys end.

Following the demise of the passenger service, a goods service was introduced to the line. This ran Monday to Friday and terminated at Welford Park. Besides Military cargo, the only goods carried would be coal and agricultural commodities. The motive power was normally handled by the Newbury Town Pilot, a 350 h.p diesel locomotive, although there were exceptions. The maximum authorised load outbound from Newbury station was 29 basic wagon units and 24 units on the return journey. Ordinary goods traffic was interspersed with Military traffic, bound for The American airbase at Welford. The track north of Welford Park was lifted in 1962. and the up-platform, was also demolished. In 1965, Boxford lost all its freight facilities. Six months later, Welford Park had all it's non-military sevices withdrawn.

1970
"The ISIS Rail Tour "

On the 14th of February 1970 the tracks were once more to carry a passenger train in the form of a Diesel Multiple Unit. The "Isis" tour, whch included numerous other locations, was organised by The Locomotive Club of Great Britain.

	M
Newbury		Speen Level Crossing

Above and below - leaving Boxford heading for Newbury.

MM

My grateful thanks to photographer DAVID CANNING

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