THE CITY OF WINCHESTER TRUST LIMITED
REPORT OF THE COUNCIL AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 MARCH 2001
Hockley Viaduct
Sadly this year has seen little or no progress towards the restoration of Hockley or Shawford Viaduct that strides across the ltchen Valley alongside the M3. The only meeting revealed that the consultant's report on listing was still awaited. The impression gained was that the consultants were doubtful about listing and might only send a letter. If this is so, then it is rather irritating that so much time has been lost as Jeffrey Smith, Alan Weeks, Dr Edwin Course and I had actually drafted a listing application some two years ago.
Listing is essential for this 1890/91-built thirty-three arch viaduct, in order to gain funding for essential repairs. Hugh Woodrow kindly researched "the Engineer" magazine for 1890/91 and found two articles. The more interesting, dated 25th December 1891 (yes, Christmas Day; no two week shutdown in those days!), confirmed that the piers were of concrete and clad with bricks from Wellington in Somerset.
On the brighter side, the new Leader of the City Council has confirmed that he has a suitable signal to replace the one removed with the track. Hopefully now the Cabinet pudding has been set, and elections gelled, there may be the political will to go forward. Meanwhile Trust founder member Jeffrey Smith has written to the Hampshire Chronicle to awaken interest in this 110 year-old viaduct that sen/ed us so valiantly in the last world war.
Chris Webb
Hockley Viaduct Co-ordinator