TV spotlight on that famous clock as exciting new era dawns

Historic station's trip back in time

by Emily Flanagan

NEW BUILDING work at Carnforth station and a television programme on its famous clock, signal the start of developments that will put the town back on the map.
The station - made famous in the film Brief Encounter - will be making its second appearance on the screen on January 4, when the BBC air a programme on the Carnforth station clock, the infamous meeting point for actors Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson.
'A Brief Encounter with Carnforth Clock' is part of a series of 10 minute programmes on clocks. Other episodes will feature Big Ben and a famous cathedral clocks.
Carnforth Station Railway Trust members were interviewed for the programme.
But the actual regeneration work on the station began on Tuesday.
Members of the charity trust, 'Friends of Carnforth Station' and a builder started work on a reception area to exhibit plans for Carnforth station.
Project manager for Carnforth Station Railway Trust David Taylor hopes the exhibition will get more local support for the regeneration and allow the public to put forward their own opinions.
He said: - "people keep hearing about these proposals but never see anything.
"This reception area will be an opportunity for the public to look at the plans, to speak to any of the Friends of Carnforth station and get an idea of what's being achieved.
"It will let people of Carnforth see that the trust does exist."
The public will see plans for the station which include an 80-seater restaurant in the former refreshment room, styled on the one that appeared in Brief Encounter.
There will also be a function room for the local community, an information point for rail users and a visitors' centre.

Near the entrance to the station there will be retail units, which Mr Taylor said would not compete with the shops in Carnforth town centre. The rents from the shop would support the visitors' centre.
Even the plaque commemorating filming of the classic romance has been recovered, after it was stolen more than 10 years ago. It is hoped the rest of the restoration work could begin next year. '
At the moment applications for funding are being submitted. The estimated cost of the conversion is £2.l million and the trust hopes Railtrack will contribute a proportion of the money.

Lancaster Guardian  11th December 1998

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