|
Champagne and a
spring clean ARMED with cleaning equipment, a team of dedicated volunteers gave Carnforth Station a spring clean in preparation for the major restoration work due to begin this Summer. A working party of 18 supporters set about attacking 30 years of dirt, which had built up on the run-down station‘s platform and buildings. The group stopped only briefly to enjoy a glass of champagne to celebrate the fact that, after years of campaigning and fund-raising, their ambitious plans to convert the station into a major visitor attraction is due to start within months, thanks to a pledge of �500,000 from Railtrack and �750,000 raised by station supporters. Carnforth‘s town crier Frank Barton attended the event, as did Morecambe and Lunesdale MP Geraldine Smith, who congratulated the hard work of the volunteers. Michael Chorley, chairman of the Friends of Carnforth Railway Station (21/9/1999 to 26/9/2002), said: ”Until today many people in Carnforth and the surrounding district thought that the station project was just words and that nothing would happen!" He added that in a few months time, work would begin on platform re-surfacing, improving the station subway, and repairs to the station buildings. Until the major work is started, a team from Lancaster‘s Community Service will continue to clean-up the station and surrounding area. As part of the restoration project, the FOCS wants to construct a replica of the station seat and notice boards which were made famous by the film Brief Encounter, which was shot at the station. Anyone who can help with supplying wood or money to help fund the project should contact Mr Chorley. (21/9/1999 to 26/9/2002) (**Please See note at bottom of page) Meanwhile, station supporters are this week preparing to play host to a group of people from Carnforth‘s twin station town of Fullerton, in Southern California. A total of 13 Americans are due to arrive on Friday to help further links between the two towns.
**NB For a current contact list, please click here - Carnforth Station Contact List The Westmorland Gazette, 7th April 2000
|
