Foxfield Station unveils display celebrating 175 years of Furness Line
On 24 August a display celebrating the 175th anniversary of the inauguration of the Furness Railway, was unveiled at Foxfield Station. The idea to have a memorial to recognise the event came from David Hughes, a member of the Duddon Valley Local History Group. Fellow member Stephe Cove then set about designing and producing the display which also includes a QR code for local walks.
The unveiling was conducted by Dr Ian Davidson of Broughton Mills, who in the early 1950’s was both porter and signalman at Broughton before he left for University. In unveiling the display, which depicts life at Foxfield Station for over 100 years, Dr Davidson said: “I often reflect on what I learned while on the railway, and conclude that it was of more worldly use than all my years at college that succeeded it.”
There were over 20 people at the ceremony who were warmly welcomed by Ken Day, chair of the History Group. Network Rail were represented by Foxfield signalman, Richard Wilson and crossing keeper, Steve Evans who also attended on behalf of The Friends of Foxfield Station.
Area operations managers, Wendy Potter and Wayne Steele attended on behalf of Northern Railways, and Claire Bradshaw represented Community Rail Cumbria.
Afterwards a number of visitors adjourned for light refreshments at the Old King’s Head in Broughton, where on the same date in 1850, the Directors of the Furness Railway held a banquet to celebrate the arrival of the first passenger train on the line.
Millom hosts 175 Anniversary Roadshow
Millom has become the latest Cumbrian station to host a roadshow celebrating the 175th anniversary of the Lakes Line and Furness Railway. Other stations on the participating have included Cark, Dalton, Kents Bank, Grange and Foxfield.
David Stubbins (Cark) and Mary Rossall (Kents Bank) hosted the event from the Millom Heritage & Arts Centre on 3 September, with many families visiting and learning all about the history of the Furness Railway.
Silverdale will be the last Furness Line station before the roadshows turn their attention to the Lakes Line.
Bootle remembers tragedy and bravery
There was a wonderful turnout to remember a freight train explosion at the Cumbrian village of Bootle on the 22nd March 1945 where Driver H Goodall was killed by the explosion. If it hadn’t been for the actions of Fireman NH Stubbs, many more people may have lost their lives. Fireman Stubbs was awarded the George Medal for his bravery.
Dave Faulkner (Bootle Parish Council) and Terry Taylor (Cumbrian Coast Rail User Group) provided some background to the event before local MP, Trudy Harrison unveiled a poster and plaque to commemorate the occasion. Both are now located in the shelter on the northbound platform.
The plaque was provided by CcRUG, and the poster by Bootle Parish Council, which had commissioned Martin Stanev to design and illustrate with the pupils of the village’s Captain Shaw’s Primary School. Community Rail Cumbria and Northern both supported the event and were present at the unveiling.
