The Friends of Dorchester West Station have hosted a special event to mark two significant milestones.

The gathering in September formed part of the national Railway 200 celebrations, as well as shining a spotlight on the Grade II-listed Dorchester West Station, which opened in January 1857.

The station was designed under the guidance of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, chief civil engineer of the original Great Western Railway.

A particular highlight of the event was the unveiling of three large posters near the station entrance, illustrating the station’s evolution throughout the 20th century. From the once-grand roof which was removed before WW2, to the recently constructed accessible ramp which allows ‘stepless access’ to the northbound platform, the display captures key moments in the station’s story.

Adding a creative touch to the day, art by students from Dorchester Middle School was officially welcomed as a permanent exhibition in the northbound passenger shelter.

A commemorative plaque marking the station’s opening has until now been on display at Borough Gardens House, but there are now plans to install it permanently on the wall of the original station building in due course. It is hoped that this will enlighten daily commuters to the rich history behind their everyday journeys.

Barry Tempest, chair of the Friends of Dorchester West Station, said: “Many people contributed to this event – it was genuinely of, by, and for the community.

“The Friends for some fifteen years have been tidying and improving the appearance of the station as a service to the town and its rail-users. We like to think that we have made a difference, but we are a small and aging group desperate to recruit volunteers to share the work and to carry it forward.

“We are routinely on the platform from 10am-12pm on Fridays and would welcome anyone who might wish to see whether they would like to join us.”

Learn more about and contact the Friends of Dorchester West Station here.