Members Outing to Brading Station 2023

June 10th was a lovely summer’s day which saw almost two dozen RSHG members visit Brading Station, where volunteers not only run a museum and give tours of the station buildings and signal box but also have a small café serving light refreshments.

The café was where everyone assembled before, during, and after the visit, and where there was a lot of chatting, laughter, reminiscing and enjoying each other’s company in a social setting. It was also a  wonderful opportunity for everyone to meet and get to know some of the newer members.

Volunteer Karen in the café was kept extremely busy while volunteers John and Dave each took a group of members around the signal box, relating the history of the station before the climb to the box. This was a real visit to the past as all the signalling equipment is mechanical, manually operated and, although no longer connected to signals, still in working order.

Of particular interest to those who remembered it from their younger days was the gas lighting, which was beautifully preserved with mantles intact. The coal-fired heater also brought back
memories for those who had similar types in their childhood homes.

An unexpected treat for all during the visit was seeing and hearing so much of the beautiful surrounding countryside and wildlife. For one member the highlight of the day was hearing a cuckoo for the very first time!

However much or little, any of the group already knew about the station and the trains running through in the days of steam, every one left knowing at least a little bit more, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Thank you to all those who came along and for being so generous with your donations to the work of the station.

Jennifer Moring (Committee  member)
Images: Barbara & Colin Hunt.