The Golden Age of Steam

The old station around 1930

During the Beeching era many stations were closed down. But what happens to an old station house when it's no longer in use? Many were sold and eventually renovated.

Bill bought his old station house in the 1980's. It was closed during Beeching's time in the 60's. He renovated the property and subsequently turned it into a guest house.

He has fond memories of the property he lived in for 26 years, now owned by Pat and Les Malloy. He quite liked living in the house where the old station master once lived.

In the 1930s picture above, you can see just about see the station master in the right hand side of the picture  next to the lamp post.

Below we see how the property has changed over the years.

The old station house in need of renovations.

Renovations taking place.

The house after Bill renovated it in the 1980's.

The old station house as it now stands. Each November model rail enthusiasts stay at the property when they attend a model rail exhibition at the NEC.

And just to remind people of it's historical past, the train line that ran past the house is still in use today.

Listen to Bills stories of the old house

The old station house will be featured on BBC WM 95.6FM as part of a special week dedicated to the 45th anniversary of the Beeching Report, running throughout the week starting on Sunday 26th October. We'll be adding the report once it has been aired, so come back to listen to Bill's memories of the station house. We'll also be hearing from the current owners to see what they think of life in the old station house.