|
Photo Album
Restoring Dereham Station
|
|
|
Photo Album
Restoring Dereham Station
|
During 2002, the Mid-Norfolk Railway was awarded grants by the European Union, the East of England Development Agency, Norfolk County Council and Breckland District Council totalling over £600,000, enabling us to restore Dereham station and many of the surrounding buildings, including two crossing keepers' cottages and a World War 2 pillbox. The whole area is now looking much tidier.
![Yaxham Road Cottage](javascript:toggle_image ("yaxhamroad.jpeg", 200, 133, 550, 365))
When the builders arrived to renovate Yaxham Road crossing keeper's cottage, it was in a state of near-collapse. As well as being made safe, the building was cosmetically restored and the extension on the back was removed. This gives drivers of passing trains an improved view of the adjacent level crossings.
August 2003. Photo: Alan Cooper
![Molly Green's Cottage](javascript:toggle_image ("neatherdroad.jpeg", 200, 132, 550, 365))
Like so many buildings on the line, Molly Green's Cottage (Neatherd Road crossing keeper's cottage) had been neglected for some time. As part of the ongoing restoration work, Neatherd Road crossing was resurfaced, and the whole area now looks very smart.
20th September 2003. Photo: Owen Stratford
![Dereham Canopy](javascript:toggle_image ("canopy.jpeg", 200, 133, 550, 365))
To begin with, the builders concentrated on the area of Dereham station that is away from the public gaze. The most visible work carried out during this time was the grit-blasting of the canopy, which was repainted in green and cream to match the signal box and other station areas.
August 2003. Photo: Alan Cooper
![Pointing](javascript:toggle_image ("pointing.jpeg", 132, 200, 365, 550))
As well as altering the internal layout of the station, the builders are tidying up the exterior. The brickwork on the outside of the building was re-pointed, which greatly improved the look of the station.
29th December 2003. Photo: Barney Stratford
![Scaffolding](javascript:toggle_image ("scaffolding.jpeg", 200, 132, 550, 365))
In order for the builders to be able to work on the outside of the building in safety, it was completely covered in scaffolding.
29th December 2003. Photo: Barney Stratford
![Repairing Subsidence](javascript:toggle_image ("well.jpeg", 200, 132, 550, 365))
A pillar near to the station offices had been subsiding for some time. It turns out that this part of the building had been put on top of a well, which was causing the problem. The builders are busily fixing it!
7th May 2004. Photo: Alan Cooper
![New Windows](javascript:toggle_image ("windows.jpeg", 200, 132, 550, 365))
After the cessation of passenger services in 1969, most of the windows in Dereham Station were bricked up. These have now been replaced with brand-new sash windows.
7th May 2004. Photo: Alan Cooper
![Partition](javascript:toggle_image ("partition.jpeg", 200, 132, 550, 365))
The wooden partition between the passenger waiting area and the platform was bricked up many years ago. We have restored it to its original condition.
9th June 2004. Photo: Alan Cooper
![Inside the Station](javascript:toggle_image ("inside.jpeg", 200, 150, 550, 412))
An enormous amount of work has been done inside the station, rearranging the interior to better suit our needs. The ceiling has been lowered to give the impression of more space, while the wooden partition walls divide the area up into several rooms. Previously, there was just one large all-purpose room, giving the impression of a warehouse rather than a station.
7th March 2005. Photo: Matt Goodrum
![Fixing Panels](javascript:toggle_image ("panels.jpeg", 200, 150, 550, 412))
Ian Nugent fixes decorative wall panels inside Dereham Station.
7th March 2005. Photo: Matt Goodrum
![Passengers](javascript:toggle_image ("passengers.jpeg", 200, 132, 550, 365))
The building work is now complete, and the station is back in use. New facilities include a kitchen, dining area, shop and spacious ticket office.
24th December 2006. Photo: Alan Cooper
![Café](javascript:toggle_image ("cafe.jpeg", 200, 150, 550, 412))
The station has a small café serving drinks, cakes and light snacks.
21st March 2008. Photo: Barney Stratford
![Museum](javascript:toggle_image ("museum.jpeg", 200, 150, 550, 412))
In the dining area is a display of various artefacts from the railway's history.
21st March 2008. Photo: Barney Stratford