 |
|
a part of The Rolleston Engineering and Transport Society (TREATS)
The website was created in 2013 by Clive Baker and gives all the details about the former village railway station. It also features the efforts of TREATS in collaboration with the Parish Council to renovate what is left of the station, enhance the Jinny Nature Trail and create an amenity for the village.
TREATS Railway Station Heritage Group
(This article is taken from Rollestonian - Summer 2018 issue)
Once again group members are grateful to those who have recently become
Friends of Rolleston-on-Dove Station.
Readers will be pleased to read that the platform bench has been returned to its rightful place on the southbound platform, following a winter refurbishment. Having been a popular feature it has been gratifying to observe visitors taking a break from their walk to sit on the bench for a while and watch the birds and other wildlife that inhabit the site.
Our aim is to mark the seasons with relevant planting – snowdrops which have graced the area during the later winter and early spring are now over and Green Team members have been busy separating the plants so that they will re-appear next year in greater numbers.
Daffodils, both the smaller native variety as well as non-native have given a splendid show and we are very grateful to those who kindly donated the bulbs.
The purple crocus representing the fight against polio, blooming from bulbs donated by Burton Rotary Club, gave us a beautiful show around one of the trees by the platform edge, complementing the snowdrops.
Bluebells in memory of the late Mrs Delia Wyers:
On a very cold Easter Saturday morning, following a night of heavy rain, Guides, Brownies and their leaders from the Rolleston Unit, together with Delia’s husband John and daughter Oriana, braved the elements to plant the bluebell bulbs that they had donated in memory of their one-time leader. Delia had always taken a very active interest in many village activities, not least the Station Heritage Group, so it is very fitting that the next order of spring – bluebells will remind us of Delia’s contribution to the community. A big thank you to Rolleston Guides, Brownies and leaders, we look forward to them joining us at the station this coming summer.
Woodland:
Commencing in January, the group set about clearing self-set ash saplings from the woodland area between the station platforms and Station Road. The laying of a series of log-lined pathways has been started with the intention of creating an alternative area to explore with the added attraction of seasonal plants such as bluebells. We may even unearth remains of the signal box foundations.
Guides, Brownies and leaders planting bluebell bulbs at the station.
Future developments:
For those readers wondering if we have forgotten about the railway, a new graphic is under preparation to be sited by the cattle/carriage dock to demonstrate how carriages were loaded on to the railway wagons.
On 7/8th April, we exhibited the working model of the station at the Severn Valley Steam Railway Open House weekend. There we were in the Engine House surrounded by real full-size locomotives, operating the model whilst the real trains went steaming-by outside.
RHS Britain in Bloom, Heart of England – It’s Your Neighbourhood:
On a date in July, judges who represent the above scheme will visit to assess the project’s development. A certificate will be received and recommendations made.
ESBC In Bloom – Peace Trail:
During this year, organised by ESBC, the centenary of the end of the First World War will be commemorated by a Peace Trail. The Railway Station Heritage Group will be taking part so look out for plaques to be sited at the station as well as many other locations in the county borough.
Our website is regularly updated:
www.rolleston-on-dove-station.co.uk
Or find us on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/pages/Rolleston-on-Dove-Railway-Station/393619157480649
TREATS Railway Station Heritage Group
(This article is taken from Rollestonian - Spring 2018 issue)
The group wishes to thank those readers who responded to its appeal to become “Friends of Rolleston-on-Dove Station Heritage Group”. As a result the station site will be maintained during the forthcoming year.
Visitors will have noticed that one area of the wildflower meadow has been completely cleared in readiness for the planting of new wildflower seeds. Experience has taught the “Green Team” that too much grass in the mix of seeds tends to choke the flowers, yielding a colourless summer show and, in our case, a predominance of oxeye daisies.
Since the project began, the team has appealed to people to share their memories of the railway. To date much information – has been received enabling the compilation of an archive that will inform future generations.
At the time of writing, Mrs Ann Elks (nee Hulme) a former Rollestonian has become a “Friend” and has sent some wonderful memories of the old station and travelling on the Tutbury Jinny:
My sister-in-law sent me the winter 2017 issue of the Rollestonian, and on reading the portion on the Railway Station, brought back many wonderful happy memories.
I lived on the Stretton side of the railway bridge and from our back garden and across the narrow field, could see clearly the back of the station waiting room. I remember during the war (WWII) being woken up quite frequently by the additional noisy trains; and in the daytime, waving to the troops on the long trains that occasionally passed through, and the clatter of milk churns and the sound of livestock being loaded into cattle trucks.
I attended the local school in School Lane and remember receiving a few whacks of the cane for forgetting my gas mask – and was sent home to collect it. I ran all the way and back, and received a few more for taking too long – I was only 6 and it was a long way. Never forgot it again.
On leaving the local school, I was allocated to a girl’s school in Burton near Horninglow station, so I had the choice of either bus or train in the morning; which ever came first, but always travelled home on the Tutbury Jinny. The fare was sixpence (old money) on either mode of transport, I could often hear the Jinny coming before the bus and make a quick dash for the station. In those days the guard would always put me in a compartment that had a lady traveller present; such was the concern for school girls travelling alone.
As a teenager, my future husband, who lived in Church Road, used to love to walk up the lane by the side of the station, over the footbridge and by the public right of way to Craythorne Lane. Eventually he actually proposed to me on that footbridge as the Jinny came by and engulfed us in smoke and steam… I did say “Yes”. Happy Days!
Clive Baker
www.rolleston-on-dove-station.co.uk
www.facebook.com/pages/Rolleston-on-Dove-Railway-Station/393619157480649
TREATS Railway Station Heritage Group
(This article is taken from Rollestonian - Winter 2017 issue)
Advantage has been taken of this year’s Indian Summer; with the group engaging in much activity at the station site, the dry weather has enabled them to prepare the ground for winter, entailing copious weeding. Preparation for the next season by the planting of bulbs, kindly donated by local residents, is another activity undertaken.
Two further signs have been installed; positioned at the site of the goods-yard crane, the stone circle, once its base, has been defined by a graphic showing how the crane would have appeared during the operational time of the station. The stand point of the photographer who captured the image of a train returning from Alton Towers on Easter Monday 1962, often used in the group’s publicity material, has been marked by the other sign which shows the painting based on that photograph.
Often found at events within the village and further afield, is the group’s display introducing the public at large to the project and generally maintaining a high profile. Photographs and documents relating to the station have been collected since 2000 when a static model of the area around the booking hall first went public at an exhibition in the Old Grammar School. Often when attending events, new material is offered and gratefully accepted.
Apart from welcoming pupils from John of Rolleston Primary School during the summer, who enjoyed an outdoor lesson centred on the restored booking hall footprint, a group member recently visited the year 5 pupils at William Shrewsbury Primary School, Stretton to help launch a project requiring the children to research the railway that once passed through their village and then produce models to be exhibited at an exhibition at the school to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the school building. The icing on the cake came as an invitation to demonstrate the working model of Rolleston-on-Dove Station to a very interested audience of all ages.
When first setting-out on this project in 2009, community benefit and involvement topped the agenda; having just received much interest from our neighbouring village as well as people who view the working model and display at events throughout the Midlands, one hopes that that criteria is being achieved.
Appeal
Since funding received from the Heritage Lottery Fund has been exhausted and commitment to HLF satisfactorily completed in 2015, the cost of on-going maintenance has been met by donations gratefully received from one or two well-wishers. There are occasions when some tasks cannot be handled by volunteers; necessitating services and materials to be out-sourced so, to help maintain a float, realistic to everyday needs, the group are inviting persons to become “Friends of Rolleston-on-Dove Station Heritage Group”.
An annual subscription of, for example £5.00, would help keep this popular village amenity in good order. Subscriptions can be made payable to RSHG and forwarded to the Treasurer, Rosemary Baker, 66 Meadow View, Rolleston, Burton upon Trent, DE13 9AN.
Thank you.
Clive Baker
www.rolleston-on-dove-station.co.uk
www.facebook.com/pages/Rolleston-on-Dove-Railway-Station/393619157480649
TREATS Railway Station Heritage Group
(This article is taken from Rollestonian - Autumn 2017 issue)
With the footprint of the booking hall now complete, including replacement of part of the floor tiles to the gents’ toilet and the restored buffer stop neatly set-out with wildflowers, it is time, not to sit back, but certainly relax, enjoy and look after this village amenity which is a great credit to all members of our community who have made a contribution.
The wildflowers planted between the two platforms look a little different this year, probably a few too many oxeye daisies and grasses. We learn through experience and the green team intend to thin-out the grasses and spread some new seeds to give some extra variety and colour next summer.
Our display has been staged at all of the village summer events in an effort to maintain the profile of the project, our next appearance will be at the Village Gala when, as at previous occasions, visitors will share their railway experiences and allow us to view any railway memorabilia, probably connected to a family member.
One Thursday in June, Year 2 pupils from John of Rolleston Primary School and their teachers visited the site; with various aspects of a Victorian railway station being related to them, members of the group enjoyed interaction with their teachers to explain, among other facts that ladies had a room in the booking hall to themselves and ice cream would arrive in cork-lined boxes in the village via the station on certain afternoons. Later on the same day, some very enthusiastic Guides and their leaders arrived to carry-out some much needed tidying and weeding of the platforms.
It is very gratifying when village organisations take advantage of and become involved in the station amenity. Without these bodies and in particular The Rolleston Engineering and Transport Society, the site would still be an over-grown jungle. Support has come in many ways, only today a family has donated the sign accompanying this article (NB. The sign has since been stolen - January 2018) as well as a limited edition plate commemorating the final journey of the Tutbury Jinny; having spent many years in a garage not far from the station, we are not sure whether the sign actually served its purpose at Rolleston or somewhere else where the movement of engines was restricted, but we do hope to install it, probably near to the carriage/cattle dock, where it will serve as another reminder of our heritage.
Clive Baker
Website:
www.rolleston-on-dove-station.co.uk
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/pages/Rolleston-on-Dove-Railway-Station/393619157480649
TREATS Railway Station Heritage Group
(This article is taken from Rollestonian - Summer 2017 issue)
Further progress has been made towards the restoration of the remains of our village railway station since the previous publication of Rollestonian.
Most of the surface within the low walls that define the booking hall footprint is now finished with chippings, thanks to the combined efforts of John our contractor with JCB and members of the working party, during a Saturday working party session. All that remains to be done to the booking hall is to part-tile the area, once the gent’s toilet, and also apply tiles to the hearth of the ticket clerk’s fireplace, at the opposite end of the building. A new sign showing cutaway illustrations of the booking hall when fully functional with key to indicate the individual features is now in place.
Booking Hall
Storm Doris paid a visit, uprooting a self-set ash tree adjacent to the rear wall of the northbound platform as well as bringing-down another tree further along the Jinny Nature Trail. The prompt attention of a tree surgeon saw the trunks sawn into logs that are now serving as edging to the station pathways, including two new paths that now connect the trail with the newly restored buffer stop, a site where further wildflowers have been planted.
Always attempting to give the station project as higher profile as possible, further media interest has been taken by the national magazine “British Railways Modelling”. Early in April, visitors to the station would have noticed the author being interviewed on film by a member of the magazine staff who also photographed and videoed the actual model as well as features of the real site. Look out for the June edition and on line interviews.
Spring has certainly also paid a visit; with a profusion of daffodils, forget-me-nots, cowslips and primroses, soon to be replaced by bluebells, the woodland area is developing each season. By Sunday 25th June when members of the Station Heritage
Group will be in attendance with a display of documents, photographs and memorabilia, ready to welcome and show visitors a small, but significant remnant of the North Staffordshire Railway, the wildflower meadow should have reached its full potential.
The Heritage Group wish to thank those members of the public that, not only post encouraging comments on the Facebook page, but also donate native plants and seeds to enhance the site.
Website:
www.rolleston-on-dove-station.co.uk
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/pages/Rolleston-on-Dove-Railway-Station/393619157480649
Clive Baker
TREATS Railway Station Heritage Group
(This article is taken from Rollestonian - Spring 2017 issue)
The group begins 2017 in a positive mood; the re-building of the retaining wall to the rear of the buffer stop, organised by the Parish Council, now complete, means that two horizontal lengths of rail can be attached to the vertical supports of the buffer stop to complete what we think is an unusual installation.
When plans of the track layout of the station were discovered at the Kew based National Archive, what was believed to have been a milk dock, that is the section that protrudes behind the buffer stop, was described as a ‘carriage dock’. Early railway images often indicate a train consisting of carriages and also flat wagons transporting horse-drawn road vehicles; the gentry travelling to another area would take their own road carriage and possibly horses with them, hence the carriage dock would have provided an end-loading facility for the road vehicles. The buffer stop would have been designed to accommodate a ramp passing over it to facilitate the loading of the carriage, and it is unlikely that many such types remain.
The section of dock that ran along side of the siding, some of its rails remain joined to the buffer stop, was certainly used for the transhipment of livestock; the cattle pens are evident in a photograph, circa 1953/9, of the Tutbury Jinny approaching the station. Mr Penlington who spent his early life in one of the three railway houses on South Hill, and joined us at the commemoration of the 120th anniversary of the opening of the station in 2014, recalled a herd of Jersey cows arriving in Rolleston by rail in the late 1940’s and being off-loaded at the dock before herding to an adjacent farm.
The footprint to the booking hall is making steady progress; now that the surrounding low-level brickwork is complete, an infill of ballast will be added and the individual rooms identified. New signage is to be installed including a 3-dimensional image of the booking hall; with its outer walls cutaway, the content and purpose of the rooms are evident.
The efforts of our ‘green team’ during the previous two years should bear
fruit as spring approaches. Follow the seasons with regular visits and enjoy the
snowdrops, daffodils, cowslips and primroses before the wild flower meadow
blooms in late May, hopefully yielding a blaze of colour throughout the summer
months.
Monthly working parties resume in February, usually on the first Saturday of
each month from 10am. Everyone is most welcome to join us, children must be
accompanied by an adult; whether your interest is with the railway, the
environment or just being part of a community project, a worthwhile task awaits.
Look out for posters publicising these sessions on the village notice boards or
keep-up with progress and events on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rolleston-on-Dove-Railway-Station/393619157480649
Information about the railway that ran through Rolleston is available on our website and is regularly updated as new information is received: www.rolleston-on-dove-station.co.uk
Clive Baker
Another Award For The Station Heritage Project
(This article is taken from Rollestonian - Winter 2016 issue)
During July the Rolleston-on-Dove Station Heritage Project was assessed by Royal Horticultural Society judges for the "It's Your Neighbourhood" scheme, part of "Britain in Bloom".
The judges viewed the station site with its wildflower meadow in the area
between the platforms where once the railway lines ran, all supported with
informative signage, and spent some time with members of the group listening to
their account of how the project began, its impact on the village and future
plans.
In their report the judge's opening statement read: "When visiting this project
we really felt that we had stepped back in time and were given a glimpse into a
bygone world. The scheme is now being used to great effect, educating visitors
about local history. Great vision has been shown, developing the meadow areas
where the railway tracks once ran."
The Rolleston-on-Dove Station Heritage Group, part of the Rolleston Engineering and Transport Society (TREATS) are delighted and encouraged to have been awarded a Level 3 which is comparable with a silver standard.
No doubt those walking beyond the station towards Stretton will have noticed the buffer stop adjacent to the old carriage/cattle dock, complete with length of original “bullhead” rail which dates back to the opening of the station in 1894. Hopefully the wall to its rear will soon be repaired and the group will then be able to complete the restoration of the buffer stop that, together with signage will add another heritage feature to the site.
The footprint to the booking hall is nearing completion, enabling visitors to recognise the different areas that comprised a Victorian country railway station. This was particularly helpful when demonstrating these areas to Rolleston Brownies and their leaders who recently spent some time with group members. News has just been received that a bid for funding, to purchase materials to complete this feature, has been successful.
The project display, which is regularly updated as new reference becomes available, will make its next public appearance at Burton Railex planned for Sunday 6th November, 10am-4pm at the National Brewing Centre. The group’s latest acquisition, a railway style sack-truck kindly donated by a TREATS member will be adding authenticity to the display.
Working parties continue on the first Saturday of each month from 10am when all persons are welcome to give a hand. A Big Thank You is extended to those who have joined the working parties during the past three years and also members of Rolleston Parish Council and Borough Councillor Mrs Beryl Toon, Mayor of ESBC for their unstinted support and encouragement.
For a full history of the railway at Rolleston and the heritage project,
please visit the website:
www.rolleston-on-dove-station.co.uk
To keep up with daily progress, see Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rolleston-on-Dove-Railway-Station/393619157480649
Clive Baker
TREATS – Rolleston-on-Dove Station Heritage Group
(This article is taken from Rollestonian - Autumn 2016 issue)
Having enjoyed the show of spring flowers – snowdrops, bluebells, daffodils and forget-me-nots adorning the wooded area of the station, it is now time to take-in the wildflower meadow. In its second season, following sessions of selective weeding by the “Green Team” who removed some over enthusiastic varieties such as corn camomile, this area of the station is now resplendent with a vast assortment of flora and grasses.
Those interested in railway heritage will note that the footprint of the booking hall has three of its four sides complete. When finished, the different rooms that made up the building will be evident, complete with the booking clerk’s hearth and lady’s and gentlemen’s facilities. Further along the line, a feature will be made of the buffer stop and short length of track, once the adjacent facing wall to the “carriage dock” has been repaired. Almost opposite, a well-hidden gradient sign has been re-painted and the characters indicating a level section towards Stretton and a slight decline towards Station Road have been replicated.
During June, arrangements were made for both Brownies and Guides to spend an evening helping with various gardening tasks. Unfortunately British weather prevailed, preventing the Brownies from joining the team. On a finer evening the Guides were able to plant cosmos which they and the Brownies had nurtured from seed. We are very grateful for the continued interest from the young ladies and their leaders.
To retain interest in the project and to raise cash for on-going maintenance, the team have visited a number of events during the summer with a display of artefacts, archive documents and photographs. This summer a cut-out photo booth “Jinny” (it depicts the front view of a steam locomotive) has accompanied the display, proving popular with the young and not-so-young.
The working model depicting the station in 1948 made an appearance along with display material and 59 other model layouts at the Great Central Railway Model Event held at Quorn station in June. On the following Saturday, the display was staged at the Market Hall as part of the Burton Gardening Festival in the company of the Mayor and Consort of East Staffordshire Borough Council, Borough/Parish Councillor Mrs Beryl Toon and Parish Councillor Mr James Toon. We are very grateful to Beryl and James for their continued interest and support.
In conjunction with Rolleston Open Gardens Sunday, the station team attended at the station throughout that weekend to show visitors around the site explaining the railway and natural features. A steady flow of visitors rewarded the team’s efforts, some of whom had been introduced to the project at the previous events mentioned.
Regular organised working parties continue on the first Saturday of each month between 10am and 12 noon. Please note there will be no working party in August, some working parties are convened at other times to perform specific tasks. All are welcome to join-in, but children must be accompanied by adults.
Many thanks are extended to those who have donated plants, seeds and bulbs and also to passers-by who give words of encouragement to the team on their visits to the Nature Trail.
Clive Baker
Summer 2016 News
(This article is taken from Rollestonian - Summer 2016 issue)
Now that the two passenger platforms are clearly delineated, a real impression of how the railway station was laid-out has become apparent. The footprint of the booking hall with its various rooms is also taking shape; completion of the front wall, occurring early in April, has proved a landmark for this part of the project.
Visitors and Jinny Trail walkers have enjoyed the spring flowers that have become established in the woodland area between the platforms and generally around the site. Their appreciative comments have greatly encouraged the small band of gardeners and ground workers who have been busy removing weeds and planting bulbs and seeds, kindly donated by members of the community; we take this opportunity to thank those persons. One further bird nesting box, locally made in Twentylands, has been added to those installed last year, now occupied.
Our sights are now set towards the livestock, carriage and milk loading dock, also the surviving buffer stop, visitors may have noticed that a short stretch of rail also remains in situ. Once the facing wall of these docks, still active during the post war period, has been renovated, a new feature will have been created.
The grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund has been spent on the specific areas detailed in the bid, audited and finalised. To carry out the work described in the previous paragraph, further funding will be necessary. Of the three intermediate stations along the “Burton Branch” of the North Staffordshire Railway, Rolleston was considered the most important because it offered a complete facility – passenger and freight, Stretton & Claymills and Horninglow were limited to passenger traffic only. The gravel exchange at Stretton & Claymills did not become operative until 1920. Only by renovating the said area would we be telling the complete story.
We continue to promote our project, not only at forthcoming village functions – Transport Festival, Scout Jousting Display and the Village Gala, but also at the Festival of Gardening to be held at Burton Market Hall on Saturday 25th June. The working model of the station will be in operation at one of the largest exhibitions in the Midlands; centred at Quorn railway station, 17/18/19th June this venue is part of the Great Central preserved Railway.
Regular working parties are convened every first Saturday morning, of each month commencing at 10am (weather permitting) when all persons wishing to assist us are most welcome. Please follow our progress on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rolleston-on-Dove-Railway-Station/393619157480649
Our website gives a history of the line along with other relevant details: www.rolleston-on-dove-station.co.uk
Winter 2015 News - Progress at Rolleston-on-Dove Railway
Station
(This article is taken from Rollestonian - Winter 2015 issue)
An unexpected and generous donation
At this time of writing, almost a year has passed since members of the Rolleston Engineering and Transport Society (TREATS) Station Project Group stood alongside their guests including civic and national heads on the restored southbound platform to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the opening of the village’s vital link to the rest of the world.
During the summer just passed, many taking a walk along the Jinny Nature Trail, were not only able to view the signage describing both rail and fauna & flora related features, but also the wildflower meadow that bloomed in the area between the two platforms where the rails were once laid. The seeds, sown during the previous autumn by Rolleston Brownie Unit and pupils of John of Rolleston Primary School, gave a splendid show, one which should improve in successive seasons as the meadow matures.
In June the project was judged as “Outstanding” when entered for the “Burton in Bloom” competition.
August saw the contractor laying slabs to align the northbound platform whilst members of the Station Project Group began to create a footprint of the booking hall, utilising bricks that once comprised the abutments of the bridge that carried the railway over Station Road. Together with a copy of the actual plans of the main station building, dated 1894, discovered by Mrs Delia Wyers at the National Archive and a gift of two stone doorsteps from a member of the community who visited our display at one of the many events attended this year, this feature will be both accurate in plan and materials.
The site is constantly maintained and developed by members of the Station Project Group and other village residents, including Rolleston Brownies and Guides with their leaders. We are grateful to other interested persons who have supplied and planted flora from their own gardens. We have been pleased to welcome many visitors from further afield and school groups from William Shrewsbury Primary and Fountains.
Those who have not yet visited Rolleston-on-Dove Station and may wish to view this heritage site and take a short circular walk, We have just published a walk leaflet which is available at Starbucks Newsagents or Burton Public Library.
The leaflet can also be downloaded as a pdf from our website:
www.rolleston-on-dove-station.co.uk.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rolleston-on-Dove-Railway-Station/393619157480649
Two of the original eight platform gardens have been restored, each having a plant of Rosemary (for remembrance) as a centrepiece. A plaque is placed by each garden explaining that the gardens are a memorial to those persons who left the village via the station to join their regiments in two World Wars, some never to return.
The unexpected:
Recently, as these plans were being formulated, we received a very generous, anonymous donation towards this project. Clearly the donor wishes to remain unknown, but may we take this opportunity to offer our most grateful thanks and ensure the donor that the gift will be used for the on-going maintenance of what we believe, and many visitors to the site endorse, is a worthwhile project.
Thank you
Clive Baker
120th Anniversary
On Saturday 1st November 2014 at 11am a ceremony took place to mark 120 years since the first train passed through the former Rolleston Railway Station. Supporters gathered around the restored platform of the old station, which now forms part of the Jinny Trail, to honour the anniversary of the opening in 1894. East Staffordshire mayor Councillor Ron Clarke, Burton MP Andrew Griffiths and David Pendlington, who used to live in the station houses, were among the guests. Read more here.
This is the link to Burton Tv News video of the event: http://www.burtontvnews.co.uk/rolleston-station-opening/
There is also a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rolleston-on-Dove-Railway-Station/393619157480649 detailing the project from it's conception through to date.
Spring 2015 News - A Railway Celebrated
Back in the Victorian “Railway Age” the opening of a station at a town or village called for jubilation. The railway brought prosperity to local businesses and raised the expectations of the community as a whole. 1st November 1894 was Rolleston’s “red letter day”, so it made sense to commemorate the 120th anniversary of this important date in the village’s history.
As many visitors to the Jinny Nature Trail will have noticed, the southbound platform has been delineated and re-surfaced, two platform rockeries have been re-instated, and a replica bench and a name board have been installed. During this coming spring the edging of the northbound platform will be completed. Between the platforms, with wild flower seeds and grasses planted by Rolleston Brownies and pupils of John of Rolleston Primary School, we anticipate some colourful flowers in future summers.
On a warm, sunny Saturday morning with the leaves brushed away, the organisers were delighted to welcome special guest Mr D. Penlington, who spent his childhood living in one of the three railway houses on South Hill. Together with Mrs Penlington he shared with the author his recollections of the station during its final years as the village hub.
A short ceremony addressed by Councilor Mr J. Toon, Chair of Rolleston Parish Council, accompanied by Councilor Mrs B. Toon, East Staffordshire Borough Council, the Mayor of East Staffordshire Borough Council, Councilor R. Clarke, accompanied by the Mayoress, Mrs Clarke and Mr Andrew Griffiths MP for Burton upon Trent and Uttoxeter, accompanied by Mrs Griffiths, was followed by the unveiling of the replica station name board; Mr Penlington waving a green flag, Mr Griffiths blowing a guard’s whistle and the Mayor and Mayoress removing the veil.
To conclude the ceremony, using a locomotive coal shovel borrowed from the Jinny Inn, Councilors Mr and Mrs J. Toon planted a rowan tree; one of three such trees, kindly donated by Mr and Mrs J. Martin.
A reception for guests and those who had contributed to the project followed in Rolleston Cricket Club pavilion, where County Councilor Mr R. Fraser offered a vote of thanks.
This celebration could not have happened without the dedication of the village community, as expressed by Mr Griffiths in his address. Members of the Rolleston Engineering and Transport Society together with other persons who have joined the monthly working parties, often in inclement weather, have made real the author’s “crazy idea”. A grant of £7,600.00 from the National Heritage Lottery Fund with a further £500.00 donated by the Transport Festival Committee meant that materials could be purchased and a contractor with mechanical equipment could be employed.
Rolleston resident Phil Waterfield commissioned Derbyshire-based railway artist, Colin Wright to produce a painting of an excursion train returning through the station, based on a photograph taken by Phil on Easter Monday 1962. Both owner and artist have kindly allowed prints to be made and sold in aid of the project.
Conscious that a natural habitat for fauna and flora must be maintained, signage demonstrating not only railway features, but also showing native birds and butterflies has been installed at strategic positions to enhance the experience of a walk along the old railway line.
Working parties meet each month between 10am and noon. Two exceptions occur in April and May when, to avoid bank holiday weekends, the dates are moved on to the second Saturdays. Volunteers are always welcome to join-in, children must be accompanied by an adult.
The author visits the site to remember his beloved railways, his wife enjoys observing the fauna and flora, both enjoy the birdsong and the peace and tranquility, not to mention a brief chat with the passer-by who may have some railway memories to share.
For information about the project, please visit our web site: www.rolleston-on-dove-station.co.uk
Clive Baker (January 2015)
Winter 2013 News - Rolleston on Dove Railway Station Site
It has been some time since the picture board was erected on Station Road at the entrance to the Jinny Nature Trail.
People have been going along the trail not knowing where the station is. Yes, is, not was. Did you know that the platforms still exist and the buffers for the goods yard and the base for the crane and the outlines of the waiting rooms. Yes, there is a lot still left.
Clive Baker has been instrumental in researching the history of the station and it has been acknowledged as a significant piece of historical research and he has given talks on the subject to many interested parties. It was in 2012 that he designed a ‘picture board’ showing the station and its location and it is necessary to relate the information on this board to actual physical features on the trail.
A group of people have for the past year or so been keen to unearth these features so that they are identifiable. In March this year a small amount of exploratory work was carried out to assess if it was feasible to show and hence relate the picture board to what was on the ground. Under the vegetation the tarmac on the Southbound platform was still in good condition and the position of the waiting room identifiable. This also applied to the other features.
A proposal document was submitted to the Parish Council that laid out the objectives:
To expose and mark the site of the Rolleston on Dove Railway Station, a focal point on the Jinny Nature Trail and an important feature in the history of the development of Rolleston on Dove.
The Parish Council has given its agreement to the phased plan. Volunteers are now required to clear the vegetation in line with the proposals. 'Work days' are the first Saturday in the month from 10.00am. More info from Philip Irwin, 521180 or Clive Baker, 815115.
Last updated: 21 May 2018