Brundall Gardens station is paying homage to the past with its newest signs, combining old styles with a new modern twist.
For the past 20 years, Greg Chandler has cared for Brundall Gardens station as its adopter (located on the Wherry Lines between Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft), earning the station several awards and credit for wildlife friendly environments.
Recently, Brundall Gardens station has received investment courtesy of Greater Anglia, which has been used to further increase both functionality and aesthetic. These improvements include the resurfacing of the platforms as well as new lighting for the station. This has allowed changes to be made to the station planting, which in turn has allowed for station name signs (AKA Running in Boards) to be installed.
With a history dating all the way back to the 1920s, these new signs offer a modern twist, made possible by the funding of the Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership.
Working in conjunction with his son, Greg is handling the creation of these signs. His son has been responsible for the creation of the mahogany architrave. The installation of these signs was done with the assistance of Phil Hogg, Greater Anglia's delivery site manager, who has been overseeing the station's improvements.
“I've wanted to reinstate the traditional Running in Boards at the station for several years, having seen them pictured in old photographs.” said station adopter Greg Chandler, “When the project to install new lighting at the station began, it was necessary to remove some of the hedging and this gave the opportunity to create a little more space, enabling the installation of the new signs.
“They are a modern take on the original signage and I am grateful to Phil Hogg at Greater Anglia for his assistance in installing them and to the Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership for providing the funding.”
Martin Halliday, Community Rail development Officer added; “We were delighted to assist Greg with funding for new signage at Brundall Gardens. Based upon original designs from the 1920s, these splendid additions include a modern element that will make them more friendly for passengers. We are continually looking to improve station signage across the area and where possible incorporating larger signs which are also helpful for those with dementia.”
To assist with future planting, a composting unit has also been installed at the station which should be a massive help when it comes to planting in the spring. This compost box was donated to the station by principle contractor Braybrook.
Phil Hogg, project delivery site manager at Greater Anglia said; “We have worked closely with Greg and Gillian to carefully undertake improvements to the station infrastructure, the work involved removing a substantial amount of hedging, new lighting, and re-surfacing and we were pleased to be able to support efforts to install this excellent new signage.”
First opening in 1924, under the name of Brundall Gardens Halt, Brundall Gardens has a rich history. Such history includes its joint funding by a Mr. Frederick Cooper who owned the adjacent gardens where the station gets its name. Today, roughly 14,000 people use the station each year, still using it for the same reasons that they did in the 20s, to visit the serene lakes, waterways and a restaurant which was part of the original gardens.
Been recognised on both a regional and national level for its wildlife friendly environment Brundall Gardens station has two very proud adopters: Greg Chandler and Gillian Lincoln. The biodiversity in the gardens is very impressive with its variety of plants and many species of different insects, such as bees and butterflies. Despite its already impressive nature, Gillian has managed to make space for even more planting to take place, which is currently in its planning phase. We can't wait to see what they come up with.
