On 24 August a display celebrating the 175th anniversary of the inauguration of the Furness Railway, was unveiled at Foxfield Station.
The idea to have a memorial to recognise the event came from David Hughes, a member of the Duddon Valley Local History Group. Fellow member Stephe Cove then set about designing and producing the display. which also includes a QR code for local walks.
The unveiling was conducted by Dr Ian Davidson of Broughton Mills, who in the early 1950’s was both porter and signalman at Broughton before he left for University. In unveiling the display, which depicts life at Foxfield Station for over 100 years, Dr Davidson said ‘I often reflect on what I learned while on the railway, and conclude that it was of more worldly use than all my years at college that succeeded it.’
There were over 20 people at the ceremony who were warmly welcomed by Ken Day, Chairman of the History Group. Network Rail were represented by Foxfield Signalman Richard Wilson and Crossing Keeper Steve Evans, who also attended on behalf of The Friends of Foxfield Station.
Area Operations Managers Wendy Potter and Wayne Steele attended on behalf of Northern Railways and Claire Bradshaw represented Community Rail Cumbria.
Afterwards a number of visitors adjourned for light refreshments at the Old King’s Head in Broughton, where on the same date in 1850, the Directors of the Furness Railway held a banquet to celebrate the arrival of the first passenger train on the line.