Community Rail Cumbria, part of Cumberland Council, and Northern Trains Ltd wanted to acknowledge Whitehaven’s rich maritime history and have successfully collaborated with a number of organisations, in particular Gen2, to deliver an iconic planter.

Over the last few years, Whitehaven station has benefited from rail investment, a refurbished booking office and toilet facility, resurfaced carpark, new shelters and replacement tote sign. Community Rail Cumbria was also able to source funding to install 5 bespoke panels showcasing what this West Cumbrian town has to offer beyond the platform walls.

However, the bare platform at Whitehaven railway station was in need of something to help elevate it, and a ship flower planter seemed like the perfect choice to brighten it up, providing and a focal point that will encourage locals and passengers to recall and talk about what Whitehaven was like back in the day!

A project that started with a drawing on the workshop floor at Gen2 has developed, evolved and challenged the apprentices from Futamura, Mittie and Sellafield, stretching and taking them out of their comfort zone, but providing invaluable experience and evidence for their coursework.

Over the last 12 months, Gen2’s amazing apprentices have worked tirelessly under the supervision of Simon Farrer (Welding & Fabrication Trainer/Assessor) to create the bespoke ship planter which now sits proudly on the bidirectional platform.

LEL Nuclear, who work closely with Gen2 supported the project, providing resource and transport to move the model from the workshop to the station.

Hensingham Day Services /Grassroots provided expertise to ensure the correct flowers and plants were selected for the autumn/ winter months, which provided an enjoyable and invaluable therapeutic outlet for the people who use these services.

The iconic ship planter will be looked after by Workington Transport Heritage Trust and the Northern Trains Ltd booking office staff, bringing a smile to the passengers who travel to and from Whitehaven and providing a welcome distraction from the engineering work in the tunnel!

 

Key partners came together on the 9 October to celebrate the official launch of HMS Ruby Voyager, named in memory of the late Andy Murray.

This project follows on from the successful Maryport station partnership where apprentices designed and created a train planter, who knows what the next collaboration will be between Community Rail Cumbria, Northern Trains Ltd and Gen2, but watch this space ……

Simon Farrar – Gen2 said “The ship build was an extension task for the apprentices studying at Gen2, enabling them to develop new skills in design and manufacturing. They were shown old fabrication skills which were relevant to what had to be made. All this was done on top of their general learning while in the centre. All the students involved with the project enjoyed working on it. The finished project will hopefully be around for a long time in its new home”.

Jane Murray – Northern Trains Ltd Station Manager said “I have been privileged to be part of this project over the past few years.   The initial design has changed a few times to suit the location on Whitehaven platform, it has been a pleasure to see how an initial idea turned into this amazing design and more so the fact that it has been made and constructed by Simon Farrar and the amazing apprentices from Gen2 over this time. I hope they all feel a sense of achievement that will bring a smile to so many.   I was pleased to see the final construction take place and then the installation for all to enjoy over the coming years, filled with seasonal flowers and plants.

It’s an absolute honour to be given the opportunity to name the ship, as this has so such meaning to myself and my family after losing someone very special last year, so it was a privilege to name the ship ‘HMS Ruby Voyager’.

Very well done and congratulations for all those involved, it looks fabulous”.

Warren Birch – Community Rail Partnership Officer said ”It was wonderful to work with a number of different organisations within West Cumbria, but in particular Gen2 again, to deliver this iconic ship planter. We hope this vibrant display will brighten up the platform for passengers passing through Whitehaven station”.