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Updated 21/05/2009
Webmaster: Nigel Kirby
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To read the very interesting leaflet
"Cycling into Railway History"
researched, written and produced by Simon Clarke and Brian Haworth
click here |

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Ramble & Roam
Ride *
Relax *
Ramble & Roam *
on East Lancashire's Railways
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For further details about this exciting initiative and the corresponding leaflet, available from the usual outlets, which contains a series of
Self-guided walks from East Lancashire and Clitheroe Line stations
click here |
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East Lancashire Historical Community
Community Rail Officers, Brian Haworth & Simon Clarke, have just published an elaborate and extremely well-researched
History of East Lancashire Railways
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It is a superb publication, with very informative text, drawn from both authors' vast knowledge of the lines, and also illustrated with copious photographs from their own and other collections.
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Well-worth reading, one of the best railway leaflets that has ever been produced, and it is free!! |
RAIL RAMBLERS
The Home of
Lancashire Rail Ramblers
now have their own website, which is very well-laid out, most informative and well-worth a visit even by non-ramblers
http://www.railramblers.com
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The posters have been designed by
Brian Haworth & Simon Clarke,
with maps drawn by Nigel Kirby
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When the Ribble Valley line reopened in 1994, the intermediate stations were all unstaffed halts.
To prevent the degeneration into vandalised wrecks, Ribble Valley Rail pioneered the "Friends of Stations" concept.
With the blessing of the railway authorities, and, with full insurance cover, RVR volunteers "adopted" the stations.
As a result of the Friends' work, the stations have suffered relatively little vandalism. When it does occur, the resulting mess is quickly tidied up. This seems to discourage further attacks as the culprits' "signatures" are promptly removed.
Broken fixtures and fittings are reported to the authorities, who are constantly monitored to ensure repairs are carried out. This results in tidy, well-lit stations, which are more user-friendly, and, we like to think, attract more people to use the trains.
Some examples of the "Friends of Stations" work are as follows:
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Every summer, an array of over forty hanging baskets and flower boxes adorn CLITHEROE station.
These attract admiring comments from Clitheronians and visitors alike.
Less glamorous tasks include platform cleaning and the repainting of station furniture when required. |
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Similar duties are undertaken at
WHALLEY
Having the backdrop of
Whalley Nab
also helps to maintain a country station ambience
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At LANGHO
a well-stocked station garden is cared for..
In the first year of service, we campaigned for improved lighting, improved subway drainage, and a properly surfaced station approach.
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In the more urban environment of
RAMSGREAVE & WILPSHIRE,
a great deal of time is spent tidying up after the local "yoofs", who delight in smearing takeaway curry over the platform.
Als,o a limited amount of platform maintenance is undertaken.
No, this is certainly not the glamorous side of railways.
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Above: A wrecked shelter awaits repair by contractors but toughened "glass", subsequently installed, has now helped to reduce the problem but the panes are still not completely immune to damage.
Fortunately, the above is not the norm, and ISS are reasonably prompt in undertaking repairs.
CCTV surveillance has also now been installed on the station, and is proving effective.
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An example of a typical
COMMUNITY RAIL Noticeboard
full of useful information, which is regularly updated

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July 2008
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August 2008
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Above: Two of several well-tended flower boxes that now adorn Ramsgreave & Wilpshire, and whose plants, materials & maintenance are provided by donations from both Ramsgreave & Wilpshire Parish Councils.
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Similar flower tubs are also located on other Ribble Valley Stations
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Left: Craig Ward, pictured by one of the flower boxes, funding for which he helped to provide (see above) as a Parish Councillor, and who is, himself, very much involved in the planting and maintenance of the some of the most attractive flower displays to be found on Ribble Valley Stations this summer.
Many thanks to Craig, and to the Parish Councils of both Ramsgreave and Wilpshire, for your support - so very much appreciated.
Photos: N. Kirby |
Flower Tub Replacement
Right: Colin Rushton, Peter Moore and Keith Lakeland downtools temporarily for a photograph whilst replacing the flower tubs at Ramsgreave & Wilpshire
Friday 16 November 2007 |

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Left: Brian Haworth, Colin Rushton, and Dean Weaver hard at work removing the old tubs on Platform Two at Ramsgreave & Wilpshire
The tubs themselves look very sturdy but the whole operation to replace them turned out to be more difficult than anticipated, and very time-consuming.
Well done to all those involved, including several not actually shown in the photos!
Sunday 18 November 2007
Photos: N. Kirby |
At Langho
Right:
Peter Moore takes his turn to supervise the replacement by Bill Briggs, Brian Haworth, and Keith Lakeland
Below:
The same team continue their excellent work at Langho
Photos: S. Clarke
Wednesday 21 November 2007 |

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At Whalley
Photos: S. Clarke
Wednesday 27th February 2008 |
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We have achieved much,
but we are always looking out for new blood.
Even help, on an occasional
basis, would be welcome.
So, if you would like to become a Friend of one
of the Ribble Valley stations,
please contact :
"Friends of Stations"
Co-ordinator
Brian Haworth
email to:
brian.haworth@talktalk.net
and he will put you in touch with the right people.
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We will then be in touch in short order . . .
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