Ann

The little station that fought back, Bishopstone (yes, the one which had WW2 Art Deco pillboxes built into its roof!) has revealed its latest heritage joy. The rare 1930s glass-tiled mosaic floor by Jesse Rust, commissioned by the Southern Railway, has been restored and now, unveiled. The adjoining room has been restored with period furniture for use by the community too. This now-multi-award-winning station has been rescued from obscurity and dereliction by a can-do team called @fobs_seaford, led by force of nature called Barbara. Their old booking office community space has rescued folk from loneliness, and created a truly welcoming hub on a seaside branchline that has refused to accept mediocrity and instead has gone for growth and kindness. Props to all the FOBS volunteers, props to @SouthernRailUK for seeing the potential of good people, thank you @SoutheastCRP @RailwayHeritage for funding and next… next they’re ready to open up the old platform rooms, build a garden in the sun-flooded seaside cutting and maybe even enclose that footbridge with glass once again. A little bit of smart thinking by @NetworkRailSE could enable something extra-extraordinary to happen here. Bishopstone’s station is tiny and off the usual routes: but I think it’s getting ready to have its finest hour yet. More on them here: friendsofbishopstonestation.… and thanks team, for letting me come visit.