Councillors support re-opening of Smallbrook Junction railway building 21 years on

Isle of Wight Steam Railway successfully applied for funding from the LEADER fund to improve facilities at two termini.   the official opening of Wootton Station improvements took place a few weeks ago, and today was the turn of the Smallbrook Junction building, opened by Chris Green.

Chris is a legend within the railway industry.   It was he who “found” the funding to build Smallbrook Junction Station when the Steam Railway was extended eastwards by 3.5 miles.   The construction of the station was a challenge because of the total lack of road or footpath access to the site.   All building materials and engineering plant had to be brought by rail from Havenstreet.   Chris formally opened the new station on Saturday 20^th July 1991.   After privatisation of the railways in 1994, Chris briefly left the industry, but returned to head up Virgin Trains for Richard Branson.   Although now retired, Chris is still very active within the railway industry, undertaking various projects.   He is also one of the Patrons of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.   Who better to re-open the Station Building, 21 years on?

As you can see, the opening coincided with the Steam railway’s Thomas the Tank Engine event, and guests travelled back to Havenstreet Station on a very friendly train!