Open day for station
A recent open day at the Woodville Railway Station marked the commencement of preservation and restoration of Woodville’s landmark.
“It is recognised as an historic building by train enthusiasts around New Zealand,” says Alan Brabender of the Woodville Railway Station Trust, formed in September 2018 after a year operating as a group of interested people.
“We were able to start restoration over two months ago after finally getting permission for Kiwi Rail. A couple of walls have been removed, along with three big skip bins of rubbish — due to vandalism.
“When we started, the windows were intact, but over the last three or four months, vandals got in there, found a steel bar and smashed at least 30 windows. They were good, solid windows. There was quite a pile of broken glass.
“Because we’ve had special trains over the years and we have stall holders on the platform, by cleaning up the inside, the stallholders and the patrons will be able to be served under cover.
“The roof needs to be made watertight and we hope to open a lot of the windows up. Further down the track (pardon the pun) electricity will be put on and a security system and toilets.
“Some funding has come from Kiwi Rail and Friends of the Railway Station. Locals have already donated around $400. Anyone wishing to donate can contact Alan on 376 5609.
“An old signal panel in the station is one of only two ever in New Zealand. You push two buttons and the machine would work out which points to set to get the incoming train to arrive at the platform. The other one was at Christchurch.
“Let’s hope the people of Woodville can keep an eye out for vandals and let us know or the police if they see anything strange happening at the station.
“I’d like this restoration to be embraced by the local business community by them supporting it. The main thing is we’ve saved the station and if excursion trains come along, there’s somewhere now for passengers to get out under shelter and in a safe environment,” he said. Other committee members are David Pretty, Jim and Margaret Worboys, Bob Parkes, Glenys and Warren Pryde and Paul Cocks.