Station may welcome travellers yet
Until recently the Signalman’s Arms and Pub at the former George Station was a lively gathering place for Georgians. People have fond memories of this cosy place where friends used to meet for a drink, some pub grub and to watch sport amid railway memorabilia. All of this came to an abrupt halt a year ago after the pub changed hands. Before the new tenants could move in, it was thrashed. One evening in December 2017, the old pub was stripped of some of the valuable railway collectables, including two brass train plates. It has been understood that a prospective tenant is keen to restore the place, but is daunted by having to foot the bill for the vandalism to the property.
Transnet was approached to ask whether an investigation is underway into the wanton destruction, which included custom-made shelves being ripped from the walls.
Read a previous article where the issue of the general neglect was raised, “George Railway Station deteriorates,” at georgeherald.com.
However, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. As part of the region’s planned project for the 2018/2019 financial year, a budget allocation was made by Transnet in May this year to the amount of R627 632 for the rehabilitation and painting of the buildings. Correspondence between officials show that a Request for Quote (RFQ) was expected to be made in June this year, which should be complete in August.
Transnet Freight Rail’s Elvin Harris replied to our enquiry. “I can say at this stage that we have been engaging with a private sector entity to partner with Transnet for the rehabilitation and revitalisation of the George-Knysna railway line and associated properties such as the George Station, as well as resumption of steam train services,” he said.
“However, we are still many months away from this partnership coming to fruition, although it’s well advanced.
“We will assess the situation and see what we, as Transnet, can do in the short term to alleviate the most critical aspects at the station.”
In the meantime, the George Herald has received photos from readers who recall the glory days when George was extremely busy and at the crossroads of the main railway line between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and
East London.
One photo shows the British royals during their visit here in 1947, which was reported on in the local newspaper on
24 February that year.
Judging by the Outeniqua Railway Society’s regular meetings, there is no shortage of railway enthusiasts in George. “Perhaps a photo of the royals passing through the George Railway Station will surface one day and take pride of place in the Signalman’s Arms,” says an enthusiast. “And when a highly placed Transnet official arrives in George to officiate at the official reopening of the George Railway Station, he or she will be applauded.”
*Read more about the royal visit and the reasons for this costly operation at www. theheritageportal.co.za.