A Summary History...

Established in 2009 by a small but dedicated group of local enthusiasts, the Friend Of Castletown Station began life with a handful of volunteers who tended to the floral displays on the site and help maintain the visual delight of this magnificent and unique railway station, the sole surviving original structure from the opening of the line on 2nd August 1874. 

In its initial years the group flourished and had regular site meetings at the station.  From its small beginnings, a volunteer committee was soon set up and identified a a number of smaller scale ideas to visually enhance the customer experience including the sourcing and provision of old fashioned advertisements and signage, so much a feature of early photographs.

Initial plans expanded through fundraising to include platform furniture and enhanced floral displays.  This is something we maintain today.  The group is fully affiliated with the Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters’ Association, a leading island charity and the only one wholly devoted to the preservation and enhancement of this unique railway.

Continuing Developments...

The winter of 2011 saw work begin on reinstating the traditional coal fires in the office and waiting room, and fuel for these was donated and funded by voluntary contributions.  Unfortunately a change in regulations meant work was required to the office fire and in 2025 this was undertaken, as well as funding a stove in the waiting room so that both of these features can be used.

Our first major project, which was generously funded by Culture Vannin was the erection of “fingerposts” and other directional signage which was installed in the spring of 2012.  A small model railway was displayed in the station masters’ office window for a period at this time but sadly this was removed for operational requirements in 2017.

In May of 2014 a the group became a fully constituted charitable organisation, appointing former Chief Minister, the honourable Mr. J.A. Brown, O.B.E., as its president and establishing a full committee who meet at regular intervals.  At this point the idea of recreating the large advertisement hoarding on the platform was first suggested.

With further funding from both Culture Vannin and the Supporters’ Association this major project reached fruition in the summer of 2024 in time for the station’s 150th anniversary celebrations, kindly sponsored by Bushy’s Brewery who currently utilise all four of its large panels.  The group organised and hosted a special day of celebrations for this anniversary in 2024.

A dedicated model railway exhibition room was commenced in 2020 and this is ongoing, commonly open for inspection on operational days.  Work commenced in 2025 to bring the fireplaces up to regulation and the group are also providing new traditional picket fencing.  Signage has also been improved in recent times and this matter is always ongoing with our volunteers.