Friends Of... Projects
Friends Of... Projects
2009 - 2010
The group was established in April of 2009 as an unconstituted body, and commenced their initial work which was initially the provision of annual floral display; additional period historic signage was also sourced, and work on painting and the general upkeep of the site began in earnest at this time. Creation of several period replica notice boards bearing the legend I.M.R. Co., based on surviving originals donated to the group.
2009 - 2010
The group's work on the floral displays saw them become winners of the Castletown In Bloom in the commercial category in 2012. Work on converting station masters’ office to its original layout began in November 2011. This work saw the restoration and reinstatement of the coal fire in the office. With assistance from Culture Vannin several new signs were erected, including two directional finger-posts in traditional style. As part of a proposed diorama telling the story of freight carried from the station, milk churns were purchased.
2013 - 2014
This period saw the provision and erection of a replacement station flagpole and supply of Manx flags; an “N”-gauge model railway was created in bay window of the office for the pleasure of passengers, this was removed in 2015 for operational reasons. From its beginnings as small group, the group became fully constituted via public meeting in ay of 2014 and elected a committee, opened bank accounts and invited a wider membership.
2015 - 2016
The first Easter Fayre was held on the site with attractions for fundraising in 2015 for funding the development of the waiting room including new framed displays; the following year another Easter Fayre was held with attractions for fundraising efforts, monies from which enabling the purchased of some tinplate period signage installed on the fencing. Period weighing scales donated on long term loan, restored and repainted for placing outside the waiting room. Further period luggage purchased and displayed on site
2017 - 2018
The group organised and staged another Summer Fayre to coincide with annual Manx Heritage Transport Festival in July of 2017, followed by a Salute To The 1940s themed event organised and hosted on site the following year; further enhancement of signage, bench repair and renewal, donated litter bins restored. Donation of the cast iron notice board formerly in the market square, on which restoration commenced and planning permission sought for erection.
2019 - 2020
Beginning in 2019 a new dedicated “OO”-gauge model railway exhibition room was created and developed in the former disused store room at the end of the main building. Covid-19 restricted many on-site activities, maintenance and painting being carried out as and when permissible. Erection of the notice board following restoration and successful planning application.
2021 - 2022
Further Coronavirus restrictions ensured that largely only routine maintenance and painting was carried out. The replica advertisement boards and “running in” station signs were also progressed, timber being delivered for this just prior to the lockdown slowing progress considerably. The beginnings of this website were formulated and development pending a hosting platform. New flagpole purchased, new replica platform benches provided and assembled.
2023 - 2024
Much enhancement of signage and platform furniture on the site. Completion of the replica advertisement hoarding on up platform. Work concentrated on and culminated in the 150th anniversary celebration event with blue plaque ceremony in August attended by the Lieutenant Governor. All the fencing at the station was repainted as well as gates, lamp standards, plant pots and other items for the station to look its very best for the anniversary.
2025 & Beyond!
Work on the oal fire reinstatement in the station office began at the start of the year with an application for registered building consent to carry out the required works, as well as a new stove and flue liner for the waiting room; works also include a new sub-hearth in the office. Plans have also been made pending permission to line the ceiling of the goods shed to make it suitable to display locomotives or rolling stock as well as potentially expand the area to become small museum. In March a vintage rally was held at the station by the Southern Vintage & Machinery Club. A large model of the station as it was in the past was donated and has initially been stored in the goods shed pending development of this building.