Wiltshire collecting railway memories for 2027 exhibition

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 06:57 · Archive

TransWilts is gathering personal stories and photographs for an exhibition celebrating Wiltshire's railway heritage, to launch in 2027.

TransWilts, a community rail partnership, is gathering personal stories and photographs for Faces On The Line, a project celebrating Wiltshire's railway heritage and the people connected to it. The exhibition will launch in 2027 and be displayed at stations across the county including Swindon, Westbury, Warminster, Melksham, Dilton Marsh, Pewsey, and Bedwyn.

Sophie Martin, community partnership manager at TransWilts, said railways are about more than transport. 'They are part of people's lives, from journeys to school and family holidays to first jobs, daily commutes, and special occasions,' she said. 'Generations of families have connections to their local stations and railway lines, and we'd love to capture those stories before they are lost.'

TransWilts is inviting contributions from all residents, whether they have standout railway tales or simple everyday memories. Ms Martin said the organisation is interested in the ordinary as much as the extraordinary. 'You don't need to be a railway enthusiast or have a particularly unusual story to take part,' she said.

One of the first stories submitted comes from David Maunder, who shared memories of his step-grandfather, Mr Pugh, the former station master at Trowbridge station. Mr Maunder said his step-grandfather retired from the role in 1934. 'I remember a gentle giant of a man, he was 6' 8", originally from Haverford West and was kind and caring,' Mr Maunder said.

The project is seeking stories on topics ranging from railway cats to childhood journeys, capturing the diverse ways railways have featured in local people's lives over the generations.

How it is being reported

• Wiltshire railway memories sought for 2027 exhibitionA railway cat, a childhood journey, and a station master’s legacy are among the memories being collected for a new exhibition.Gazette & Herald · 6 Nov, 05:00
• Wiltshire railway memories sought for 2027 exhibitionA railway cat, a childhood journey, and a station master’s legacy are among the memories being collected for a new exhibition.Swindon Advertiser · 6 Nov, 05:00
• Wiltshire railway memories sought for 2027 exhibitionA railway cat, a childhood journey, and a station master’s legacy are among the memories being collected for a new exhibition.This Is Wiltshire · 6 Nov, 05:00
• Wiltshire railway memories sought for 2027 exhibitionA railway cat, a childhood journey, and a station master’s legacy are among the memories being collected for a new exhibition.Wiltshire Times · 6 Nov, 05:00

In this story: TransWilts · Sophie Martin · David Maunder · Mr Pugh · Swindon · Wiltshire · Trowbridge

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