Duke cuts turf for railway's new signal box at Barnham

He ignored the odd shower to ceremonially start work on the recreation ground off Olivers Meadow in Westergate.

A base is being constructed ready for the redundant but much-loved Edwardian-style wooden signal box to be moved there in late December.

Appropriately it will become the headquarters of the Bognor Regis Model Railway Club. Most of the project's sponsors were there to hear Mike Burton, of the Save Barnham Signal Box Campaign, introduce the event.

He said: "I would like to thank everyone for attending. It is only through your generosity that this project has reached this milestone and the resiting of the signal box at Olivers Meadow is now going to happen.

"Once the signal box is in place, much further work is needed to restore the signal box to its former glory.

"This work will need more funding and I hope that other sponsors will soon come forward and be as generous as those present at this event."

The Duke was then invited to cut the first turf for the base, a task he performed with gusto.

He said: "I would like to offer my personal thanks to everyone for the part they have so far played in the project.

"I believe this is a major initiative for the benefit of the local community, with which I am pleased to be associated.

"I am convinced this innovative new facility at Aldingbourne Community Centre will be a huge success, due mainly to a great deal of local enthusiasm."

A small reception for the guests was then held at Aldingbourne Social Club, with refreshments arranged by Helen Blakey.

Ian Fowler of Gaugemaster, a Ford-based model railway company, presented the Duke with a model railway wagon as a souvenir of the day.

The Duke spoke to many of those closely associated with the project, including local resident Andy Ayling, who started the campaign.

The Duke thanked him for all the tireless work he had put in to save a piece of local history.

Rounding off the occasion, Mr Burton said: "I invite you all to return to celebrate the signal box's 100th birthday in June 2011.

"By then all the restoration work should be complete and the event will be celebrated with a grand opening."

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