Return Ticket For Highworth Station Sign 

Proud day as important piece of local railway history is back where it belongs

 

After a 50-year return journey that included alighting at Scarborough, Sheffield and the Swindon STEAM museum, an important piece of local railway history is now proudly on display where it belongs.

 

The platform sign from Highworth, which had a branch line station - the favourite of poet laureate Sir John Betjeman - until 1962 was unveiled today at its new home at the entrance to Highworth Community Centre.

 

 

The sign was acquired for the town's people by the Highworth Historical Society, after they tracked it down and arranged its purchase.

 

It was removed when the line, which had connected Highworth with Hannington, Stanton Fitzwarren & Swindon since 1883, was closed to passengers in 1953 and the station finally demolished in the 1960s to make way for the Windrush housing estate.

 

Until recently it was one of the many artefacts on show at the Swindon STEAM museum of the GWR, who took it on loan after it turned up at an auction of railwayana in Scarborough and then storage in Sheffield.

 

  

"It's a very important part of the town's history," said Colin Dawson, a local historian who has researched the Highworth Light Railway and helped with the sign's return including a display of his photos at the community centre.

 

"It's fantastic that everyone can now see it. Some will still remember when Highworth had a train station and but many, of course, will not.

 

"As the favourite branch line of Sir John Betjeman, who loved Highworth, it's fitting that it's now back near where it stood for so many years."

 

The sign was erected thanks to local business Trojan Stonework, who gave their time for free.

 

Parts of the former Highworth line are still visible and can be walked in nearby Stanton Park but local enthusiasts would like to link up the whole 5.5 mile route from Highworth to Swindon for use by all walkers and cyclists.