Train operator Greater Anglia has announced more about the two local volunteers have ‘adopted’ Wymondham railway station in Norfolk.

Last month we reported that 23 more stations on the Greater Anglia network had been adopted. One of those was Wymondham.

Brendan Gray and John Harwood hope to create an attractive and welcoming atmosphere for passengers and visitors to the station.

Brendan is the new owner of the Station Bistro and remembers how it was when former restaurateur, David Turner had floral arrangements and extensive railway memorabilia at the station.

The Station Adoption scheme from Greater Anglia help people get involved with looking after the station with gardens and floral displays

The train operator has said that they are continuing to work with Norfolk County Council to improve step free access to the Cambridge boun platform.

Brendan commented, “I took over the Station Bistro in March last year and decided to adopt Wymondham station because I would like to see it restored to its former glory when David Turner used to look after the station.”

“I feel this is an important role as the station is the first thing many visitors to Wymondham see, when arriving by train, and so it is important to make a good first impression.”

“I would like Wymondham station to be somewhere that everyone in the town is proud of.”

John, 63, who is retired, lives in Morley St Peter, and is an active member of the Mid Norfolk Railway, said, “My interest in railways goes back to 1968 when school holidays were spent at Wymondham Station, observing the variety of trains which existed then and catching the train to Norwich to watch the football at Carrow Road. It is this historical interest plus remembering how the station looked under a previous tenure that has made me decide to be part of the Station Adoption initiative.”

“I’m an enthusiastic gardener so I am looking forward to creating some flower displays in tubs and window boxes and supporting local wildlife with some nest boxes, insect hotels and wildflowers too.”

Alan Neville, Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, said, “I’m delighted to welcome Brendan and John to the Station Adoption initiative and look forward to hearing their ideas for brightening up the station and making it a welcoming environment ready for when the current pandemic restrictions can be lifted.”

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