Residents with memories of a long-disappeared railway line across South Holland are being asked to help Chain Bridge Forge complete a new online history project.
The Spalding-based heritage organisation is collecting recollections of the former Midlands and Great Northern Joint Railway, which ran through South Holland between Counter Drain Station and Sutton Bridge Station. The railway officially disappeared in 1959, although services continued for a short time afterwards.
Memories sought for interactive map
Chain Bridge Forge has already launched an interactive map of the railway. It now wants to add drone footage, similar to the work carried out for a separate digital exhibition about the historic Port of Spalding.
Geoff Taylor, who is behind Heritage South Lincolnshire and Chain Bridge Forge, said the project needed memories from people who still remember the line.
“We’d love to hear from anyone who has any memories of the railway,”
He said the number of people able to recall the railway was becoming smaller because it officially closed decades ago, even though it continued operating for a while afterwards.
“If anybody does have any memories of it then we’d love to hear from them to help build the interactive map.”
Anyone who can contribute memories can contact Mr Taylor by phone on 07960 587724 or by email at [email protected].
Digital exhibitions explore South Holland’s past
The railway project is one of two new online exhibitions launched by Chain Bridge Forge to record the area’s history.
The organisation is also seeking to raise £145,000 to buy The Sail Loft next to its premises on High Street, Spalding. The building dates from around 1850 and was once part of the Port of Spalding.
To show the history of the port, Chain Bridge Forge has created an online 360-degree tour using drone images of the river. The exhibition includes material about Wherry and Sons, Willesby Hall, Berrills, Gas Works Quay and the Pigeon pub.
The tour follows a survey of surviving features of the Port of Spalding and allows visitors to see how the old port looks today. It is available through the organisation’s sister website, Heritage South Lincolnshire.