Friends of the Lymington to Brockenhurst Line (FOLBL) urge people with memories of the rail route to get in touch

RESIDENTS are being urged to share their memories of how the rail service enhanced their lives.

Friends of the Lymington to Brockenhurst Line (FOLBL) are undertaking a project called ‘What the railways did for Lymington’ to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the UK’s first passenger rail services.

The friends said the rail line’s most notable benefits included transporting strawberries from Goodall’s at Walhampton, and delivering coal to power steam-driven ferries.

The line from Brockenhurst to Lymington came into service in 1858, discharging passengers close to where the level crossing now straddles the road across to Walhampton. It took another two years before what is now the town station came into use.

An FOLBL spokesperson said: “We are particularly keen to gather recollections from Lymingtonians, past and present, who may have tales to tell over the years, of themselves or their family.

“Such as the young schoolgirl who commuted to the grammar school in Brockenhurst around half a century ago. She tells of how the engine driver, Mr Farley, knew of her poor timekeeping and would look out for her rushing to catch the train and quite often delay his departure until she jumped on board.”

To share a story with the friends, email honsec.folbl@gmail.com