The MHR Alresford Goods Shed Project

After a speech by Jim Russell (right, Chmn MHRPS), Bill Pertwee (left) said a few words and then cut the ribbon and declared the Edward Knight Centre open.

The ceremony was well attended and it was good to see some old friends of the railway again. Also in front of the building were two horse drawn wagons to set the scene.

Report and three photos 23rd April 2002):  Chris Cornell

Photo (9th April 2002): Chris Cornell

Photo (17th February 2002): Chris Cornell

The museum part of the Goods Shed project.

We are in the process of recreating the Goods Clerk's office as it would have been in London & South Western days. With the aid of the original desk and letter rack, a working gas lamp and a stool, the office will be rebuilt and dressed to reflect the period and atmosphere of this once busy office.

Imagine walking into the office in 1918. The Goods Clerk (Mr Aslet) has just gone to lunch. Glance through the door into the shed. A few wagons are being unloaded, using a hand crane. On the loading platform is an assortment of crates, sacks, hampers and milk churns, all waiting to be loaded or collected. Some of this scene will be created using a real life painting on the wall (thanks to Ian Cooper) and the rest will be mocked-up using period items and labels from our archive collection.

We are lucky to have the Rate Book for the period, which means we know a great deal about the sort of people that used the railway to deliver their goods - and it was not just watercress.

It is hoped to have the project almost completed by the end of March 2002.