As a warm up for our public launch events, the 27th October was our private opening ceremony.
Around 200 people joined us to share stories (about the project and the station) and marvel at the restoration.
We enjoyed speeches from @historicengland @heritagefunduk @derbybaphoto @derbyshirehs and our lead trustee, Peter Milner. @therhubarbkitchen served delicious soup and cake.
Project supporter, Linda Ford, read a thought provoking poem inspired by growing up in the village and attending our restoration tours last year.
So many people to thank and acknowledge - including all funders, volunteers, and community supporters. Big thank you to Rachel, Bill and Victoria for helping to make today run smoothly
Perhaps the most emotional part of the day was the cutting of the ribbon. We were delighted that the daughter of William Barlow, who was Wingfield Stationmaster until 1961, took on this task. Enid Buxton spoke fondly of her time living in the stationmaster’s house as a young girl. She felt sure her father would have been very proud of the transformation - as are we.
The following day was our grand public launch. Many thanks to Ian Castledine for providing many of these excellent photos.
The day started off with entertainment from the Shirland Welfare Brass Band and ended with singing from the Alfreton Male Voice Choir. We even had a visit from George Stephenson!
That evening, 40 guests enjoyed a lantern-lit reading of Dickens's 'The Signalman'.