Brampton (Cumbria) is a station on the Newcastle – Carlisle line. For many years it was known as Brampton Junction, as when the line was built the Earl of Carlisle did not want the railway going anywhere near his property so this rural station is rather remote and was linked to Brampton Town by a short branch line. This closed as long ago as 1923, and is now a footpath. Brampton is managed by Northern and has a two hourly train service, but it is hoped this will be improved in subsequent timetable changes.
The exciting news is that Brampton Station has now been adopted by Lanercost C of E Primary School who have been working closely with Northern and the Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership (TVCRP). Last week saw the unveiling of a mosaic designed by the Art Teacher who helped the children design a mosaic depicting the countryside in and around Lanercost. Every child in the school helped make the mosaic alongside some extra support from a few parents. Alison Clarricoats, Headteacher, said “We are very proud to have adopted Brampton Station and that our mosaic and planters will be seen by commuters and visitors”.
The mosaic was put up at Brampton Station and some of the children, along with Elaine Nightingale, Foundation Governor, planted up two troughs with a wonderful array of colourful plants. The School is very grateful to Errington Reay, Bardon Mill Pottery, for the donation of the planters and to Oakbank Nursery, Brampton, for the plants.
Fiona Forsythe, Officer for TVCRP said, “We are involving young people in station adoption wherever possible, but we are delighted that Lanercost is the first school to adopt a station on the Tyne Valley line”.
Marie Addison, Northern Region Community and Sustainability Manager NE. said, “Northern are delighted with the artwork which has been created by Lanercost Primary School. This is a welcome addition to Brampton Station alongside the individual pictures which the children have drawn. The planters which have been planted with the help of the children really brighten up the platforms. We would like to sincerely thank everyone involved”.
Over the next few months the Lanercost C of E Primary School hope to add more to the station. It is definitely a work in progress.