Difference between revisions of "Arley"

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During periods of lighter traffic, when [[Arley signal box]] is switched out, all trains use the platform adjacent to the main station building.  
 
During periods of lighter traffic, when [[Arley signal box]] is switched out, all trains use the platform adjacent to the main station building.  
  
In February 2017 the waiting room at Arley Station became licensed to hold civil marriages and partnerships, with space for up to 21 people. Further information on packages for dates in 2018 onwards may be found on the [http://www.svr.co.uk/Weddings_Day_Package.aspx SVR website Wedding Day Packages page]     
+
From January to Easter 2011 the SVR's winter works dealt with severe damage at Arley due to ground movement caused by failed drainage, in turn occasioning track twist. The Up platform was rebuilt, drainage installed and track relaid at a cost of £367,000.<ref>Railway Magazine September 2010</ref><ref>SVR(H) Report and Accounts for year ensding 31 December 2011, page 3.</ref>
 +
 
 +
In February 2017 the waiting room at Arley Station became licensed to hold civil marriages and partnerships, with space for up to 21 people. Further information on packages may be found on the [http://www.svr.co.uk/Weddings_Day_Package.aspx SVR website Wedding Day Packages page].
 +
 
 +
Arley was until 2018 also the site of [[Santa's Grotto]] for the [[Christmas services|Santa Special services]].    
  
 
The village itself is named Upper Arley (also historically Over Arley<ref>[http://www.gutenberg.org/files/17612/17612-h/17612-h.htm Handbook to the Severn Valley Railway, by J. Randall 1863]</ref><ref>[http://www.shropshirestar.com/entertainment/2016/05/03/the-first-ever-map-of-shropshire-up-for-sale/ 1579 map of Shropshire on the Shropshire Star web site]</ref>), which differentiates it from the similarly named, but differently spelled Areley Kings less than six miles away near Stourport.
 
The village itself is named Upper Arley (also historically Over Arley<ref>[http://www.gutenberg.org/files/17612/17612-h/17612-h.htm Handbook to the Severn Valley Railway, by J. Randall 1863]</ref><ref>[http://www.shropshirestar.com/entertainment/2016/05/03/the-first-ever-map-of-shropshire-up-for-sale/ 1579 map of Shropshire on the Shropshire Star web site]</ref>), which differentiates it from the similarly named, but differently spelled Areley Kings less than six miles away near Stourport.
 +
 +
Until 1895 Arley, including the railway, was part of a narrow neck of Staffordshire bounded on three sides by Shropshire and Worcestershire until it was moved to Worcestershire<ref>[https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/worcs/vol3/pp5-10 "Parishes: Upper Arley", British History Online] (Retrieved 12 December 2019)</ref><ref>[https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/STS/UpperArley Upper Arley, UK and Ireland Geneology)] (Retrieved 12 December 2019)</ref>.
  
 
[http://www.sharpos-world.co.uk/cpg/thumbnails.php?album=318 Photos at Arley, showing station building, signalbox & gardens]
 
[http://www.sharpos-world.co.uk/cpg/thumbnails.php?album=318 Photos at Arley, showing station building, signalbox & gardens]
  
 
==Facilities==
 
==Facilities==
Arley station does not have a public car park. There is a small cafe building behind the station which serves hot and cold drinks and snacks.   
+
Arley station does not have a public car park. There is a small café building behind the station which serves hot and cold drinks and snacks.   
 +
 
 +
==Film and TV productions filmed at Arley==
 +
 
 +
===Oh, Doctor Beeching!===
 +
(See ''[[Oh, Doctor Beeching!|main article]]'')<br>
 +
A BBC TV sitcom ran from 1995 to 1997, set in the small fictional branch line railway station of Hatley. Filming took place at Arley. 
 +
 
 +
A row of Victorian railway cottages was built in the yard as a film prop. After final filming the cottages were dismantled and retained, but despite reminders to the BBC about what they wanted with them they gave no response. Ultimately they were broken up with the assistance of the [[SVR Apprentices|Junior Club]].
 +
 
 +
The garden on the main platform by the Gents WC was created by the BBC and is known today as the BBC garden.
 +
 
 +
The signalbox had a name plate above the door.
 +
 
 +
<gallery>
 +
File:Hatley1.jpg | Hatley (Arley) signal box
 +
File:Hatley2.jpg | Film prop cottages at Arley
 +
File:Hatley3.jpg | Film prop cottages at Arley
 +
File:Hatley4.jpg | Film prop cottages at Arley
 +
</gallery>
  
 
==Points of Interest==
 
==Points of Interest==
  
 
===Station buildings===
 
===Station buildings===
The main station building at Arley dates from the opening of the Severn Valley Railway in 1862. Extensions were later added, consisting of a Ladies waiting room authorised in 1892 and an additional bedroom in the Station Master’s house added in 1901.  
+
The main station building at Arley dates from the opening of the Severn Valley Railway in 1862. Extensions were later added, consisting of a Ladies' waiting room authorised in 1892 and an additional bedroom in the Station Master’s house added in 1901.  
  
 
The shelter on Platform 2 is also original, dating from the opening of that platform in 1883.  
 
The shelter on Platform 2 is also original, dating from the opening of that platform in 1883.  
  
The café building behind the station was built during the summer of 1992 on the site of the former weighbridge.   
+
The café building behind the station was built during the summer of 1992 on the site of the former weighbridge. It replaced a similar building known as 'Tom’s Cabin' that had become dangerous.   
  
 
In 2016, a number of stone sills, coping stones and quoins were replaced.
 
In 2016, a number of stone sills, coping stones and quoins were replaced.
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File:Arley stone2.jpg | Stonemason at work in 2016
 
File:Arley stone2.jpg | Stonemason at work in 2016
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
 +
In 2018 an [[:Category:SVR fundraising lotteries|SVRA raffle]] raised over £7,000 for new facilities including a workshop and storage for Santa equipment  to replace a small corrugated metal shed next to the gift shop.<ref>SVR News 200</ref> In late 2019 construction started on the new building at the north end of the station, with the roof coming from part of the old [[Bewdley]] platform canopy. It was also partly funded by the [[Arley Station Fund]]<ref>[https://www.svrlive.com/epfeb20 Express Points, February 2020] (Retrieved 4 February 2020)]</ref>.
  
 
===Restoration===
 
===Restoration===
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<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
Arley_Anderson_Shelter_20180705.jpg|Anderson Shelter
 
Arley_Anderson_Shelter_20180705.jpg|Anderson Shelter
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
===GWR 446 6Ton Hand Crane===
 +
[[GWR 446 6Ton Hand Crane]] is stabled with [[BR 707261 Crane Runner | Crane Runner 707261]], which will be swapped with [[GWR 2501 'Rotank' 6-Wheeled Road Milk Tank Flat Wagon]] that will better suit the crane.<ref>SVR Wagons Facebook 13 January 2019</ref> The crane and flat wagon will undergo cosmetic restoration.
 +
 +
<gallery>
 +
GWR_446_and_B707261_20190506.jpg|GWR Crane 446 and crane runner 707621 at Arley in May 2019
 +
GWR446.16.01.88.jpg|GWR Crane 446 in use at Bewdley in 1988
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
==Arley history before preservation==
 
==Arley history before preservation==
 
+
[[File:Arley_Pre_1882.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Arley before the addition of a second platform and ladies waiting room]]
 
*1862: Arley station opened with the rest of the Severn Valley Line on 1 February, but had only one platform and no facility for crossing trains.  Control of train movements was by single needle telegraph only
 
*1862: Arley station opened with the rest of the Severn Valley Line on 1 February, but had only one platform and no facility for crossing trains.  Control of train movements was by single needle telegraph only
*1883: A second platform was brought into use in June 1883. Installation of a signal box and interlocking of points and signals were completed around this time.
+
*1883: A second platform, authorised in August 1882, was brought into use in June 1883. Installation of a signal box and interlocking of points and signals were completed around this time.
*1891: ‘Train staff and ticket’ working in conjunction with a single-needle block telegraph was introduced throughout the line, replacing the earlier simple telegraph working arrangements. Henceforth drivers could not enter a section without possession of a physical staff or paper ticket stating the staff would follow on a succeeding train.  Those used at Arley were for Arley to [[Bewdley North signal box|Bewdley North]] (hexagonal staff, yellow ticket) and Arley to [[Hampton Loade]] (square staff, red ticket).
+
*1891: ‘Train staff and ticket’ working in conjunction with a single-needle block telegraph was introduced throughout the line, replacing the earlier simple telegraph working arrangements. Henceforth drivers could not enter a section without possession of a physical staff, or a paper ticket stating the staff would follow on a succeeding train.  Those used at Arley were for Arley to [[Bewdley North signal box|Bewdley North]] (hexagonal staff, yellow ticket) and Arley to [[Hampton Loade]] (square staff, red ticket).
 
*1894: ‘Electric staff’ working replaced staff and ticket working. [[Highley]] also became a staff station, breaking the long section to Hampton Loade.
 
*1894: ‘Electric staff’ working replaced staff and ticket working. [[Highley]] also became a staff station, breaking the long section to Hampton Loade.
 
*1898: An [[The Severn Valley Railway under GWR/BR ownership#Accidents | accident]] occurred when a train overran signals when entering the station and was derailed.
 
*1898: An [[The Severn Valley Railway under GWR/BR ownership#Accidents | accident]] occurred when a train overran signals when entering the station and was derailed.
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==Historic maps of Arley Station==
 
==Historic maps of Arley Station==
  
*1885 map showing the single line through the station
+
*GWR plan of Arley station showing the original single line with later amendments in red
*1904 map showing the passing loop and second platform
+
*1885 map (survey date 1883) showing the single line through the station
*1927 map showing both platforms extended
+
*1904 map showing the passing loop and second platform opened in June 1883
 +
*1927 map showing the 1907 extensions to both platforms  
 +
*1960 map showing no significant changes in over 30 years
  
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
File:Arley1885map.jpg
+
File:GWRplanArley.jpg
File:Arley1904map.jpg
+
File:Arley1885map.jpg | 1885
File:Arley1927map.jpg
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File:Arley1904map.jpg | 1904
 +
File:Arley1927map.jpg | 1927
 +
File:Arley1960map.jpg | 1960
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
+
*[[List of stations]]
[[List of stations]]
+
*[[Christmas services|Santa Special services]]
 +
*[[Santa's Grotto]]
 +
*[[List of film and TV productions filmed on the Severn Valley Railway]]
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
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*[http://www.svr.co.uk/Weddings_Day_Package.aspx SVR Wedding Day Packages]
 
*[http://www.svr.co.uk/Weddings_Day_Package.aspx SVR Wedding Day Packages]
*[http://www.arleystation.org.uk/ Arley Station web site]
+
 
  
 
{{#coordinates:52.416955|-2.348406|[primary|][dim:1000]}}
 
{{#coordinates:52.416955|-2.348406|[primary|][dim:1000]}}
 
{{StationNavbox}}
 
{{StationNavbox}}
 
[[Category:Featured articles]]
 
[[Category:Featured articles]]
 +
[[Category:SVR fundraising lotteries]]

Revision as of 19:53, 2 June 2020

Arley station building
Running in board, down platform.
Next stations
UpIn reference to the direction of travel means towards the major terminus (i.e. towards Kidderminster on the present day SVR) (towards Kidderminster) DownIn reference to the direction of travel means away from the major terminus (i.e. towards Bridgnorth on the present day SVR) (towards Bridgnorth)
Bewdley (3¾ miles)
via Northwood Halt
Highley (2¼ miles)

The Station

Arley station has two platforms and a signal box, allowing trains travelling in opposite directions to pass.

Barrow crossings are located at both ends of the platforms, but may not be used by the general public. Bridge 17 is located at the south end of the station, immediately south of the barrow crossing, and is the main passenger route between the platforms. Skeet's Farm crossing is also located in the station area, immediately north of the goods yard.

During periods of lighter traffic, when Arley signal box is switched out, all trains use the platform adjacent to the main station building.

From January to Easter 2011 the SVRSevern Valley Railway's winter works dealt with severe damage at Arley due to ground movement caused by failed drainage, in turn occasioning track twist. The UpIn reference to the direction of travel means towards the major terminus (i.e. towards Kidderminster on the present day SVR) platform was rebuilt, drainage installed and track relaid at a cost of £367,000.[1][2]

In February 2017 the waiting room at Arley Station became licensed to hold civil marriages and partnerships, with space for up to 21 people. Further information on packages may be found on the SVR website Wedding Day Packages page.

Arley was until 2018 also the site of Santa's Grotto for the Santa Special services.

The village itself is named Upper Arley (also historically Over Arley[3][4]), which differentiates it from the similarly named, but differently spelled Areley Kings less than six miles away near Stourport.

Until 1895 Arley, including the railway, was part of a narrow neck of Staffordshire bounded on three sides by Shropshire and Worcestershire until it was moved to Worcestershire[5][6].

Photos at Arley, showing station building, signalbox & gardens

Facilities

Arley station does not have a public car park. There is a small café building behind the station which serves hot and cold drinks and snacks.

Film and TV productions filmed at Arley

Oh, Doctor Beeching!

(See main article)
A BBC TV sitcom ran from 1995 to 1997, set in the small fictional branch line railway station of Hatley. Filming took place at Arley.

A row of Victorian railway cottages was built in the yard as a film prop. After final filming the cottages were dismantled and retained, but despite reminders to the BBC about what they wanted with them they gave no response. Ultimately they were broken up with the assistance of the Junior Club.

The garden on the main platform by the Gents WC was created by the BBC and is known today as the BBC garden.

The signalbox had a name plate above the door.

Points of Interest

Station buildings

The main station building at Arley dates from the opening of the Severn Valley Railway in 1862. Extensions were later added, consisting of a Ladies' waiting room authorised in 1892 and an additional bedroom in the Station Master’s house added in 1901.

The shelter on Platform 2 is also original, dating from the opening of that platform in 1883.

The café building behind the station was built during the summer of 1992 on the site of the former weighbridge. It replaced a similar building known as 'Tom’s Cabin' that had become dangerous.

In 2016, a number of stone sills, coping stones and quoins were replaced.

In 2018 an SVRA raffle raised over £7,000 for new facilities including a workshop and storage for Santa equipment to replace a small corrugated metal shed next to the gift shop.[7] In late 2019 construction started on the new building at the north end of the station, with the roof coming from part of the old Bewdley platform canopy. It was also partly funded by the Arley Station Fund[8].

Restoration

When the SVRSevern Valley Railway first re-opened the line between Hampton Loade and Bewdley in 1974, there was no facility to pass trains, the UpIn reference to the direction of travel means towards the major terminus (i.e. towards Kidderminster on the present day SVR) loop (the running line nearer the station building) having been removed by BRBritish Rail or British Railways in the 1960s. This was re-laid over the next year and re-opened on 25 May 1975.

Telephone Kiosk

The telephone kiosk on Platform 1, which can be seen in the main picture above, was acquired from the P.O. in Birmingham circa late 1981, having been vandalised ‘beyond economic repair’[9]. Once at Arley it was duly repaired, and within a year had been returned to full working order[10].

Anderson Shelter

An Anderson Shelter was erected in the picnic garden in 2018, where it could be seen during that year’s ‘Step Back to the 1940s’ weekends. More than 3.5 million of these shelters were issued to the public before and during World War II to provide shelter from bombs and shrapnel. This particular example was originally installed at a house in Weoley Castle, Birmingham, and was donated to the SVRSevern Valley Railway by Lisa Priest of Birmingham City Council and Mrs Dorothy Sigures of Weoley Castle.[11][12]

GWRGreat Western Railway 446 6Ton Hand Crane

GWR 446 6Ton Hand Crane is stabled with Crane Runner 707261, which will be swapped with GWR 2501 'Rotank' 6-Wheeled Road Milk Tank Flat Wagon that will better suit the crane.[13] The crane and flat wagon will undergo cosmetic restoration.

Arley history before preservation

Arley before the addition of a second platform and ladies waiting room
  • 1862: Arley station opened with the rest of the Severn Valley Line on 1 February, but had only one platform and no facility for crossing trains. Control of train movements was by single needle telegraph only
  • 1883: A second platform, authorised in August 1882, was brought into use in June 1883. Installation of a signal box and interlocking of points and signals were completed around this time.
  • 1891: ‘Train staff and ticket’ working in conjunction with a single-needle block telegraph was introduced throughout the line, replacing the earlier simple telegraph working arrangements. Henceforth drivers could not enter a section without possession of a physical staff, or a paper ticket stating the staff would follow on a succeeding train. Those used at Arley were for Arley to Bewdley North (hexagonal staff, yellow ticket) and Arley to Hampton Loade (square staff, red ticket).
  • 1894: ‘Electric staff’ working replaced staff and ticket working. Highley also became a staff station, breaking the long section to Hampton Loade.
  • 1898: An accident occurred when a train overran signals when entering the station and was derailed.
  • 1907: The platforms were lengthened and the up platform widened.
  • 1913: Following the building of a signal box at Kinlet and Billingsley Sidings, Arley to Kinlet (when switched in) was worked by electric staff but Arley to Highley was worked by electric tablet, probably Tyers No 7.
  • 1938: A GWRGreat Western Railway camping coach was based at Arley.
  • 1950: By this date, Electric Train Token working had been introduced, becoming the fifth method of train control.
  • 1963: Through passenger services ceased on 9 September, with through freight services ending at the end of November.
  • 1964: The signal box closed on 28th June. The up line and sidings were lifted, and the edge of the down platform was removed to give greater clearance for coal trains from Alveley. The original signal box was later demolished.
GWR Traffic statistics for Arley, selected years prior to 1939[14]
Passenger Traffic Freight Traffic
Year Tickets issued Parcels despatched Revenue (£) Tons received & despatched Revenue (£) Total revenue (£)
1903 17,295 2,453 914 881 178 1,092
1913 15,796 3,219 761 1,399 301 1,062
1923 12,898 1,341 862 1,828 996 1,858
1933 8,663 997 477 54 47 524
1938 11,623 926 526 44 24 550

Historic maps of Arley Station

  • GWRGreat Western Railway plan of Arley station showing the original single line with later amendments in red
  • 1885 map (survey date 1883) showing the single line through the station
  • 1904 map showing the passing loop and second platform opened in June 1883
  • 1927 map showing the 1907 extensions to both platforms
  • 1960 map showing no significant changes in over 30 years

Gallery

See also

References

  1. Railway Magazine September 2010
  2. SVRSevern Valley Railway(H) Report and Accounts for year ensding 31 December 2011, page 3.
  3. Handbook to the Severn Valley Railway, by J. Randall 1863
  4. 1579 map of Shropshire on the Shropshire Star web site
  5. "Parishes: Upper Arley", British History Online (Retrieved 12 December 2019)
  6. Upper Arley, UK and Ireland Geneology) (Retrieved 12 December 2019)
  7. SVRSevern Valley Railway News 200
  8. Express Points, February 2020 (Retrieved 4 February 2020)]
  9. SVRSevern Valley Railway News 62
  10. SVRSevern Valley Railway News 66
  11. Information board next to the shelter
  12. Anderson shelter on Wikipedia
  13. SVRSevern Valley Railway Wagons Facebook 13 January 2019
  14. Nabarro (1971) p. 54.

Links