04 Nov 2024
A 10-year project to refurbish the 150-year-old Grade II listed Smallford Station and platform continues apace.
The abandoned station, which formed part of the old Alban Way line between St Albans and Hatfield, has undergone a dramatic transformation thanks to the efforts of Smallford Station and Alban Way Heritage Society.
Since 2013, a group of enthusiastic volunteers have been working on the refurbishment of the station and its surroundings, including the embankment and a goods van.
Victorian lamp standards and benches have been installed, and posters designed by Oaklands College students decorate the station building, and negotiations are underway with SADC for planters.
Volunteers Frances Leonard and Pauline Baycroft recently held their final pop-up café of the year. They provide hot and cold drinks and homemade cakes and over six events have raised around £2,500.
Frances said: “People seem not only to enjoy the refreshments, but it has also become a social event where people can sit and chat at tables on the platform.”
