Official Opening of the David Shepherd Discovery Centre

Volunteers, staff and supporters of the East Somerset Railway gathered together [on Wednesday 27th March] to officially open the David Shepherd Discovery Centre.  In December we completed our Heritage Lottery Funded project on time and on budget; today’s opening was symbolic as David Shepherd’s widow, Avril, her daughter Melanie and carer Tina made the journey from East Grinstead to share the day and unveil a plaque celebrating David’s founding of the Railway.  Chairman Dick Masters celebrated the progress that David Shepherd had foreseen back in the mid 1980s and paid tribute to all who had been involved.  The station also paid sincere tribute to the commitment and contribution of Barry Buckfield and his retirement from full active duty.  Barry was a leading player alongside David Shepherd from 1971 and had many responsibilities, culminating in his leadership of CTMS at Cranmore.  It was a fitting day to honour two men who have played such significant roles in the East Somerset Railway and joyous to have David’s family and Barry’s colleagues, friends and family from over the years share in a truly landmark event at Cranmore Station.  The season is now underway and we invite everyone to come along and see what’s new!