To mark the 175 years since the Marston Vale’s maiden voyage, the Marston Vale Community Partnership will host a year of celebrations, starting with an activity day this week.
Times were very different this week in 1846 when the line was opened. Queen Victoria was on the throne, electricity was yet to be discovered with trains still steam-powered.
The Marston Vale Line was the first ever railway line into Bedford with a number of stations on the line designed by the Duke of Bedford.
This has given the line a string of unique stations such as Ridgmont, Woburn Sands, Fenny Stratford, and Millbrook looking like private houses rather than traditional railway stations.
Ridgmont station was even declared a listed building in 1977.
The celebration events start this weekend at Bletchley Masonic Centre, just a short walk from Fenny Stratford station.
Organisers promise a fun-filled anniversary exhibition and activity day where visitors can explore the model railway & local history displays.
They’ll also be able to meet British Transport Police and take part in face painting, balloon modelling, and craft activities. Refreshments will also be available throughout the day.
An evolving line
The Marston Vale Line, now run by London Northwestern Railway, was opened on 17 November 1846. Since then, the stations have been through a number of changes.
While there have been countless updates over the years to keep up with changing times, the network of Station Friends Groups and CRP volunteers have also grown to create more inviting stations and make the spaces enjoy being in.
“I am delighted the Marston Vale Line has reached its 175th anniversary,” said Stephen Sleight, Marston Vale CRP Officer.
“My thanks to the team of over 75 Station Friends & CRP volunteers for their continued hard work and commitment in brightening up our stations, overseeing the day to day running of Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre and helping with events.
“Thanks also to the Bletchley Masonic Centre for sponsoring our 175th Anniversary Exhibition & Fun Day. I look forward to an exciting year ahead.”
Lifeline for locals
The Marston Vales Line has been a lifeline for locals over the years.
However, today it’s used by those going to schools and colleges in the area, people commuting to work and visitors to visit a variety of attractions including Bedford, the Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park, Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre and Bletchley Park.
The future of the station also looks bright, with developments in the works to gradually expand the line from Bletchley to Oxford as part of the East West Rail route.
You can keep up with the celebrations on Facebook and Twitter.
