Scarborough’s famous bench made it into the Railway 200 celebrations this week.
The 139-metre-long bench was restored in 2020, and this year, it accommodated 239 people to mark Railway 200.
On the 30th September, community volunteers and sixth formers lined up on the bench, some even dressed up in costume for the event.
Scarborough’s town crier, David Birdsall, added some flourish to the event as he announced the final total of people seated on the bench.
Sarah Mason, Deputy Mayor of Scarborough, was among the guests who were present to show their support for the town’s heritage.
Transpennine Express (TPE) funded the event, and it was organised by the Yorkshire Coast Community Rail Partnership with the Old Parcels Office.
“We were delighted to support this unique celebration at Scarborough station.
“The famous platform bench has been part of the town’s railway story for more than 140 years, and this event was a wonderful way to connect people with that history while looking ahead to the future of rail.”
Andrew Watkins, Community & Development Manager at TransPennine Express
Responses
Good to see so many people smiling and enjoying themselves.
I visited Scarborough station last week and observed the VERY long station bench seat – it’s been nicely restored and painted and extends up to where the old Whitby line “excursion platform” used to be.
I’d previously visited the station a year ago and noted that the main building was completely clad in scaffolding and covers, and the approach road and drop off points all barriered off, while repairs to the roof were taking place.
I therefore expected that by my recent visit, a year later, the station would be free of scaffolding, covers and barriers and in its fully repaired state. Instead, it was exactly the same as last year, with no perceivable progress.
Does anyone know what is actually being done at the station and why it is taking so long?