Lewes station’s luggage trolley is back, fully refurbished and ready to be filled with flowers again.
When contractor Bam Nuttall were renovating Lewes Railway Station in 2016, they noticed that the trolley was sadly decayed, with dilapidated steelwork, rotten wood and peeling paint. The trolley, used to carry luggage by station porters in the 1950’s and 60’s, had been re-used as a large planter by station garden volunteers.
Mary Sautter, lead garden volunteer, said, “The trolley had holes in it and the palm tree we had planted was leaning over. It was in such a bad state that we had decided to tip it.”
Paul Hyland, Construction Manager with Bam Nuttall, said, “We wanted to thank the station staff and volunteers for being so kind, tolerant and helpful while the station refurbishment works were going on. So we suggested taking the trolley off to our workshops to be renovated.”
The trolley had to have extensive structural steelwork repairs carried out by Fourtees Engineering, the steel frame was then shot blasted back to bare metal before the new paint system was applied by Bridgecoat Protective Coatings. Then the timber sides and base were re-built and painted by Bam Nuttall and the trolley was delivered back to Lewes on 14th July.
Mary said, “We reckon the trolley will take about a ton of compost to fill. We’re really looking forward to creating a new display!”
Andy Gardner, Station Manager, added, “The station garden is wonderful already, thanks to our volunteers’ hard work, and this trolley will add another layer to the display. We really appreciate Bam Nuttall’s contribution and kindness.”
Kirsten Firth of Sussex Community Rail Partnership said, “We know how much commuters and passengers enjoy the Lewes station gardens. This kind gesture by Bam Nuttall shows community rail at its best.”
