Whatever the reason \u2013 anyone got further thoughts? \u2013 it was originally built as low wooden platforms to be used by autocoach or railmotor operated trains. An occupation crossing was provided for farmers (still used in the 21st<\/sup> century even though the crossing has long gone!), but passengers were expected to cross the line by the aqueduct.<\/p>\n Following\u00a0 a request from GWR to the Board of Trade in June 1906, the station was inspected by Colonel Yorke on their behalf who reported \u201cI have inspected the new Halte at Avoncliff on the Bradford Branch of the GWR…two platforms…14\u201d above rail level, no shelters but the platforms are provided with lamps and name boards. The Halte is suitable only for, and should be used only by special rail-motor cars fitted with folding steps\u201d. The platforms were subsequently raised to standard height and shelters were provided.<\/p>\n Back in 1989, the first green shoots\u2019 for the Halt were when some residents asked if we could have some wooden barrels for flower tubs \u2013 to our surprise the answer was Yes. (One of these was to be subjected to a great indignity when I chanced upon a young Japanese gentleman relieving himself in the tub! \u201cI had accident\u201d he explained. \u201cI can see that,\u201d I said, \u201cnow get your trousers on, the train\u2019s coming\u201d).<\/p>\n The shelter on Platform 1 was blown down in the 1987 storms and its demise was followed by that of Platform 2 in the gale of 1990. We were shelterless for a year or two but eventually the one on Platform 2 was replaced in 1992 and a campaign was started to resurrect that on Platform 2.<\/p>\n After Network Rail quoted \u00a316k for a steel and glass structure (which we all thought was out of place in a Conservation Area), we designed one ourselves in timber at a quarter of the cost, replicating the original and yet meeting Health & Safety requirements. A fundraising campaign was initiated but as if by magic and very much like a Tardis the new shelter appeared one weekend in 2008.<\/p>\n Of course that was a cause for celebration and special ale was brewed by the Box Steam Brewery (named Turpin\u2019s Shelter for some reason) and the firkins were consumed before nightfall!<\/p>\n In all the years that the Halt was \u2018on request\u2019 only once did a train fail to stop and that was when a 158 hurtled past my outstretched hand before it squealed to a stop beyond the aqueduct. I was all for running along the track to climb up into the rear carriage but the guard wouldn\u2019t have it so the driver ran back to the signal \u2013 and here I fantasise \u2013 and brought the whole rail network to a standstill while he reversed the train on to the platform.<\/p>\n The coming of the 158s caused an amazing problem one morning when they were first used. We boarded the overcrowded 8.10 as usual when the driver noticed that the front carriage had settled on to the platform edge. A passenger announcement asked us all to move to the \u2018offside\u2019 of the carriage with passengers sitting on each other\u2019s laps. I watched in amazement as the carriage gently rose from the platform and allowed us to set off. We had to maintain these positions for the approach to Freshford \u2013 who knows how many relationships were formed that morning! One encounter that did endure was the early morning 6.15 gang who met each morning and travelled to Bristol. One of the women is the choreographer of the Hippodrome at East Woodlands so every year a party from Avoncliff deck themselves out in Victoriana for a truly old fashioned evening \u2013 highly recommended!<\/p>\n The whole village dressed in 1906 costume for the 100th<\/sup> anniversary in July 2006, together with silver band, refreshments and marquee \u2013 even Mr Brunel came to unveil our celebratory Running in Board!<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.new.avoncliff.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/021.jpg\" "\\"Villagers")
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