Talented Alsager blacksmith watches the rail sign she restored unveiled
By Deborah Bowyer 22nd Nov 2021
An Alsager blacksmith who came to the rescue of station enthusiasts to restore a 70 year old sign was there to see the proud moment it was unveiled.
Andrea Hughes who runs Andrea' Anvil at Hall Farm worked her miracles on the corroded 10ft by two ft Sandbach station platform sign.
The sign was donated to the Friends of Sandbach Station (FOSS) by a Sandbach couple who had bought it at a rail auction.
Now the sign has been installed on Platform Two near to the original place it would have stood back in the 1950s.
Andrea was with members of FOSS and Northern Rai to watch the official unveiling by the Mayor of Sandbach Councillor Geraint Price Jones and his consort Christina Price Jones at Sandbach Station.
The sign frame and design was skilfully constructed by Andrea who said: "The outside was quite corroded so had to be sandwiched between two metal frames."
Andrea made a frame for the posts and weatherproofed it so it will last for future generations to see.
She said: "It's such a lovely sign and I am really pleased with how it has turned out.
"It looks even better now it's stood up and on the platform. I'm delighted to have been able to help."
The sign was bought at a rail auction by Sandbach steam enthusiast Kieran Preston for £80.
The original plan was for Kieran and his wife Angela to put it in their garden but the couple side-lined the idea and decided to donate it to FOSS.
The couple joined members of FOSS and Northern Rail to watch the Mayor of Sandbach, Councillor Price Jones and his consort Christina Price unveil the
refurbished sign. Cllr Price Jones told guests: "I am delighted to unveil this important piece of heritage for the town. "It will be on show for current rail passengers and those in the future who travel to and from Sandbach by train."
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