David Turner’s ‘Brief Encounter’ – Twenty One Years at Wymondham Station Norfolk
David Turner is celebrating 21 years of caring for Wymondham Railway Station. Mr Turner runs his own piano repair business and the Brief Encounter Restaurant at the station. He actively promotes local tourism and has won many awards for his work including his famous annual floral displays. Wymondham was named ‘Small Station of the Year’ in the National Rail Awards 2006 and was highly commended in the Station Excellence category, HSBC Rail Business Awards 2008.
Michael Timewell, Chairman Norfolk Tourism and Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Chairman South Norfolk Council presented a plaque to David Turner on Tuesday, March 24, during British Tourism Week, to mark his 21 years of service to tourism in Norfolk.
Mr Turner leased the station buildings in March 1988. Unoccupied since 1967, the historic buildings, dating from 1845, were under threat of demolition. He gradually repaired the complex and established the restaurant, piano business and a collection of ‘railwayana’.
The launch of the Norwich to Cambridge service in 2002 increased passenger numbers and the profile of the station. Further investment by National Express, along with Norfolk County Council and South Norfolk Council has seen the reintroduction of a ticket office, a new car park and real time passenger information.
David Turner said: â€People said I was mad when I took on these buildings. They were threatened with demolition. But I replied that I have always loved trains, so I gradually set about bringing the station back to life using proceeds from my piano business. I managed to get permission to remove seating and other items from old railway carriages to help create ‘Brief Encounter’. Now 21 years on, I feel proud of the role that I have played in making Wymondham Station such an important gateway to the town and surrounding area.â€
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