Readers of the DFR Magazine will be aware of our recently launched project to build a replica waiting shelter on Platform 1 at Parkend. The original was demolished shortly after the cessation of passenger services north of Lydney Town, and so we set about a project to rebuild it and complete the view of Parkend as it was in the 1920s.
Work has now started at Parkend, with the picture showing the foundations laid and the course of bricks which supports the largely wooden structure in place. Work has also commenced on the framework for the wooden shelter side and end walls.
The Shelter is being constructed by the Parkend Monday Gang, who undertake heavy maintenance and development works at Parkend. It is being built in memory of their former leader, Mervyn Thomas, who passed away suddenly in May 2018. It has been funded by the DFR Society using funds collected in memory of Mervyn, together with a grant obtained by the Society from the Summerfield Charitable Trust (http://www.summerfield.org.uk/)
Keep watching for progress on this project!