Harman's Cross railway volunteers supporting local group
Off-cuts of wood are being used for carpentry classes at Durlston's Shed
Volunteers at Swanage Railway's Harman's Cross station are doing their bit to help another local community project.
The station was built in the 1980s with a group continuously maintaining it - and are now donating off-cuts of wood to 'The Shed' based at Durlston Castle.
That's an accessible centre allowing people to socialise and learn new skills.
The wood will be used in carpentry classes.
Bob Bunyar, the Swanage Railway’s volunteer manager at Harman’s Cross station, said:
“Throughout the year, we word hard to maintain the wooden heritage buildings at Harman’s Cross, as well as wooden fencing, so there are always off-cuts of wood that previously would have been burnt.
“We are delighted that our off-cuts of wood are not wasted and are instead being donated to ‘The Shed’ at Durlston Country Park to help with its community carpentry classes and activities which is a very worthwhile, positive and practical cause.
“It’s very pleasing to know that we are able to help another voluntary group in the Isle of Purbeck after the suggestion to donate our surplus off-cuts of wood from my wife Suzanne when I told her we had to clear out a timber store at Harman’s Cross station."
The son of Harman’s Cross station volunteers Terry and Judy Tovey is a regular user of ‘The Shed’ where he puts his wood working skills to good use in making items - such as bird feeders, bug houses, key tags and other wooden gifts - for sale in the Durlston Castle shop and at various fairs, including the Swanage Christmas Market in December.
He also occasionally helps his parents with maintaining the gardens at Harman’s Cross station which regularly draw admiring praise from train passengers.
Swanage Railway Trust chair Frank Roberts said:
"As a resident of Swanage for 40 years, I have always endeavoured to support the wider community in the Isle of Purbeck so I am delighted that this new initiative has proved to be of mutual benefit to our dedicated volunteers at Harman’s Cross station and at Durlston.
"These are difficult times for many people and organisations so the Swanage Railway will continue to support recycling moves to help other local groups."