Lottery grant to restore Smallford railway station
Originally published in the Herts Advertiser in November 2012
‘Bringing the History of Smallford Station to Life’
A village group has been given a grant of nearly £10,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to help bring the history of a station to life.
Chairman of Smallford Residents’ Association, Jeff Lewis, said the organisation was thrilled with the financial support for a volunteer-led project on the historic landmark.
The ‘Bringing the History of Smallford Station to Life’ project focuses on the site’s history, the Hatfield-St Albans branch line it served (now the Alban Way) and its impact on nearby communities.
The Project will encourage local people to research and explore an aspect of the history of their community and present their findings in a variety of ways – including telling stories, holding exhibitions, developing a website and giving presentations.
Jeff said the project would support many locals in following and developing their interests in a wide range of areas – including researching, interviewing and creating videos. He explained that it allowed people in and around Smallford, Sleapshyde and St Albans to gain a deeper insight into a previously under-researched landmark, and develop research and communication skills working with heritage experts from the University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies Centre, and St Albans Museum.
Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund East of England, Robin Llewellyn, said the £9,900 grant would help the Residents’ Association as it “embarks on a journey of discovery”.
The project was launched at a special meeting of Smallford Residents’ Association held at St Albans Rugby Club. St Albans District Councillor for Colney Heath, Chris Brazier, said the event was well-attended and that local people were very pleased with the funding. He added: “We are pleased to be able to take the project forward”.