By Isle of Wight Observer
The Isle of Wight Steam Railway has reacquired historic Ashey Station, 57 years after its sale by British Railways. Originally opened in 1875 for the Ryde and Newport
Railway, the station was reduced to an unmanned halt in 1953 before being sold into private ownership in 1968.
Following years of interest, the current owners, the Holbrook family, agreed to sell directly to the Railway, just in time for its 150th anniversary. Chief executive, Marc
Morgan Huws, thanked the family and shared ambitious plans to restore the station to its 1926 Southern Railway appearance. This includes renovating the platform, restoring public rooms, and converting parts for holiday lettings, which could take up to two years and cost an estimated £550,000.
The IW Steam Railway aims to preserve the station for future generations while enhancing its community and heritage value. Fund-raising efforts are now underway to support the project.
Mal Butler