by Anne Dempsey
Swaythling railway station has seen a regular year-on-year passenger increase, with 138,090 passengers using the station during 2014/15, an increase of 8,000 passengers from the year before.
The station is being lovingly looked after by a group of volunteers led by local resident Bob Painton. At the Association of Community Rail Partnership Awards Ceremony in 2015, Bob was placed 2nd in the “Outstanding Station Volunteer Category”. Bob has led the gardening and landscaping at the station and co-ordinated work- mornings with children from Cantell School. He also leads nature walks along Monks Brook and organised a First World War project at the station remembering the Remount Depot which included filming with the British Armed Forces Broadcasting Services. The Station now boasts a little library where you can pick up a book for your journey. South West Trains has many offers that people are often unaware of, and is currently offering an Adult Off-Peak Return to 170 destinations for £15 if booked in advance. Children travel for £5.00. This offer finishes on 30 April. These local stations are part of our heritage and if you would like to become involved, please contact Bob on 8094 2478.