The cache site is located within a few minutes easy walk from
the main high street. There is ample car parking available. It
should be fairly easy to find and will be of particular interest to
Railway and Movie enthusiasts. It is also wheelchair
accessible.
A Brief History
Carnforth Railway Station was opened in 1846 by the Lancaster
and Carlisle Railway Company and was originally just a single
platform. In the earlier years it was a bustling railway junction
linking several railways to locations across the North West of
England.
During the Second World War thousands of Servicemen passed
through this station on their way overseas.
In 1945 Carnforth station was used as the basis, and location
for the David Lean film "Brief Encounter" starring
Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard, filming taking place on Carnforth
station during February 1945.
In the 1960s Dr Beeching made great changes to the railways, and
gradually all the railway facilities around Carnforth station were
run down and closed.
By 1970, in preparation for the electrification of the West
Coast Main Line, Carnforth's main line platforms were closed and
physically removed leaving Carnforth as a branch line station.
Carnforth station lost all of its station staff, and for a short
time became a "signing on" point for railway men. When the signing
on point was closed the station deteriorated.
In November 1996 the Carnforth Station and Railway Trust Co.
Ltd. was formed to attempt to rejuvenate the station, and after
strenuous efforts, and with the assistance of Railtrack, plans were
put in place, and the rejuvenation of the station started late
2000.
The Rejuvenation continued for nearly three years, and on the
17th October 2003, the splendid Brief Encounter Cafe, and the
Visitor / Heritage Centre's were opened.
The 'Brief Encounter' Geocache
The GeoCache is a "small" cache located very close to the
railway station and Heritage Centre.
Beware: This is a busy place and there can be 'muggles'
around day and night. There is CCTV but it should not be a problem
at the actual cache site. The station staff are aware of the cache
and permission has been granted for it to be here. Saying this,
please be 'stealthy' when retrieving and replacing the cache
Tip: Wait for a train to pass before retrieving and
replacing the cache - this will offer you some cover.
Cache: Notebook, pencil, rubber ball, football keyring,
police bug.
Trackables: Suitable for small Travel Bugs and
Geocoins.
Café and Heritage Centre: Once you have found the cache
take time to pay a visit the Heritage Centre museum. Entry is free
and it will appeal to rail enthusiast and many who have no doubt
seen the film "Brief Encounter". The Old station
clock featured in the film is still in situe and fully working and
the Refreshment Room, also featured, has been recreated as it was,
back in 1945. They serve great coffee and home made cake.
Photographers: I have an interest in railways so if you
can snap the odd train passing the station clock, then this would
be very much appreciated. This will also 'time-stamp' your visit
too!
Enjoy your 'brief encounter' in Carnforth!