Time Capsules - Old Photographs from the past

Apparently the station was closed in 1971. I think even the mid-20th century signalbox seen in this view has gone. A new station was built and opened in 1997, sited possibly a little to the north. Ashchurch served as a junction for two branches - to Tewkesbury and Malvern Wells in the west and to Evesham to the north east. The stub of the Evesham branch until recently served a nearby military vehicle depot, and may still see occasional use. Note the Great Western seat under the running in board on a Midland station!

The above shot was taken at some time after 1957 but before 1969. Also worthy of note is the platform canopy - a typical Midland Railway design. Ben Brooksbank's splendid photograph, taken in 1957, shows the junction with the branches to Evesham and Tewkesbury, and the signalbox under construction:
www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1738932

It is possible the image dates from after 1963: the running in board states 'Ashchurch for Tewkesbury'. Presumably an earlier version would have added 'and Evesham'. The branch to Evesham closed to passengers on 17 June 1963.
Source: www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1761551

I remember this well my eldest brother Bert Upperton used to work in the old signalbox. I myself used to catch the train to Tewkesbury for school has many of us did it was great fun

Yes Martin I remember that branch line to Evesham closing, we spent a lot of time at Ashchurch station as kids in the late 50s early 60s. Dad and mum used the pub there run by Mr Worlock he had a daughter Ann and a lad but don't remember his name

Great that you've added your reminiscences Sarah! It all adds to the local history. Ben Brooksbank has a number of other images of the trains in or near the station which can be found on the Geograph web site. He's in his eighties now and lives in south London, but was brought up nearby

I wonder if this gentleman has any of the old Tewkesbury station which no longer exists

Railway at Tewkesbury. Try these Sarah:
www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1702660
www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1717907
www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1717922
also these:
www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1714520
www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2175132

There is a great deal of information on the Ashchurch-Tewkesbury-Malvern branch line, starting from 1836, regarding meetings and newspaper reports on its construction and the Old Town, High Street station and the extension to Healing's Mill which crossed Tewkesbury High street and went down Quay street. There are also reports of accidents that took place up to around 1890.

This can be found at www.tewkesburyhistory.com/railway.html which is a totally non commercial history site.

Andy Hewett.

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