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You are here: Home / Community / Rev. Wilbert Awdry Bridge in Chandler’s Ford

Rev. Wilbert Awdry Bridge in Chandler’s Ford

August 19, 2017 By Janet Williams 1 Comment

Do you know there is a Rev. Wilbert Awdry Bridge in Chandler’s Ford?

The Rev. Wilbert Awdry (15 June 1911 – 21 March 1997) was an Anglican minister who created Thomas the Tank Engine (and other engines). In interviews he said his son Christopher (aged 3) had measles, so he came up with stories to amuse him.

Last week while walking to Valley Park, I saw the gold plaque on the Chandler’s Ford to Valley Park footbridge across the railway line.

The footbridge is at the level crossing by Sutherlands Way in Chandler’s Ford.

Rev. Wilbert Awdry Bridge
Rev. Wilbert Awdry Bridge

I’m not sure when the sign was put up, but it was new to me.

Rev. Wilbert Awdry bridge in Chandler's Ford
Rev. Wilbert Awdry bridge in Chandler’s Ford

According to the archive of Chandler’s Ford parish church, “As part of Chandler’s Ford was still in Ampfield Parish, the first preacher was the Vicar of Ampfield, the Rev. Vere Awdry. His son, Wilbert, who followed his father into the ministry is remembered for the famous children’s books about Thomas the Tank Engine.” (Source: Parish of Chandler’s Ford). St Boniface was dedicated by the Bishop of Winchester on 4 October 1904.

The graffiti on the bridge is quite disappointing, however. Both sides are covered with graffiti with unpleasant messages.

graffiti on footbridge
graffiti on footbridge

When I first saw the footbridge in January, it looked completely different.

Chandler's Ford to Valley Park new footbridge Jan 2017
Chandler’s Ford to Valley Park new footbridge

The Father of Thomas the Tank Engine

Thomas & Friends: Interview – Rev. Wilbert Awdry – TVam (1984)

Related posts
New Footbridge: Chandler’s Ford to Valley Park
New Footbridge at the Level Crossing by Sutherlands Way in Chandler’s Ford
The Myth of Thomas The Tank Engine

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New Footbridge at the Level Crossing by Sutherlands Way in Chandler’s Ford What has happened to the trees by Monks Brook in Valley Park? New Footbridge: Chandler’s Ford to Valley Park Station WalksStation Walks Book Launch Station WalksReview: Station Walks Book
Tags: Chandler’s Ford community, local interest, news, train station, travel, Valley Park

About Janet Williams

I created Chandler's Ford Today. I use this website to share our passions and inspiring stories, to build a connected community. We inform, educate and enlighten. We share resources.

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Comments

  1. Mike Sedgwick says

    August 19, 2017 at 8:28 am

    That is news to me. Well done for spotting it.
    I think the plaque is spartan, it should have a simple statement like ” Creator of Thomas the Tank Engine” and maybe he dates.

    Reply

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