Bishopstone Station reveals treasure trove of hidden items

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Southern rail services is refurbishing the Grade II listed station at Bishopstone near Seaford.

The octagon shaped former ticket hall is being improved by the company, but parts of the station have been sealed since the 1980s.

Workers pulled up the old shutters of the old parcel office which used to be housed in the Art Deco style building, which first opened in 1938.

The grade-II listed Bishopstone Station near Seaford, East Sussex

Inside the vast inadvertent time capsule, the company and volunteers from Friends of Bishopstone Station have found a glut of odd items, from 1950s car electric testers to a 1980s skateboard.

There are 1970s car parts, fishing rods, rowing oars, British Rail advertisement posters, a sack of fertiliser, and vintage wooden water skis.

Perhaps the most charming find that may have some value was a teddy bear, which has been named “Fobsy” after the volunteers’ group.

A teddy bear was found at Bishopstone Station in East Sussex and has bee named Fobsy

They say one person’s junk is another’s treasure, and GTR said any proceeds from the items would be given to the volunteers.

Friends of Bishopstone Station want to create a community space which can be let out to groups in the area.

Old British Rail posters were found inside Bishopstone Station

Group founder Barbara Mine said: “It was surprising that anything was hidden away and forgotten for so long, let alone such a strange collection of objects.

“But there are some sellable items, especially the car parts, and we're very grateful to GTR for donating any proceeds to the Friends.

“We're looking forward to working alongside GTR as the station improvements progress."

Friends of Bishopstone Station founder Barbara Mine shows off a find inside the station in East Sussex

The project is supported by Southeast Communities Rail Partnership (SCRP). SCRP officer Harry Sievewright said: “The project to regenerate Bishopstone Station has been ongoing since 2018.

“The old parcel office is an area we wanted to develop as a ‘social hub’ for the local community and we are grateful to both GTR and the Railway Heritage Trust for helping fund the project.

A 1950s ‘automotive electrical equipment tester’ was among the finds at Bishopstone Station in East Sussex

“It is amazing to find such interesting and rare artefacts, but not surprising in a way, as the area has been disused for such a long time. The station probably has more secrets yet to uncover.”

Station Manager Andy Gardner said: “The station was built to serve a new housing development that never happened because of the Second World War.

“It has been underused ever since, so it’s great to be working with SCRP, the Friends and the Railway Heritage Trust to help this architectural gem achieve its potential as a community asset.”