County clock centre of film show

The clock made in Shropshire which featured in the classic film Brief Encounter will be at the centre of a special anniversary event this weekend.Mobile cinema group Reels on Wheels is to screen Sir David Lean’s classic at the location where it was filmed - Carnforth Railway Station in Lancashire.

The station boasts a Joyce Clock, which was built by Shropshire clockmaker, J B Joyce & Co of Whitchurch.

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It featured in one of the film’s key scenes, although a false face was put on it during filming to control the time and ensure continuity.

Using a projector and screen, The Furness and Midland Railway booking hall will be turned into a cinema on Saturday for the screening, part of celebrations for the centenary of the acclaimed director.

It was in 1945 that Lean filmed the romantic classic, starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard, about a suburban housewife who meets and falls for a doctor she meets at the station.

Carnforth was chosen by the Ministry of War Transport as it was remote and safe from wartime attacks.

Filming had to take place between 10pm and 6am so as not to interfere with daytime train operations.

Robert Johnson, of Reels on Wheels, which screen films in Ellesmere and Oswestry, said he was very pleased that the showing was to take place.

“It will be a wonderful occasion,” he said.

“We are delighted to have been asked to screen this historic British film on the station.”

Carnforth Railway Station opened in 1846 and was originally just a single platform. In 1857 it became a junction and a small engine shed was built.

In 1856, a small station was built following the connection of the Furness and Midland Railway lines.

A year later a new station was constructed which remained open until 1880, when another station was constructed at a cost of £40,000.

Carnforth station was completely rebuilt in 1937, financed by more than £53,000 of Government money.

By Suzanne Roberts