Station house, Cultra

The old station at Cultra has fallen into disrepair but remnants of its better times are still visible. Alone on the opposite platform I wondered about the generations of passengers who had used it, catching the steam train for work or pleasure in Belfast or Bangor. Who had been there at its opening? If speeches were made, what were the hopes and expectations shared on that celebratory day?

Modern, quiet trains have replaced steam and diesel. Glass and aluminium shelters now shield travellers from bad weather. And the walls of the station house echo with the loudspeaker announcements for the next train arriving at platform one or two.

A sign indicates that the building is for sale. Who will buy? A railway enthusiast? A busy commuter? An improver? Whoever it may be, it would be nice to see its facade returned to period splendour.

And if, on occasions, a steam train were to call I feel sure the remaining bricks and timbers would signal their appreciation.