Media centre

Tuesday 12 Jul 2005

RE-DEDICATION FOR RIBBLEHEAD VIADUCT

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The memorial cairn below Ribblehead Viaduct has been refurbished thanks to Network Rail’s Preston area team, which agreed to meet the costs. Network Rail has been liasing with the Friends of the Settle and Carlisle Line to get the plaque refurbished after it became illegible due to severe weathering over the years. Gary Openshaw, General Manager (Preston), said: “We are pleased that Network Rail has had this opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifices made by past generations of railway workers in constructing what remains an important and unique structure.“ The work has taken about 8 weeks to complete and involved supplying new engraved plates, made by the original suppliers, installing them and re-pointing the stone structure. The work cost £3,250. The new plaque was unveiled in a re-dedication ceremony, which was conducted by Rev Charles Ellis, the Vicar of Ingleton. The service included a blessing and the reading out of the names of the people who died during the construction of the viaduct. A spokesperson for the Friends of the Settle and Carlisle Line, said: “The Friends were happy to refurbish this memorial cairn. The new plaque looks superb and can be seen by all, with the 24 arch viaduct towering above them.”