Volunteers hop to it to restore Spalding Railway Station rabbit to former glory
Volunteers have hopped into action to revive a popular 50-year-old rabbit display.
The eyecatching statue can now welcome visitors to the town at Spalding Railway Station after receiving some TLC.
This is thanks to the Spalding Station Adoption Team and volunteers, who have given the metal structure a well-needed makeover.
After appearing in the Spalding Flower Parade decades ago, the rabbit went on to feature as an Alice in Wonderland decoration during the Spring Flower and Garden Show at Springfields Festival Gardens.
Suited and booted by the team at Springfields, the creature has been dressed in a suit jacket, hat and flowers, with the aim that he will be able to change his outfit regularly to be the fashion talk of the town.
Coun Gary Taylor, who helped support the project with Coun Jan Whitbourn and Coun Elizabeth Sneath, said: “Spalding Railway station is one of the most attractive in our area, and this was achieved by the dedicated efforts by the volunteers at the station over a number of years.
“On a freezing cold winter’s day with the sun shining bright I joined Jan, Liz and Inga (Maxwell) to witness how they were making the station looking even better by using their talents to dress the rabbit in a very colourful and attractive outfit.”
Coun Sneath said: “Despite it being a bitterly cold morning it was lovely to start to feel the joy of spring while helping Jan and team tidy and re-clothe the station rabbit.
“I hope this cheery sight raises a smile as the trains rush by. The Spalding Railway Station has dramatically improved in the last couple of years, especially the garden on platform two.
“This is mainly due to the Spalding Station Adoption Team who work hard in the summer and as much as they can in the winter months.
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“We are always looking for more Volunteers to join the group and have lots of ideas and work ahead. There is a need to attract new people with new ideas to help keep the standard that has been reached.”
Coun Jan Whitbourn added: “I would like to see it back to being the pride of Spalding town for travellers and tourists. Everyone is welcome and any ideas to help improve the look and the workings of this beautiful building will be more than welcome.”
If you would like to help out and become part of the station adoption team or volunteer, call Coun Jan Whitbourn on 077798 95388 or email jan@tulip-events.co.uk.
