To encourage freight traffic, the railway built a large granary, now Kerri's Pine store and workshops, and set aside a large area known as coal grounds and a group of cattle pens all served by sidings. Two mixed goods trains a day left trucks to the west of the station, and they were then pulled into outside sidings or the granary by horses. Coal went into prepared wooden bays and the granary was used for feed stuffs, grain and fertiliser.
Whitwell station
A number of merchants who used the railway have left their name in Reepham in various places. Collers Way refers to one of the first coal merchants. The Stimpson family whose family firm traded with various partners under a succession of names donated the recreation ground now called Stimpson's Piece. They supplied bulk coal, grain and ''manure'' (this was the early name for chemical fertiliser). They later diversified to domestic coal supply using Reepham Station yard for bulk storage and bagging up. Randell's who supplied agricultural machinery that arrived by rail, had a large workshop complex long known as Randell's Yard but recently renamed Malthouse Yard. They later had a motor showroom that survives as the Spar shop.
Many local businesses did well from the railways. Some railway buildings still survive at both Reepham and Whitwell Road Stations. Only those at Reepham are currently used - for a café and for jewellery and pine furniture workshops.
Norfolk Heritage Explorations Copyright © 2012 copied without permission.
This web site is the result of a year's research by the communities of Breckles, Happisburgh, Harleston, Mulbarton and Reepham. Many people have taken part in the project, both those living within the communities themselves and those who have now moved away. We should like to acknowledge the work and assistance of the following people and organisations, and to offer our sincerest thanks for all of their support.