The Train Standing At Platform One Is ...

..for Stratford [or maybe Romford]

On Saturday I wrote about TfL's decision to rename the Overground lines at the end of the Underground system. The first four I mentioned all had great names, chosen by the public, which I fully agree with. But two had names which were extra special for me. And I think that possibly their names will be the least well known outside of the London area. So here  is a fuller explanation of the last two newly named lines

The Mildmay Line , from Richmond to Stratford - named for a small hospital very dear to my family. The Mildmay Mission Hospital was founded in 1866 by Rev William Pennefather to provide care for local people during the terrible cholera outbreak. Just twenty seven beds in three wards. 

The Christian hospital trained nurses, particularly those who wished to work abroad as Missionaries - but patients came from all parts of the local community, including many of the Jewish immigrants. At the end of the Victorian era, slum clearances threatened its existence- but a new site was found. The new building had 50 beds.The hospital was extended again - and in 1948, incorporated into the NHS. 

In the early 1970s, my friend Joy - a member of my Dad's church here in Norfolk - came back from Zaire, where she had been a missionary, and stayed here for many weeks receiving treatment, till her death. Dad drove down to London regularly to visit her. When Bob started at College in 1982, Dad came to visit. Another student's wife asked me "Who is that man?" I said it was my father. "But I know him!" - and Abigail then said "I was a nurse at Mildmay, the Christian Hospital. He was Joy's pastor. I remember, he came so often to visit - and we would stand by the bed as he prayed with her. I remember his wonderful prayers" She told us more about the work being done at Mildmay

A few months later, we heard that the NHS wanted to close Mildmay, it was too small, they said. The local community, and the many Christian supporters across the world were not happy. They planned a big rally in Trafalgar Square - but they needed someone to provide good PA. Bob loaded up our little Datsun, and set up his gear. I followed with baby Liz in the buggy. We all thronged round Nelsons column and cheered and shouted for the preservation of this Hospital. The redoubtable Helen Taylor Thompson spearheaded the campaign to keep it open. 

And so it became Britain's first and foremost HIV/AIDS Hospice. When many people [sadly including some Christian groups] were regarding all those suffering with HIV as evil men who deserved to be sick, Mildmay opened its doors and showed love and compassion.  Princess Diana was a frequent visitor, often arriving quietly, without the press photographers behind her. In 2011 the old building was demolished, replaced by a modern hospital. Harry has been a great supporter. So I am utterly thrilled it has been recognised in this way. I hope this generates more support for the charitable work it continues to do.

The Liberty Line from Romford to Upminster. Oh how I wish Dad, Mum, Gill and Auntie Peggy were here for this! This one is named for The Royal Liberty of Havering. In 1465, a royal charter established this manor as a "Royal Liberty" which gave the people special privileges in the way they were tried in court. The name has continued through the centuries [admittedly at the start of the 20th century, the privileges were revoked, but the name stayed]. The full name iis Havering-atte- Bower. Atte-Bower referred to a royal residence [ the monarch owned a property from the 11th to 16th centuries] 

A hundred years ago, the Royal Liberty School was established - a fee paying boys' grammar school. In the 1930s my Dad won a scholarship to study there. Gill's Dad, Uncle Ron went there too. [It's now a boys' comprehensive] 

The shopping centre in Romford is known as The Liberty. I was born in Oldchurch Hospital, Romford in 1955, at the time, the main hospital for the Royal Liberty of Havering. Liberty is such a precious thing, and I'm proud to have been born in a place which, for five centuries, recognised the importance of the ordinary people, and their right to fair trial by their peers.

These two newly named lines are therefore my favourites. 

Do you have any connections with any of the six?