YESTERDAY (June 15), Friends of Prestatyn Railway Station (FOPRS) invited Sylvia Gunning to join them on the station’s disused platform to see the little garden they have created in memory of her husband, David, who died earlier this year.

David became chairman of FOPRS at its annual general meeting in February 2015 and was pivotal in guiding them through the process of obtaining the licence from Network Rail for the disused platform and railway embankment.

He finally resigned as chairman in 2017 due to ongoing health problems, but his steadfast support and encouragement were welcome.

At this time, they purchased gates to allow them access to the embankment and disused platform.

The raised beds were installed on the platform and they began the process of seeking permission to install signage denoting the fact that Prestatyn is an official “Walkers are Welcome” town, a sculpture of a rambler, and a mural on the road bridge underpass.

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He remained an active member of the committee until his hearing loss made attendance difficult for him.

A FOPRS spokesperson said: “His great joy was seeing the daffodils and tulips blossom on the railway embankment, and he enjoyed seeing the wonderful displays during the spring months as he and Sylvia walked over the bridge on their way to church each Sunday.

“He was a kind, witty, highly intelligent man who could always be relied on for unstinting support and loyalty, and members unanimously supported dedicating the little garden on the disused platform to him.”

Ian Lifford, present chairman, paid tribute to the work undertaken by David Gunning in the early years and remarked that the spade work he had put in to building an active, dedicated group continues to pay dividends.

Cllr Gareth Sandilands, vice chairman, and Cllr Carol Holliday, fundraising chairman, echoed these sentiments and spoke warmly of the great contribution he had made to the continued success of the group.

Mrs Gunning presented the group with a generous donation and wished them well in its entry in the Wales in Bloom “It’s Your Neighbourhood” competition.