The next train arriving at Putney Station will be...a boat (From Wandsworth Guardian)

The next train arriving at Putney Station will be...a boat

8:30am Wednesday 24th June 2009

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A rowing-themed memorial dedicated to a local man by his family has been unveiled at Putney railway station.

Michael Valentine, a long-term Putney resident, died in December 2007 and was a student at Corpus Christi, Cambridge University, where he was a keen rowing enthusiast.

The boat, delivered by train, was donated by Cambridge University and help with its installation at the station was provided by Network Rail and South-West Trains.

The garden celebrates Putney’s role at the start of the famous university Boat Race - the new garden will be fully completed on July 19.

Mr Valentine was also a member of the London Rowing Club, situated in Putney Embankment.

Simon Acland, Mr Valentine’s son-in-law, said: “Michael’s daughter, Jo, saw a patch of ground at the station that was unused and wondered if it could be used as garden. We never expected them to agree but the staff there have all been so helpful throughout.

“Hopefully commuters will be able to enjoy the garden much more now but we would like to thank Network Rail, South-West Trains and Putney station staff for all their help.”

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