Dozens of residents gathered to celebrate Carpenders Park Station’s centenary, which was marked by the unveiling of a blue plaque on Tuesday.

The event was the result of months of organising by David Reidy, who not only wrote a book about the station’s anniversary, but sourced the plaque and arranged for it to be installed in the ticketing office.

Mr Reidy, 68, has since moved away from the area, but lived in Carpenders Park between 1948 and 1969.

Speaking about the special occasion and what Carpenders Park meant to him, the retired civil servant said: "The event itself went very well and it all came together really nicely.

"Carpenders Park brings back some very pleasant memories of my childhood and those idyllic days are dear to me.

"I’ve always been a railway enthusiast, which is why writing a history of the station appealed to me so greatly."

Mr Reidy’s book is called A History of Carpenders Park Station 1914-2014. It is the fourth book that the Surrey resident has written and he said he is looking to write yet another about the area.

The Prestwick Road station, which was officially opened on April 1, 211 metres south of the current station building, was used as a stop for the former Oxhey golf club.

The plaque was unveiled by Sam Russell, a representative from London Overground Rail Operations Limited (LOROL), at 1pm.

Watford Observer:

Daniel Sweeting, LOROL station manager for Carpenders Park, said: "Carpenders Park station has undergone many changes since first opening in 1914, including a transformation over the past six years since joining the London Overground.

"It is clear to see that the station environment and atmosphere has changed dramatically and with more and more passengers choosing to use it, we believe it has even more potential."

Members from the Our Oxhey group were also at the event, as was the chairman of Three Rivers District Council, Les Mead.

The plaque itself was financed by Watford Rural Parish Council.

About 50 people turned up to celebrate the occasion, which was followed by a reception and a free exhibition at Oxhey Library, in Bridlington Road, where refreshments were also provided.

The exhibition, which includes photos, maps and a detailed history of the station, is now open to residents.