Plaque unveiled to officially name carved owls known as 'Guardians of Carnforth'

Two carved wooden owls who 'watched over Carnforth' for several years have been officially named in tribute to the famous movie filmed at the town’s train station.

The owls, known affectionately as 'The Guardians of Carnforth', were perched proudly atop Haws Hill as a symbol of community spirit and creativity.

They were carved from a tree stump by Rolande Urwin, professional chainsaw carver based in Holme, for the town in 2018.

But in June 2025, Carnforth Town Council announced that the owls were beyond repair and had been taken away.

Just before Christmas, they had been successfully restored and returned to the town, and now a plaque has been installed at the site, to give them their official names, Celia and Trevor.

A spokesperson for Carnforth Town Council said: ‘’Their names pay tribute to the timeless romance of Brief Encounter, filmed at Carnforth Station. Just like Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard’s unforgettable meeting, these guardians remind us of enduring connections and the charm of our heritage.

‘’Our two owl guardians celebrate lasting connections and the heritage that makes our town so special.

‘’They stand as cheerful ambassadors of Carnforth’s warmth, heritage, and sense of community.

‘’Next time you pass by, take a moment to greet Celia and Trevor – symbols of love, loyalty, and the warm welcome that Carnforth offers to all.’’

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