Colin Brooks: Kidderminster Railway Station 'legend' dies

Colin Brooks, who has been remembered as a "lovely" man who was "always smiling," died on Wednesday (September 11) with his wife Lynn and family by his side at the age of 70. 

Mr Brooks took over the kiosk at Kidderminster Railway Station in 1985 when it was based out of a wooden cabin on one of the station platforms, after working as a milkman in Kidderminster for 17 years.

In 1993, the business moved into an old manager's room in the station building, where Colin sold newspapers and refreshments to rail users.

His first kiosk based out of a wooden cabin (Image: Handout)

Mr Brooks retired when the kiosk closed down after 34 years in 2019. The kiosk was knocked down to make way for the new redevelopment scheme at the station.

Some memorable moments over the years include TV personality Rustie Lee opening his new kiosk after Mr Brooks offered her a lift to Birmingham when she missed her train, meeting Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant, and holding the Olympic Torch as it passed through Kidderminster in 2012.

Rustie Lee opening Mr Brooks' kiosk (Image: Newsquest) Kidderminster residents have taken to social media to share their tributes to Mr Brooks and messages of condolence to his family.

Brian Davies, who attended Sion Hill School with Mr Brooks in the 60s, paid tribute to his friend.

He said: "He was just a great guy, everybody loved him. He was such a nice guy, he was one in a million.

"He trusted people to pay him the following day. He was always smiling".

Mr Brooks was always smiling (Image: Brian Davies)

Shaun Parker said: "Awful news. Such a lovely guy. Loved watching the Harriers and his horse racing".

Amanda Lewis Cwietkow said: "Made my daily commute into Brum for 9 years, much more tolerable.

"A smile and a decent brew from his newsstand every morning as part of my routine. Lovely man RIP".

Sue Hallard said: "Spent many a morning having a quick chat with Colin while he made my tea.

"My heartfelt condolences to his wife and family."

Jack Knight described him as a "true legend of Kidderminster."

Mr Brooks holding the 2012 Olympic torch (Image: Newsquest)

He said: "Miss seeing him at the train station serving me and my dad on our jaunts train spotting when I was younger".

Kirsty Johnstone said: "RIP you lovely gentleman. Always a friendly face and a smile when I was commuting (had my order, hot choc & a pack of biscuits, always waiting for me).

"Sending love and thoughts to the family at this sad time."

Lucy Desmond added: "Such a lovely man, if you didn’t quite have enough money he would say ‘don’t worry about it, give it next time’

"Would always make sure you were ok."

In a statement, Mr Brooks' family said: "Colin’s Wife Lynn Brooks and family would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and messages at this very sad time losing a husband, father and grandfather".