On Saturday 27th September 2025, the Friends of Handforth Station (FoHS) proudly hosted the launch of the very first Rail Ale Trail on the Crewe to Manchester railway line. This initial Rail Ale Trail features nine railway stations — Handforth, Styal, and all stations southwards to Crewe — alongside twenty-one pubs located near each station.

The launch event was held as a highlight of Handforth’s celebrations for Railway 200, marking two centuries since the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, recognised as the world’s first modern railway.

Members of FoHS and their guests assembled on the concourse at Handforth Station for a brief ceremony led by FoHS President, Mike Bishop. Following the ceremony, attendees crossed Station Road to The Railway pub, where they enjoyed refreshments. Here, participants were given their own Sticker Card, and—upon purchasing a glass of real ale—they collected their very first Rail Ale Trail Sticker.

During the proceedings, Matt Deeley, project manager for the Crewe Business Improvement District (BID), which includes Crewe Station, delivered a short speech. The Crewe BID is a sponsor of the Rail Ale Trail, and Matt thanked the organisers for inviting their contribution.

Special guest Matthew Curtis, an award-winning writer, photographer, and podcaster from Manchester, also addressed attendees. Matthew is the author of “Modern British Beer” (CAMRA Books, 2021) and “Manchester’s Best Beer Pubs and Bars” (CAMRA Books, 2023). He later commented, “It was a great honour to help launch this Rail Ale Trail, which I am certain will be a wonderful success. The dedication and hard work of community groups like Friends of Handforth Station feel more important than ever, and I wish them a hearty congratulations on getting this project underway.”

The event was attended by Cheshire East Councillors, Handforth Town Councillors, members of local CAMRA branches, local Handforth residents, and representatives from other ‘Friends of a Station’ groups involved in the Rail Ale Trail, including Holmes Chapel, Chelford, Sandbach, and Styal stations.

Mike Bishop explained that anyone wishing to participate should visit the Rail Ale Trail webpage (search for “Crewe to Manchester Rail Ale Trail” or use https://www.crewe2manchesterrail.org.uk/days-out/rail-ale-trail-1/). There, participants can download a Sticker Card listing all the stations and pubs involved. The aim is to collect a sticker at each pub visited. Upon completing the Sticker Card, participants are rewarded with a coveted baseball cap featuring the Rail Ale Trail logo.

Mike also expressed gratitude for the generous sponsorship provided by the Crewe to Manchester Community Rail Partnership, Crewe BID, and the Cheshire Pub Co.