Coincidentally, the 200th anniversary of the journey of Locomotion 1 on the Stockton to Darlington Railway was during Goosfest’s Arts and Crafts weekend. FoGS took the opportunity to organise a local celebration of this nationally important event.

On Saturday 27 September there was plenty to see at Goostrey Station – a display in the station building showcased FoGS achievements, Sarah Russell MP unveiled one of the new history boards and Rosa Tomlinson, Goostrey’s Rose Queen, buried a time capsule.  During the morning, there was a steady stream of visitors including Rebecca Styles who works for Northern as Regional and Sustainability manager. Everyone was offered a hot drink and a delicious cupcake (with edible an Railway 200 logo!) made by Goostrey’s Pastimes cafe.

Over the summer, FoGS had worked with Goostrey Parish Archive to produce eight attractive weather-resistant boards.  Each records a different aspect of the 135 year history of Goostrey station in text and images. As well as buildings, sidings and the oil storage facility at Twemlow, the boards include information about former rail employees, the engineers George Buck and William Baker and the first residents of station cottages.

FoGS also prepared a time capsule containing information from adults and children about village life in 2025. The spot where it is buried is marked by a plaque and a newly planted Cox’s Orange Pippin apple tree so the capsule can be recovered in 50 years time. Hopefully the girls who helped will be there and the occasion will revive happy memories.

Other village groups were inspired to contribute to the bicentenary celebration. The latest display by Goostrey Primary School in the platform shelter has an appropriate theme – the power of art to transport us to new places.  Goostrey Footpaths Group added two walks from Goostrey station to Railway 200’s Walk for Memories. Both activities promote fitness and greener transport.

Despite only having a dozen active members, FoGS is proud to have organised such a memorable, inclusive event at Goostrey station. They honoured rail heritage, enriched the present and created a legacy.