Goostrey – meet the friends keeping it on track. Did you spot this headline on the front cover of the September edition of Cheshire Life? Inside the glossy magazine, there’s a four page article about Goostrey Station!
When they visited last summer, John Hulme (the founder and president of Cheshire Best Kept Stations), Mark Barker (the chair of CBKS) and Kurt Thomas (photographer) were impressed. And FoGS were thrilled to be the focus of attention!
During the morning, chair of FoGS Craig Sidebotham told the visitors about the ambitious work between 2012 and 2019 which resulted in the restoration of the wooden Victorian station building and its transformation into a thriving creative space. Artist Debbie Goldsmith described recent workshops where enthusiastic cubs and beavers made wind chimes to take home. And she was delighted to point out the unique Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Plaque which she helped pupils at Goostrey primary school to create.
John and Mark loved the colourful displays of flowers welcoming passengers on both platforms, and they were interested to hear how FoGS have increased biodiversity around the station. The area has a rich past as well. In his article, John wrote ‘Passengers waiting for a train today are standing in a place that connects them with almost two centuries of railway history.’
John also included the recognition that FoGS have had both locally and nationally which is ‘richly deserved’. Our 11 awards from CBKS are displayed on platform one. We’ve also received 17 short-listings and 4 wins at the National Community Rail Awards. We’re particularly proud that the wins include the prestigious 2022 Award for Outstanding Contribution to Community Rail; this is presented to the volunteer group which has contributed most during the year.
You can find out more about FoGS by contacting Craig Sidebotham on 01477 544111 or by looking at our website. And you can meet us at Goostrey station during our monthly action mornings. Our volunteers include young people who are part of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.