The Community Rail Network (formerly ACoRP) will be holding this year’s AGM on Wednesday 11th November using Zoom.

Elections to the Board will also be held at the same time using online voting.

For the first time, nominated representatives of stations friends/adoption groups and community station members can attend the AGM and stand for and vote for the Board.

This was made possible thanks to campaigning by Mike Bishop of Friends of Handforth station.

Click here for further information on what to do if you wish to attend the AGM, or be nominated for the Board.

News from the Alderley Edge Station Volunteer Group …..

The Alderley Edge Station Volunteer Group working in partnership with Alderley Edge in Bloom Group hosted a group of Network Rail volunteers on Sunday 4th October.

The activities included litter picking and clearing undergrowth  on land adjacent to the platform that is usually out of bounds to the group.

A new wooden  toy train planter was installed on the walkway from the village to the station car park.

The Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership has launched 12 platform posters featuring Cheshire’s Wonderful Wildlife which runs from Saturday 3rd October to Sunday 15th November 2020 …..

Once again, the CRP has teamed up with acclaimed Chester artist Nicky Thompson.

Following a trail around Tatton’s Gardens you will be able to view these posters in this stunning setting.

You can now preview  by video the Gallery in the Gardens Exhibition before arranging your visit.

To accompany the Exhibition and available at staffed stations on the Mid Cheshire Line, there is a 24 page full colour booklet supported by text from the Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

Click here to view an online copy of the booklet.

Posters and postcards are available at the Tatton Gift Shop and and at the CRP’s Online Shop at the Crewe Heritage Centre.

Nicky Thompson said, “Although this series is essentially ‘platform art’ and will be displayed across the Mid Cheshire Line, I am really excited to see them in the stunning gardens at Tatton Park… I really can’t think of a more picture-perfect ‘gallery”.

There is also a great storyline of creative partnership working behind this exhibition of Cheshire’s Wonderful Wildlife, as John Hulme, a director of the Mid Cheshire Line Community Rail Partnership (CRP) explains:

“When we approached Nicky about 12 pieces of poster art for our railway line, which connects Chester with Manchester via Northwich, Knutsford and Altrincham, the CRP suggested extending this platform gallery to other Cheshire partners because that is what Community Rail is all about.

“Getting things done in the Community.

“So we approached Tatton Park, which is a brisk walk from our Mid Cheshire Line station at Knutsford and here we are partnering Tatton; the National Trust; Cheshire East Council who manage and finance the Park; and the Cheshire Wildlife Trust who helped with the words for our free 24 page full colour booklet. 

“And, in these uncertain times, connecting with nature and what mindfulness brings to positive mental health, it has got be a doctor’s prescription.”

The Friends of Handforth Station (FoHS) were delighted to cement yet another partnership with a local community group, when they raised a new flag following a brief hand-over ceremony at the station ….

Time Out Group (TOG) is a registered charity based in Handforth that provides a range of activities and support for adults aged 18+ with learning disabilities. Their vision is that adults with learning disabilities are accepted as equals within their own communities and have the opportunity to take part in social and leisure activities without discrimination.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced TOG to temporarily close their Drop-In Centre (in The Paddock, Handforth) in March. To support and keep contact with their members, they launched a programme of outreach services from home. This included working on the design of TOG’s very first flag, in partnership with FoHS and working with a volunteer Graphic Designer on furlough from her job.

The raising of the TOG flag has coincided perfectly with the reopening of their Drop-In Centre. TOG are very excited to have opened their doors again, to return to providing direct support for local adults with learning disabilities.

Anne-Louise Back from TOG said: “Our members were delighted to work with FoHS during lockdown to design the flag, and we are proud to see it flying at the station. This kind of project helps us to tackle isolation in the community and to encourage independence for adults with learning disabilities through support, fun and friendship. If you would like to join the group or know someone that might be interested, please get in touch with us at admin@timeoutgroup.org.uk or call 01625 520652.”

Jenny Barnes, Arts Cordinator for FoHS, said “We are pleased with our partnership with TOG, and are happy to support TOG as they work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Their new flag is now flying alongside our brand-new Union Jack to bring some life and colour to the station.”