Good news!
The Friends of Goostrey Station has been shortlisted for another Community Rail Award. This national accolade celebrates the inspiring work of station volunteer groups and community rail partnerships across Britain.
The category named It’s Your Station covers work in 4 areas – gardening, community, art & heritage and environment & sustainability. For the third year running, FoGS was awarded enough points to be in the platinum group.
FoGS is also a finalist in the Railway 200 Legacy category.
On 27th September 2025, over 100 local people joined FoGS volunteers at Goostrey Station to mark 200 years since the opening of the Stockton and Darlington railway. On that date in 1825, George Stephenson’s Locomotion number 1 hauled the world’s first steam powered passenger train, an event which is regarded as the start of the modern railway. FoGS aimed to honour rail heritage, enrich the present and create a legacy.
Local MP Sarah Russell unveiled 8 new weather-resistant boards which record the 135 year history of Goostrey Station in text and images. Inside the restored station building, visitors enjoyed a exhibition about FoGS’ achievements and delicious refreshments (including locally made cupcakes decorated with a railway 200 logo).
At noon, Goostrey’s Rose Queen buried a time-capsule. A plaque and a newly planted apple tree mark the spot so the contents can be retrieved in 2075.
Craig Sidebotham, chair of FoGS, said:
“We’re thrilled that our work at Goostrey Station has again been recognised.”
Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, said:
“Huge congratulations to Friends of Goostrey Station for being shortlisted. We’re looking forward to them joining our community rail colleagues and industry partners to celebrate their hard work, positivity, and dedication at our awards evening in Derby on 19 March.”
