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News Item

Oct 03 2025

Rail Ale Trail launched at Handforth Station ….

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.

· Categorized: News Item

Oct 02 2025

Friends of Romiley Station keep in touch …..

Angie Clark, the secretary of The Friends of Romiley Station, keeps in touch with their regular newsletter ….

In the October 2025 newsletter the Friends give us details of their progress, news at the station and their usual quiz.

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· Categorized: News Item

Sep 03 2025

Northern Community Rail Report 2025

Northern present their Community Rail Report for 2025.

It is good to see some Cheshire Best Kept Stations mentioned.

Click here to download, read or print.

· Categorized: News Item, Uncategorised

Aug 28 2025

Station volunteers commended by Rail Minister ….

Sarah Russell MP, Louise Willis FoGS member, on, community rail

News from the Friends of Goostrey Station ….

A few weeks ago FoGS secretary Louise Willis was delighted to represent our volunteers at a special parliamentary reception.   The invitation was the result of FoGS’ success in the national Community Rail Awards. This year we were shortlisted in 4 categories and received a platinum award for our work at Goostrey station plus a bronze award for our photo ‘Keeping Up Appearances’. The photo was included in a rolling presentation during the reception.

MP Sarah Russell also attended the reception. Sarah visited FoGS stall on Rose Day so she already knew much about FoGS’ achievements.

During the afternoon, Minister for Rail Lord Hendy spoke about the importance of Community Rail volunteers and employees across the country.  He was impressed that together we are promoting greener travel, fostering inclusion and transforming station buildings into community assets.

Why not find out more about FoGS and Community Rail during Goosfest?
Please drop into Goostrey Station between 10am and 1pm on Saturday 27 September.
This is part of Railway 200, a national celebration of the 200th anniversary of the start of the modern railway.
As well as looking inside the building which is now Debbie Goldsmith’s art studio, visitors will see historic photos and our plans for further improvements.
At noon, with the help of Goostrey Rose Queen 2025 Rosa Tomlinson and her attendants, FoGS plan to plant an apple tree and bury a time capsule containing items that reflect life in 21st century Goostrey.
Light refreshments will be available all morning.

 

· Categorized: News Item

Jul 18 2025

Latest news from Friends of Goostrey Station ….

Our MP supports Friends of Goostrey Station …

What a lovely surprise!  FoGS members were delighted when our local MP Sarah Russell came to our stall during her visit to Goostrey Rose Day. With the two latest awards from Cheshire Best Kept Stations on show and a host of photos, she soon realised what a successful group we are.

A week later, Sarah met FoGS member Louise Willis at the Palace of Westminster and they were able to talk to MD of Northern Tricia Williams.  Guests at the parliamentary reception were addressed by Rail Minister Lord Hendy and by Helena Dollimore MP. Both talked about the benefits of enlisting volunteers to make railway stations part of the community.  It was poignant that the event was held on 7/7, the anniversary of the London bombings which obviously had particular significance for anyone involved in the transport sector. Earlier in the day, Lord Hendy had attended a service to commemorate the victims.

The invitation was the result of FoGS success in the Community Rail Awards last March. We scored top marks in the category It’s Your Station and received a platinum award. FoGS also won a bronze award for our photo captioned Keeping Up Appearances.  During the afternoon Louise was thrilled to see this photo in a rolling loop which showcased the work of Community Rail.

The reception was a celebration of the valuable work delivered all year round by Community Rail. It’s a growing movement with 75 rail partnerships and over a thousand volunteer groups. It’s uniquely placed to support a new era of rail that is focussed on passengers and local issues but it’s also aligned with social, environmental and economic objectives. Community Rail is helping to transform station buildings into community assets. It’s working to remove barriers to rail travel for marginalised groups. And it’s promoting integrated and sustainable transport.

Everyone will have an opportunity to find out more about FoGS and Community Rail during Goosfest.  Drop into Goostrey Station between 10 and 1 on Saturday 27 September. Go inside the restored station building, learn about our future plans and help us to bury a time capsule. This is part of a national celebration of the 200th anniversary of the start of the modern railway.

· Categorized: News Item

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© 2025 · Cheshire Best Kept Stations

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