Cheshire Best Kept Stations

News Item

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.

 

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.

North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership take on new CRO ….

The North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership have taken on a new CRO and are campaigning for new volunteers ….

Cheshire Best Kept Stations welcomes Chris Kinsella who has taken up the role as the new Community Rail Development Officer for the North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership.  Chris is looking forward forward to liaising with other Cheshire station groups, rail partnerships and community groups on joint ambitions.

Click here to find our more about the North Cheshire Community Rail Partnership.

Click here to visit their new website.  If you have any comments on the website please use their Contact Page to let them know.