Recently, local artist Debbie Goldsmith was delighted to welcome a group of Rainbows from Holmes Chapel as they alighted at Goostrey Station. Accompanied by their leaders, they had travelled by train over the viaduct high above the Dane valley.

Inside the restored Victorian station building on platform one, Debbie had prepared an exciting print workshop. ‘They did amazing work making bird prints’ she said. ‘I could hardly believe that all the girls were under 7 years old.’

The children made good use of the tables and chairs that were generously donated by the Shopfitting Warehouse and the Cygnet Club, Congleton. FOGS members are looking forward to improving the facilities further using a significant grant from the Community Fund of the National Lottery Award for All.

Beavers and Cubs from Goostrey have already enjoyed workshops at the new not-for-profit studio.  There’s a car park at the station, but for a greener option participants can walk, cycle or travel by train.

If you’re interested in attending a workshop or in bringing a group to Goostrey Art Studio, please contact Debbie Goldsmith on deborahgoldsmith@me.com

The Friends of Goostrey Station have some exciting news to share!

They have received a significant grant to improve the interior of the restored Victorian station building which is now used by Goostrey Art Studio.

Local artist Debbie Goldsmith is coordinating events at the ‘not for profit’ Studio and she wants to offer regular art based activities. Recently she heard that her application to the National Lottery Awards for All has been successful.  Their Community Fund supports projects that will make a real difference to a local community; the money must be used to bring people together and improve cohesion.  Our grant will go towards the installation of much needed facilities which were not fitted when the wooden building was restored in 2019.

Debbie commented: “Exciting times are ahead and we are thrilled to be awarded the grant. It’s such an amazing space to work in and I am really looking forward to opening it up to our community. I haven’t stopped smiling since I heard the good news!”

Rainbows, Beavers and Cubs from Goostrey and Holmes Chapel have already booked workshops.  There’s a car park at the station, but for a greener option participants could walk, cycle or travel by train.  If you’re interested in attending a workshop or in bringing a group to Goostrey Art Studio, please contact Debbie Goldsmith on deborahgoldsmith@me.com

The Alderley Edge Station Volunteer Group have commissioned vibrant new artworks at the station unveiled by a local musical legend Peter Hook

The murals were revealed on Friday 4th February by Peter Hook of Joy Division and New Order fame, who is a resident of the village.

Created by Stockport-based artist Eamonn Murphy, the images show a historic first-class 1840’s rail carriage on the Manchester bound platform and a set of four images called ‘Looking Through The Windows’ are in alcoves on the main station building depicting the iconic view from The Edge.

The artworks were funded jointly by the Northern Trains Ltd, The Community Rail Network and Waitrose & Partners.

Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in commissioning and creating these wonderful pieces of art.”

“As well as complementing our broader station improvement strategy, these colourful works are welcoming for anyone arriving at the station and are something for everyone in the community to embrace, enjoy and be proud of.”

Artist Eamonn Murphy  has created more than 70 artworks featuring landmarks and places of interest accessible from stations on the Crewe to Manchester, and South East Manchester lines.

Eamonn said: “It is an honour to be invited to contribute to the excellent work being done by Alderley Edge Station Volunteer Group and great to see the support of local residents.”

Kelvin Briggs, a volunteer from the Station Group said: “ The historic railway carriage was chosen to mark the 180th anniversary of the local railway line. Our next project will see us partnering up with the Alderley History Group to create some heritage story boards to be displayed at the station later in the year.”

If anyone has any old photographs of the station or would like to volunteer to help with the history project,  please contact Kelvin Briggs    kelvinbriggs@btconnect.com

The Friends of Handforth Station (FoHS) celebrated the 25^th Anniversary of their founding at a Gala Event in Handforth Youth Centre on Tuesday 30th November.

The FoHS was the very first “Friends of a Station” group in the world, formed in November 1996 by local campaigners Mike Bishop and Steve Nash, amongst others.

The Gala attendees represented many of the groups that have contributed to the success that is Handforth Station today. These included local support groups like DSN, the Seashell Trust, and Time Out Group, as well as representatives from Handforth Town Council, local Rotarians, Handforth Library, Handforth Scouts and many more.

Representatives from the Rail Industry also attended, including Network Rail, Northern Trains and the Community Rail Network.

Mike Bishop, President of FoHS, said “Unfortunately Covid meant that some people couldn’t attend – for example our Twin ‘Friends of Malahide Station’ in Ireland couldn’t join us. We were, however, delighted at the large turnout for what was a very enjoyable evening.”

Jenny Barnes, Chair of FoHS, added, “It is a delight to volunteer with such a fun-loving group of friends, who enjoy making a positive impact on such an important space within our community. From gardening through timetable consultation to lobbying for step-free access, Friends groups very successfully connect communities with the rail industry.

“Our founding treasurer, Steve Nash, sadly passed away three years ago but the inspirational achievements of himself, Mike Bishop and the other founders of FoHS have paved the way to show what can be achieved by a ​capable and enthusiastic Friends network”

During the evening, Directors from Network Rail and Northern Trains unveiled an artistic screen commemorating the Friends’ first 25 years. This artwork, designed by FoHS Lead Artist Paul Pickford working with local schools and groups, is the first of several planned enhancements to the step-free access works. “Art contributes distinction and visual enrichment, and is a tangible expression of quality and care”, added Mike. “We shall be mounting the new screen on the concourse soon, where we expect it to delight station users for the next 25 years.”

Jenny concluded, “Successful as we have been, we are always very keen to welcome new people to our group. Volunteers can register on our web-site, or leave their details with Terry in the station on weekday mornings.”