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.”

The Friends of Handforth Station (FoHS) are about to celebrate their 25^th Anniversary. This was the very first “Friends of a Station” group in the whole of the UK, formed in 1996 by local campaigners Mike Bishop and Steve Nash.

The FoHS recently showcased their first 25 years of activity, when teams from Network Rail, Northern Trains and the country-wide Community Rail Partnership visited Handforth for a tour of the station and its many unique features.

Jenny Barnes, Chair of FoHS, said “We also spent much time with our visitors over lunch, discussing our strategies for the future. Our special thanks go to the team at The Railway Pub for being super hosts, and for sourcing a delicious meal from Artos (the new Greek bakery in Handforth).”

Mike Bishop, the current President, said “In the early 1990s, our station deteriorated badly. The old station building was replaced by an ugly portacabin, passenger numbers were falling, and investment was not available – for a few months it even looked like the station might be shut.

“We founded this first ‘Friends of a Station’ group, with the express aim of campaigning to keep the station open and to make it more welcome and more accessible for passengers. Our first major success was making sure that the station remained open, and our most recent victory has been to secure over £2 Million funding for improved Access For All at the station.”

There are now over 1,000 Friends’ groups country-wide, each of which connects their community with the governing bodies of the rail industry. Rail travel is one of the most environmentally friendly way to travel, and the Friends of Handforth Station are now deep into defining their Vision for the next 25 years.

You will be able to see a display of the FoHS work over the “First 25 Years”, and their “Vision for the Next 25 Years”, at the Handforth Christmas Market on Saturday 27^th November. The FoHS will be selling their own FoHS cards, and will also be fundraising for the Seashell Trust by selling some of their beautiful ceramic toadstools (currently on display at the station).

The Friends of Handforth Station (FoHS) have received a swell of support from the community, to make this year’s Remembrance display at Handforth as bold as possible for everyone using the station.

Local knitting legend Sue Clarke-Berry runs the Knit and Natter group at Gwyneth Morley Court. She is well-known for having created knitted caricatures of shop-keepers around Handforth, as well as of the England Football World Cup team of 2006. Sue has set a high knitting target this year with a record 130 poppies for FoHS alone.

Lynne Haynes, another Handforth resident, also added many weaved poppies for Handforth Station; she introduced the white and purple poppies to the display. “White poppies are a sign of peace, and purple poppies commemorate all the animals that have been killed in war,” said Lynne.

In addition, the flame-moulded bottle-base poppies that the Handforth Cubs created in 2019 have come out of storage, and can be seen at the Station in two “pillars of poppies”.

Jenny Barnes, the Chair of FoHS, said “Along with the supply of large red poppies that Handforth Town Council provides for us each year, we’re now displaying more poppies than ever before. If any of your readers would like to visit Handforth Station to count them and let us know exactly how many we have, we’d be delighted !

“We wish everyone peace and well-being this Remembrance Day,” she added.