The Manchester to Birmingham Railway Company was founded in 1839. Its first public service between Manchester and Sandbach was reported on Saturday 14 May 1842, by the Manchester Courier and Lancashire General Advertiser, thus:

“The second portion of this line, twenty-one miles in length, from Stockport to Sandbach, was opened to the public on Tuesday (10th May 1842). The remaining distance to Crewe, four and a half miles, is expected to be opened early next month, as soon as the company can make arrangements for conveying the whole of the goods traffic along the line. 

On Tuesday the company started three trains daily each way between Manchester and Sandbach; those from Manchester at half-past seven o’clock morning, half-past one afternoon, and half-past six evening; those from Sandbach at eight o’clock morning, eleven forenoon, and five afternoon. On Sundays there will be but two trains each way, viz., from Manchester eight morning, and six evening ; and from Sandbach eight morning, and half-past seven evening. 

All the trains stop at the intermediate stations between Manchester and Sandbach, of which there are seven, exclusive of Stockport, viz., Rushford. Cheadle, Handford, Wilmslow, Alderley, Chelford, and Holmes Chapel. Chelford is the station for Macclesfield, and a coach runs thence to the town, a distance of seven miles from the station. The journey by railway and coach is nearly an hour shorter than by coach from Manchester. 

The first train started from the station, London-road, on Tuesday morning, nominally half-past seven; but, from some little arrangements requisite to be completed, it wanted but 20 minutes of eight o’clock when the start was made. The train, consisting of one carriage of each the three classes, was drawn by the No. 9 engine, manufactured Messrs. Sharp, Roberts, and Co., of this town. 

The train reached the Sandbach Station at six minutes before nine o’clock, being about an hour and a quarter for the 26¼ miles from Manchester, including some delays, and the stoppages at eight stations. “

With financial assistance kindly provided by Handforth Town Council and the South Manchester Community Rail Partnership, the Friends of Handforth Station have celebrated the 180th anniversary of the Manchester to Sandbach line by means of a series of banners and posters displayed at the station.

Friends of Stations Groups further along the line (e.g. Wilmslow, Alderley Edge and Holmes Chapel) have celebrated the anniversary in a similar manner.

In addition to the banners and posters, FoHS members designed and built headboards for trains running on the Manchester to Sandbach line on the anniversary day.

Ged Austin is an experienced guide who is inviting you to join him on a tour of “Handforth Past and Present”. This is one of a series of educational walks that Ged, known throughout Manchester as “The Urban Poet”, runs each year.

The Friends of Handforth Station (FoHS) have featured some of Ged’s poems at the station, and are now delighted to sponsor this community activity for locals. His “Urban Walks” are typically gentle strolls over a 5-mile distance with plenty of stops, and they can take 3 to 4 hours.

The Handforth walk that Ged is preparing for the FoHS will be from Styal train station to Handforth train station, and will be a “timeline walk” exploring the history of the area. It will feature Ged’s poems and some stories about the area, to which all are welcome to contribute.

Ged advises, “If you want to join us, to get your muscles and your memory flowing, then just turn up. Bring a snack pack (something you can munch on your feet), plenty of liquid, and wear sturdy footwear and clothing appropriate for what the weather provides.”

His “Handforth Past and Present“ walk will start from Styal train station at 10.30am sharp, on Monday the 23rd of May.

For more information, contact Ged Austin on 07506-392731 / jediaustin@hotmail.co.uk.

The Friends of Handforth Station had a successful Work Party at the station on Saturday 30th April.  They thank all those who attended and gave up to 2 hours of their time.

The Friends picked litter, cleaned signs and their Art in a Box lockers, swept the waiting shelters, tidied up some of the inside of the ticket office, and watered and maintained much of their planting.

Two major items you should spot on your next visit to the station:

Inside the Ticket Office Handforth’s most recent Cheshire Best Kept Station Award (given to the Group for their work in Promoting Community Rail throughout 2021) has been mounted.

At the top of the Crewe-bound platform a banner advertising the 180th anniversary of the railway line from Manchester to Sandbach.

The Group were also very grateful to have received a donation from Handforth Town Council towards their Jubilee Celebrations.

On the last Saturday of May, the Friends will be running a special “Jubilee Work Party”. This will comprise primarily a drinks/food event to thank all the hard workers who have helped with Work Parties over the years.

When local artist Debbie Goldsmith heard the good news, she couldn’t stop grinning!  Her application on behalf of the Friends of Goostrey Station had been successful.  The Community Fund of the National Lottery had awarded Goostrey Art Studio, where she is the inspirational leader, ten thousand pounds!

Debbie quickly gathered together a few members of Friends of Goostrey Station and some local children who had attended her workshops. They met for a group photo on platform one at Goostrey Station, next to the iconic building where the Art Studio is located.

Two years ago, after protracted negotiations, the Victorian wooden building was restored. The latest grant will be used to improve the internal facilities. Tables, chairs and shelves have been generously donated by the Shopfitting Warehouse and the Cygnet Club, Congleton. But currently the building has no toilets or wash basins. In 2015, Friends of Goostrey Station paid United Utilities to reconnect the water supply by installing a pipe from the road to a lockable tap outside the station building. The water has helped to keep displays of flowering plants around the station healthy throughout the year.  Now the supply needs to be extended inside the building so sanitary ware can be fitted.

Rainbows, Brownies, Beavers and Cubs and their adult leaders have already enjoyed art workshops at the not-for-profit studio.  Activities have included creating animal masks and making prints of leaves and birds. There’s a car park at the station, but for a greener option participants can walk, cycle or (like the Rainbows from Holmes Chapel) travel by train.  If you’re interested in attending a workshop or bringing a group to Goostrey Art Studio, please contact Debbie Goldsmith on deborahgoldsmith@me.com .