FIFTEEN stations in the former county of Cheshire have scooped awards at the 19th Cheshire Best Kept Stations Awards Evening held on Friday 1st April and attended by Mayors from five of the Boroughs that constitute the former County of Cheshire, and four Town Mayors.
Four of these stations are within Stockport, with awards going to Rose Hill, Stalybridge, Heaton Chapel, Woodsmoor and Romiley station groups.
The Awards were presented before almost 100 guests at The Grange Theatre, Hartford, Northwich by Mr. Chris Jackson, Regional Director of Northern. Seventy people watched by means of a live stream.
On presenting the awards, Mr. Jackson said:
"It is fantastic to be part of this celebration of volunteers and the local railway community, who through their incredible skills, passion and hard work, help to brighten up stations across the county. Our community partners are the heartbeat of the railway and we're extremely proud to work closely with them to deliver such a wide-ranging positive impact for the North of England."
On announcing the Awards, Alf Clark of Cheshire Best Kept Stations said:
"Tonight's Awards Evening is a celebration and a thank you for all the volunteers and community groups who do so much to brighten up or stations in Cheshire. You are all winners! - whether or not you pick up an award tonight, this is a big thank you to you all; a party for volunteers and for those who support & encourage you; rail industry, civic leaders and local authorities. You deserve it. We can celebrate something to be truly proud of at so many of our Cheshire stations. We have seen some truly excellent work from volunteers and staff at stations right across Cheshire."
Rose Hill Station won the TfGM Award
A welcoming, well cared for place that people can truly relax in and enjoy the wonderful gardens. To travel from a station such as this invites people to return again and again. The friendly staff are a boon and the friends' group have made great efforts to involve passengers, residents and visitors.
Rachel Singer, Chair of the Friends of Rose Hill Station, said:
"The Friends of Rose Hill Station are delighted to have received the TfGM awards at this year's ceremony. We greatly appreciate the support and encouragement from TfGM and from the CBKS team. Our group will continue to do all we can to make our station a friendly and welcoming place for the travelling public and our local community."
Romiley Station won the Community Rail Network Award for Community Engagement For community engagement during the lockdowns, the group expanded their well-established monthly newsletter to publicise not only themselves, but also the many groups and individuals providing help to those who needed it. It also entertained by including activities for all age groups, looked forward and provided practical help. The most popular of these was the monthly walk, and so an illustrated booklet of local walks was printed and published locally and at stations on the line. As a result, the group have a much greater awareness of what is going on in the community and have become more involved with local schools.
Angie Clark, Chair of Friends of Romiley Station said: "The Friends of Romiley Station are delighted to have received the Community Rail Network award this year. Engaging with our local community is at the heart of what we do and to be acknowledged for it is very satisfying. Thank you for all the hard work at CBKS."
Martin Clarke, Community Rail Network Support and Sustainability Manager, said: "Community Rail is all about communities coming together to make the most out of their local rail service. These awards show the passion and dedication of volunteers from communities across Cheshire, who work tirelessly to ensure their local station is a proud gateway to the local area. It was an inspiring evening; huge congratulations to all involved."
Heaton Chapel Station won the Art Project Award
The Friends Group worked with a local college and the Heritage Society to produce a large artwork to showcase the heritage of local transport modes including trains, cars and planes in their area. The result was a striking 20 foot long colourful mural visible to passengers on passing trains as well as those waiting on the platform.
Phil Rowbotham of Friends of Heaton Chapel Station said:
"The Friends of Heaton Chapel Station are delighted to receive the 2021 CBKS Art Project Award. We'd like to thank Damyon Garrity [FofHCS committee member] who undertook this artwork project in conjunction with Stockport College students, advising about the design of the winning 20-foot-long totem artwork and thanks also to the Heaton's Heritage Society, who advised on the local heritage connections of trains, cars and planes."
Woodsmoor Station won the Northern Most Improved Station Award
A first-time win for a station that looks well cared for with small planting boxes and art deco style artwork. The Group have made a good impression and their support for neighbouring groups, including the creation of impressive owl sculptures is commendable.
Andy Stobbie of Friends of Woodsmoor Station said:
"We were surprised and delighted to receive the award for Most Improved Station. It is a reward for the hard work put in by volunteers at Woodsmoor Station."
Southeast Manchester and Crewe to Manchester Community Rail Partnership Officers, Sarah Morgan and John Kenny, said: "After a challenging couple of years, it is fantastic to see the volunteers hard work, commitment and creativity recognised through the Cheshire Best Kept Station Awards. With 18 station groups working on projects in the Southeast Manchester area and 10 groups along with Crewe to Manchester line, these awards are a very important annual event in the community rail calendar. If anyone would like to know more about adopting a station, or joining one of the existing Station Friends groups, the Southeast Manchester Community Rail Partnership Officers can be contacted by email at communityrail@stockport.gov.uk or find out more at our website: www.semcorp.org.uk/"