AWARD-winning Friends of Goostrey Station is appealing for more support as it celebrates success in national and local competitions.
The group triumphed in the Photo and Video competition at the national awards ceremony of the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP) in Telford.
Monica and Peter Robson, accompanied by Mike and Aileen Jarvis, were there to receive the engraved trophy, a certificate and a cheque. The group thanked everyone who voted for its entry.
In the It's Your Station category the 32 nominated stations were split by the judges into bronze, silver, gold and platinum sections.
Goostrey Railway Station was placed in the gold group and received a certificate. While the group did not win, the achievement puts it in the top 10 of entries nationally.
The Community Rail Awards celebrate the important and often unsung work carried out by community rail partnerships and community groups.
Locally, FOGS has a Gold award from Wild about Goostrey.
The scheme is supported by Goostrey Parish Council and encourages residents to make habitat improvements which will increase biodiversity and wildlife connectivity.
FOGS vice-chairman Mike Jarvis said: “If we are to build on our success we need more people to come forward and help.
“Many of the current team are approaching, or over 80 years of age.”
The winning picture submitted by FOGS of volunteers Monica and Peter Robson taking a break during a working party
FOGS chairman Craig Sidebotham said: “New members must learn about our rail contacts because there is a complex structure to deal with.
“If no-one comes forward, in a few years Goostrey station could return to being a blot on the landscape.
“That would be a great pity, especially as we are nearing the point where the newly-renovated former ticket office will be re-opened.
“At that stage we will need to liaise with the franchise holders Northern to persuade them that the building should be available for community and learning projects for young and old.
“To ensure passengers continue to enjoy using Goostrey station our working parties continue on the second Sunday of each month, except in November when we meet on the third Sunday, starting at 10am.”
New volunteers are always welcome. For more information contact Mike Jarvis on 01477 533981 or visit the FOGS website.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here