Friends of Brinnington Station winning Northern Rail sponsored 'Best Staffed Station' Award
Special guest Professor Paul Salveson
March 2024
Cheshire's Best Kept Stations
21st Birthday Awards
We were delighted to be invited to the 21st Birthday of Cheshire’s Best Kept Stations (CBKS) on 12th March as it is unique, and therefore a pioneer, among the English counties to have such an awards system for voluntary groups that contribute so much towards the environment of railway stations and their surroundings.
We were surprised to recognize scriptwriter Sir Phil Redmond in attendance, who seemed to enjoy the proceedings in company with his wife, Alexis, Lady Redmond, the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire.
Special guest Professor Paul Salveson said he was appreciative of the fact that the awards included the ‘old’ Cheshire county (including Reddish) before the inauguration of the County of Greater Manchester, and hoped that his home county of Lancashire could follow suit in the not-to-distant future.
Mark Barker announced the awards as ever, and we were pleased to see a number of Stockport recipients.
It was particularly gratifying to see a recently formed Friends group from Brinnington do so well as the ‘Northern Best Staffed Station’, improving a neglected and vandalized site, with staff on the station introducing a ‘swopshop’ for residents in recognition of the straightened times we live in.
The King’s Coronation Award went to Romiley Station, and the In Bloom Award went to Rose Hill Station in Marple.
The TfGM Award seems to belong to Heaton Chapel Station as they won it again this year!
A commemorative booklet had been written in celebration of the 21st Anniversary which includes a feature about the Friends of Reddish South Station.
January/February 2024
Oh dear! many apologies for such a belated news piece!
Although generally January is a quiet month, your editor has been running to stay in the same place!!
We are making tentative plans for the 175th Anniversary of the 'our' line this year and we are hoping we can involve one or two of our readers.
Are there any artists out there, professional or amateur who love trains and would like a commission to paint one of the train engines that has graced the line since it's opening in 1849? Please email Kim at forss1@ntlworld or via the 'contact us' page on this website for details if you're interested. If you are a professional please bear in mind we are a Community Group!!
We would also be interested in any photographs or memories you may have of the station so we can publish them on this website to commemorate this anniversary; so please let us know, especially if you have moved out of the area and remember the station when it was rather more active than it is now!.
One of our favourite pictures of the station circa 1967
An iconic picture of the station taken from Reddish Road with a passing tram (late 1940s)
'An Evening of Tai Chi'(photo Dot Ashworth)
Dot & Dave's Golden Days
Many Congratulations to Committee Members Dot & Dave who celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in October.
It was a time for them to see relatives and friends from all over the country, some not seen for a few years.
A great time was had by all, including the youngsters who got a mobile gaming bus to play in.
Dot and Dave said they had a wonderful time and were overwhelmed with lovely gifts (they are slowly working their way through the lovely afternoon teas and the bottles of fizz!)
Here's to the next 50 glorious years!
December 2023
Newsletter highlights
Apologies for the late updates - don't know where this month has gone!
Latest news: we have been shortlisted in 2 categories for the Community Rail Network Awards; a photograph of Tai Chi on the station (winner by public vote) and for a silver award for 'It's Your Station' which means we should at least be awarded a bronze at the awards dinner in March next year.
We would really appreciate your vote for the photo even though there are a lot of photos with really cute kids on!
Go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CRA2024 to cast your vote. Thank you!
Dot & Dave cut the cake for their 50th Wedding Anniversary
Looking Forward to 2024..............
2024 is an exciting year for the Reddish South & Denton line celebrating 175 years since it was built., and the station coming later (about 1859, we think) We hope to celebrate with a new art project with, hopefully, some local artists—so watch this space.
Research so far seems to indicate the actual starting date as 1st August so we will be announcing plans for around that time.
It just remains to wish you all once again an enjoyable Christmas and Happy New Year.
November 2023
Newsletter highlights
The Vernon Building Society funding awards
The Friends were delighted when the Vernon Building Society contacted our Dot to inform her that we had been successful in the annual funding awards for local community groups and charities.
We were awarded £200 which we plan to spend on updating our banners, which are now looking rather dated.
Lyndsy, the branch manager is pictured here presenting the award to Treasurer Dot.
We thank the Vernon very much for this welcome addition to our funds. The Vernon have been long-time supporters of the Friends.
From L to R: Friends Dave, Dot, Alan , Noel, MP Navendu Mishra, Lyndsy from the Vernon, Friends Tom & Keith
FORSS Fantasy Football League
Manager of the season 2022/3
The winner of the FFL FORSS league for 2022/23 is Pete Holmes.
Pete, who has been in the league since the start, has always been in the top 5, but this is the first time since we introduced a trophy (it is an actual cup, but we are a voluntary group!!)
Pete was surprised and delighted to receive the cup and has placed it in pride of place with trophies from his other great love, golf.
We met with him and his lovely wife Janet for lunch and the presentation.
When asked about the secret of his success, Pete, with typical modesty, said that it was a really lucky run in the last 10 games or so that won his team the league.
He is hoping to emulate his success this season, but feels that with such strong competition this year he may not manage it!
MP visits Reddish South Station
The Friends were visited by Stockport MP Navendu Mishra (Nav) in September who wished to meet the group and see the station.
At the next election the parliamentary boundaries are changing, which means Reddish will be, sadly, losing Andrew Gwynne who has been our biggest supporter and campaigner since we started out. However, he is the Friends’ President and will still be representing Denton.
Should Nav be re-elected he will be the new Reddish MP so he wanted to see the group as he had spoken to Andrew about the work of the campaign.
We had a very pleasant visit and Nav has pledged to carry on working for the campaign in the future.
Pictured above: Pete being presented with the trophy by FFL co-ordinator, Alan
Below: Pete, Janet & Alan
Pictured L to R:
Cllr Dave Wilson, Friends Mildred, Paula, Jake,
Mayor Cllr Graham Greenhagh and Mayoress, Friends Dot, Tom, Terry, Cyril, Friend of Handforth Ian Ball,
front row: Friends Keith, Dave and Christine
The RHS 'It's Your Neighbourhood' awards
The Friends entered, for the first time this year, the 'It's Your Neighbourhood' section of the annual Royal Horticultural Society North West in Bloom awards. The presentations were held on 17th October 2023.
The station platform garden had been visited in July by RHS Judge David Bielewski, who said at the time he thought the planting was good and very appropriate for the station. He also asked us about the history and how we became involved with the station, and the campaign to reintroduce regular rail passenger services to the line.
We were invited to the awards ceremony which took place at Bolton Football Stadium Premier Suite, where we enjoyed lunch and the chance to meet other groups.
To our utter astonishment and delight the group were awarded 'Level 5 - Outstanding' at their first attempt. The awards was presented by Jason the Cloud Gardener.
As Judge David said afterwards, all we have to do now is 'Keep it up'!
We have to thank Committee member Noel Henry who planned and oversaw the planting scheme as without him this couldn't have happened!
October 2023
The Macmillan Cancer Support 'Biggest Coffee Morning in the World'
The Macmillan Coffee Morning was a tremendous success. We made £315.
Thanks to all who made cakes for our event - which were delicious, and to new Friend Linda who not only baked, but served for a good part of the morning.
The star of the mornimg was Friend Terry Rourke, who, by gentle persuasion managed to make £129 from the raffle alone. Thanks Terry - brilliant as ever!
Thanks also to everyone who came and supported us. We had members of the Friends of Handforth Station, Romiley Station, as well as local Councillors and the Mayor & Mayoress of Stockport who lent a bit of glamour to the proceedings!
Pictured L to R:
Chairman Tom, Membership Secretary Alan, Treasurer Dot with Jason, The Cloud Gardener
September 2023:
It's Macmillan Coffee Morning month!
Please come if you can - donations also welcome.
email forss1@ntlworld.com for details on how you can donate by cheque or BACS.
We'd love to see you on:
Saturday 30th September
10am - 12noon
Reddish South Station platform, Reddish Road, SK5 7AA
GRAND RAFFLE -
Beautiful Hand-crafted Child(or adult's) Christmas Stocking
Houses of Parliament Whisky
Prosecco
tickets £1 for 5 - email forss1@ntlworld.com for details if you would like to purchase
Christmas Stocking grand prize
pictured above:
Dot, Luke, Pete Waterman & Jake
August 2023
Earlier this week (15th) Friends Dot, Dave, Luke & Jake visited the Model Railway Exhibition at Chester Cathedral held by Pete Waterman, and showing his collection.
The event was packed with interested railway enthusiasts and Pete was very welcoming. He was very happy to pose for this picture (taken by Dave).
The event was very interesting and they all had a very fun, informative day. There was lots of filming going on of the vast model train layout.
Jake pictured near some of the extensive rail layout
July/August 2023
Retrorail came up trumps again in May with the choice of 3 locations on their day excursion.
It was a long day (at the station for 6.15am) but it was already light and people were looking forward to the day.
We hit a small problem near Cheltenham, with a dragging brake causing a wheel bearing to overheat which held us up on the way there by about 45 minutes, but it was fixable much to our relief!
The passengers also had to suffer the buffet car running out of beer—new supplies chased us down to Paignton in time for the trip back.
We had entertainment from Ged, Phil and Penny on the way there and back, which always makes for a good journey.
19 FORSS members made the journey with us this time, but more were waiting at the station for the day out.
It was a happy accident that the trip coincided with Rail Community Week– making it our contribution to the event!
Our entertainment - Ged , Penny & Phil
Pictured above: Friends Alan, Dave, Paul Salveson, Friends Tom & Dot at Kents Bank.
The Friends at Reddfest
Reddfest (our local Reddish arts/crafts/musical festival) was held on 8th July after a gap of three years (due to COVID). Worker Bee Markets were asked to run the event this year and made it a brilliant occasion. Clare, who was the driving force behind the organization, was instrumental in its success.
FORSS shared a stall with Centre Stage, a drama group for young people, and the Vernon Building Society’s charity for this year. We held a tombola, sold cake, and spread the word about both our groups.
Despite a downpour, it was a successful event.
Above, members of the Centre Stage Drama Group entertaining at Reddfest
Tai Chi on the Station Platform
Once again, on Polling Day, the platform was the venue for a Tai Chi session.
Friends Dot & Dave report:'Our regular Tai Chi class is held in the Bairstow Club on Thursday evenings. Due to the centre being used as a polling station, we, as last year, went down to the station platform for our class.
It was a showery chilly evening so hats and coats were on. In the hour we were there three trains passed through the station and the obligatory wave was given to the driver and then a toot back!
It’s a big thank you to our teachers Jan and Ian. If you would like to join our class they can be found on www.jiantaiji.co.uk'
Retrorail Tour Class 50 Locomotive 50008 ’Hoover’ (photo courtesy Niki Abnett)
Steam loco, the former GWR 2-6-2T 4555 on the Paignton & Dartmouth steam railway
Kents Bank Station Friends hold Rail Event
Speaking of Community Rail Week, the FORSS committee visited Kents Bank Station near Grange-over -Sands for their event. Rail & all things Lancashire legend, Paul Salveson, has recently moved to the Station House, realising a long-held ambition and is an active part of Kents Bank & Foreshore Rail Friends group. There were stalls, a Jazz Band and a tombola. The station itself is a picture!
pictured above: Friend Sue, Mayor Cllr Graham Greenhalgh and Mayoress Carol, Cllr & Friend Dave Wilson & Friend Dot
Pictured:
Friend Dot, Vernon Bear & Tanya from Centre Stage
Tai Chi in progress on the platform.
June 2023
The Retrorail Tour, as ever, did not disappoint when we visited Exeter, Newquay & Paignton in May. More of the story & more pictures in the upcoming newsletter. (picture, Friend Sue Chapman)
We were treated to a fly past, by a Lancaster Bomber, over Stockport and Woodford to mark the 80 year anniversary of the Dambusters operation during the war. People were out in force all over the town to see and photograph the event - an emotional one too, bringing a tear to the eye of many of the onlookers.
Redfest is here!
The annual festival marking all art, creativity and community in Reddish is back after a COVID induced absence. The Friends will be sharing a stall this year with Centre Stage (our Dot is Treasurer for both Community Groups). We would be grateful for any donations for raffle prizes.
April/May 2023
Well! After a quiet couple of months we have had a busy time as you will see from the selected contents of our latest newsletter.
The Cheshire’s Best Kept Station Awards (CBKS) took place in March of this year. Unfortunately we were unable to be there due to Covid.
FORSS were presented with the John Hobbs Award, not given every year, in honour of Mr Hobbs whose life’s work in Community Rail was given to campaigning for restoration of services to disused lines
We were delighted to receive such an honour after a year of canvassing and campaigning for the Restoring Your Railways government scheme for regular rail passenger services from Stockport to Manchester Victoria via Reddish South & Denton stations. The citation from Mark Barker included the years we had worked on our campaign and the events and refurbishment of the station platform and its environs.
As we were unable to attend, The Mayor of Stockport collected the award on our behalf, and presented it to us at the station on Cheshire Day. I bucketed down all day except for a 5 minute window where we were able to nip out and take some picutres.
Pictured above, AGM attendees with President Andrew Gwynne (front row third from the left)
Dot cuts the ribbon at our local Building Society's re-opening
The Vernon Building Society (born in Stockport) in Houldsworth Square was officially reopened on 22nd March 2023 with a celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony, after undergoing a complete refurbishment.
The ribbon was cut by our Dot Ashworth, in her role as Treasurer and Wardrobe Mistress of the Centre Stage Theatre Company, who has been named as the Branch's chosen Charity for the next 12 months.
Dot, with her other hat on as Treasurer of the Friends of Reddish South Station expressed her thanks to the staff for the funding that FORSS has benefitted from over the last 15 years which has also enabled them to implement art and craft projects with children and young people, helping to refurbish the station platform.
Pictured above Cllr John Taylor with Kim
Pictured from left:
Mark Barker (CBKS), Mayoress Jeanette Slavinski, Mayor Cllr David Wilson & Brian Barnsley of the Community Rail Partnership
Pictured above
FORSS Chair Tom Grundy, Mayor David Wilson & FORSS Treasurer, Dot Ashworth being presented with the award
FORSS AGM
The AGM took place on 11th April and was attended by Andrew Gwynne MP for the first tiime as President of FORSS and the Friends of Reddish South & Denton Stations Campaign Group (FORSADS). See the campaign page for the latest news on the Restoring Your Railways bid.
We are also sorry to announce that membership subscriptions will have to increase due to increases in stationary etc.. but not until 2024. Adult £5, Family £8 Life member £28. Children under 18 can still join without charge.
Dot cutting the ribbon watched by Vernon CEO Steve Fletcher
FORSS secretary Kim receives
Coronation award
The Stockport Mayor’s Awards were made this year in honour of the Coronation of King Charles III. Twenty awards were presented by the Mayor, Cllr Dave Wilson at an event at the Town Hall on 13th April.
Kim was nominated by Cllr John Taylor for her work with FORSS, but his citation (as with many others nominated) also recognized the work of the Friends.
Kim, as regular readers will know, doesn’t make many personal appearances but was told in no uncertain terms she had better put herself on the website!
Kim says: “I am delighted to accept the award on behalf of the FORSS committee– I could not do what I do if they were not so very good at what they do!
Thank you John for nominating me—it did give me a tremendous surprise!”