Friends of Goostrey Station (FOGS) members have had their efforts recognised in a competition organised by the Association of Community Rail Partnerships, ACoRP. FOGS has been shortlisted in three categories, with the winner for all twelve categories being announced at a dinner in Telford on 3rd October. The three categories FOGS has been shortlisted for are:
- A photo or Film
- Most enhanced buildings and surroundings
- It's your station
For 'a photo or film', the judges chose 12 entries that in their opinion, best capture ‘community rail in action’. But the winner will be decided by public vote. FOGS members are sharing the link to the voting page so please support them. You have until 3 September. Their entry shows two of their volunteers taking a break during a working party to enjoy the pleasant seating area on the Manchester platform. This part of the station has been made more welcoming by tubs of flowering plants and railway memorabilia. Please vote for FOGS entry d) titled 'Enjoying a break during volunteer working party' here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CRA19-pvc
For 'most enhanced buildings and surroundings', FOGS submission comprised a brief summary and several photos plus a more detailed description under the headings Aims, What Happened and Results. There was much to write about - from gardening, sweeping, art displays, unique banners and conservation to the restoration of the water supply and the renovation of the iconic wooden building.
For 'It's your station', FOGS achieved enough points to be placed in the gold band but the winners of each band - bronze, silver, gold and platinum - will be revealed at the award ceremony. They sent photos plus a detailed description under the headings Gardening Achievement, Community Participation and Environmental Responsibility. Two judges also visited Goostrey station, arriving (appropriately) by train! FOGS members were proud to tell them about their achievements but the judges also wanted to know about the problems they faced and their plans for the future.
FOGS has been shortlisted in previous years. In 2017, it was for the Art Displays by Goostrey Community Primary School in the platform shelter. The year after, it was for Involving Diverse Groups of People in improving Goostrey station. Perhaps 2019 will be the year for Friends of Goostrey Station to win an ACoRP award!
To ensure that passengers are proud to use Goostrey station, FOGS working parties continue on the second Sunday of each month starting at 10am and always welcome new volunteers. For more information, please contact Mike Jarvis on 01477 533981 or look at the FOGS website at friendsofgoostreystation.org