Friends of Goostrey Station Celebrated in Parliament!

This month there was another surprise for Friends of Goostrey Station!  Their work has been celebrated in parliament! Vice Chair of FoGS Mike Jarvis received a letter of congratulation from our MP Fiona Bruce which reads:

I am writing to let you and all your fellow volunteers with Friends of Goostrey Station know that I have tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) commending work in Parliament.   EDMs are a way for MPs to raise awareness and commend local organisations and volunteers publicly in Parliament for the work they do.  This is one of the first times in around 9 years as an MP that I have use an EDM in this way.  I am, and continue to be, impressed by the dedicated work you do.  Your organisation is an invaluable asset to Goostrey.

Goostrey Rail Station Staff 1891

Goostrey Station and staff when it opened in 1891 with a building on both platforms

Celebrating again - a reward for enthusiasm and commitment!

Members of FoGS celebrating a fourth success in the Cheshire Best Kept Station competition

restored ticket office 2019

The restored Victorian, modular, wooden station building at Goostrey

This Early Day Motion was tabled on Thursday 30th October 2019:

That this house commends the effective restoration work of Friends of Goostrey Station (FoGS) in transforming Goostrey Station including engaging the support of the Railway Heritage Trust and the securing of significant funds to facilitate the restoration of the historic station building, one of the last remaining Victorian, wooden, modular buildings complete with canopy in the country;  congratulates the attainment by FoGS of a number of awards including from the National Association of Community Rail Partnerships and four Cheshire Best Kept Station awards;  and commends the involvement of enthusiastic and dedicated local volunteers, Goostrey Parish Council, Goostrey Primary School, Cubs, Beavers, Brownies, Guides and young people working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Chair of FoGS Craig Sidebotham commented ‘It’s a huge surprise to receive this recognition.  Thanks to everyone for their support.’  But Mike Jarvis added that ‘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.’  To ensure that passengers continue to enjoy using Goostrey station, our working parties continue on the second Sunday of each month starting at 10am. New volunteers are always welcome.  For more information, please contact Mike Jarvis on 01477 533981 or look at the FOGS website.