Friends of Goostrey Station (FoGS) are celebrating again! The group picked up their eleventh gong at the recent Cheshire Best Kept Stations (CBKS) awards: the Avanti Sustainability Award 2025. The prize totem will be mounted alongside the other ten on platform one.
When entering the awards, FoGS had to identify the three areas that are essential to keeping their station sustainable. These are finance, environment and people.
To finance projects, the FoGS apply for grants and receive donations, but rely heavily on volunteers freely donating their time and skills.
The environment around the station is another key area. FoGS are improving the biodiversity of the surrounding environment by introducing a variety of plant species plus bug hotels and boxes for birds and bats. Wildlife is regularly mapped using Geographical Information Systems to ensure any changes can be monitored.
Ultimately, FoGS feel people are the key to their success. Professional artist Debbie Goldsmith paints and makes rugs at Goostrey Art Studio, in the restored station building. She also organises creative workshops in Goostrey and further afield.
FoGS members work with other village groups, increasing social cohesion. For example, Rainbows, Beavers and Cubs hold their meetings at the station, while Goostrey Primary School pupils exhibit their artwork in a platform shelter. Also, members of Goostrey Parish Archive have been working with FoGS to help them understand the history of our local railway.
If you’re interested in getting involved with this award-winning group, find out more on their website About — FRIENDS OF GOOSTREY STATION or call Craig Sidebotham on 01477 544111.