For many years, Barry Alston (far left) and Bill Macdonald (fourth from left) were enthusiastic, cherished members of the Friends of Goostrey Station (FoGS) volunteer group. The group are sad to report that both Bill and Barry passed away recently and their loss will be felt by the community.
Both men were always proactive helpers during the FoGS monthly action mornings and the results of their activities can be seen at Goostrey Station today.
Barry fitted extensions to the drainpipes on the station building to prevent water from running underneath. In 2013, he helped to clean the newly rediscovered keystone of the old railway bridge so it could be mounted on platform one.
Bill painted the surface and restored a station oil lamp, helping to create the pleasant seating area that is still used today. He enjoyed supervising visiting Cubs and Beavers as they swept leaves and planted bulbs. And, never one to shy away from a challenge, he created frames for ‘Goostrey Connections’, the two banners of Eamonn Murphy artwork on display at Goostrey Station.
He relocated an unused wooden seat for the benefit of passengers on platform two and took great pride in adding the latest award from the Cheshire Best Kept Station competition to the wall of the road bridge.
The group would like to bid farewell to their departed friends and share their appreciation for all their service: “Farewell Barry and Bill – and thank you for your support and for your friendship.”