On Wednesday 5th February, Friday 7th February and Monday 10th February reception and Year One classes along with their teachers and parent helpers from the Duke of Norfolk Primary school visited Glossop Station for a little tour of the historic features followed by a train trip from Glossop to Hadfield and back. Neil met the teachers at the school and then walked with them to the station. Despite some dreadful weather forecasts all 3 visits took place in good condtions! The classes involved were those of Ms Wall. Miss Sweatmore and Miss Harvey. Keith at the station kindly explained his job to the childen with skill, humour and patience and Dave and Steve at the Booking office patiently offered up the correct number of platform tickets! This year's agreed souvenir! The children are working on transport project and it was hoped that these tickets would add a degree of authenticity! Ms Walls' class seranaded everybody at the station with a rendition of the Glossop station song!! Neil would especially like to thankk Liz Marsden, a star TA from the school who explained, using her local knowledge and background the significance of some of the historical pictures.Outside Neil regaled the history of the iconic lion and bell linking the building of Glossop station  by a former  Duke of Norfolk to the name of the children's school! The children agreed that were the Duke to visit in current times the bell should be rung again! Neil would also like to thank Ms Wall for her flexibility in changing the train trip to Dinting and back when a signalling fault prevented the train from going to Hadfield. A bit of unexpected excitement! Keith and Michelle the guard to the rescue with information! Michelle's patience at Dinting as children exited carefully over the gap between platform edge and train was also much appreciated. On the other trips the children were able to admire the mosaic murals on the walls at Hadfield station created by local Hadfield pupils in a project involving Friends of Hadfield station led by Joy Hallsworth and Glossop Ceramic Artist, Adrian Holt. Miss Harvey's class as they left the train at Glossop were treated to a special blowing of the horn by the train driver in their honour! They loved this! It is hoped some pictures of our trips will appear in the FOGS' display board at the station along with an article on the visits in the Glossop Chronicle. Neil and the School would like to say huge thanks to Northern's THEO McLAUCHLAN  - Glossop Line Manager - for giving his permission for these visits to take place and for arranging the train travel. For many of the children it was their first time on a train. We hope they will come back for more!!

 On Thursday 13th February six members of FOGS were kindly invited to visit the Alstom Train Care Centre at Longsight, Manchester. The visit had come about from Neil congratulating Alstom in a letter on winning a deserved Silver Spanner award in the annual Modern Railways' Competition for their improved reliability of the popular Class 323 trains - the electric units used on the Glossop line. Taking part were Penny, Eric, Chris, John K, John LeG and Neil. Chris Mennie, Commercial Manager for Alstom, had kindly arranged the visit and FOGS' personnel were much looking forward to an insight into the world of maintenance! A presentation was given by Chris along with Pete - Alstom
and Jeff from Northern. The history of the class was given from its inception in the 90's, one of the first products of rail privatisation. Accidents that had befallen the 17 strong fleet over the years were described along with the steps taken to restore them to full use. Graphs showing the increase in reliability especially following the recent C6 overhauls were presented. A real tribute to the hard work and dedication of the Alstom team who have looked after them all their lives to date! Following a question and answer session - John LeG in his element here! - Chris and Pete took us on an outside tour to view a 323 underging a C4 Overhaul and to have the extensive track and depot layout explained ie where the Pendolinos came in..... It was strange to see such a quiet 323 not at a platform! Again there were lots of opportunities to ask questions which Chris and Pete answered with skill and good humour! We all gained huge insights as to how these trains are maintained on a daily basis. Also evident the passon and pride in Chris and Pete as they explained what went on at Alstom. The visit, a first for FOGS was a real privilege and we thank Alstom and Chris, in particular, for allowing us to visit.

 Following a recent article in Paul Salveson's entertaining Salvo newsletter Neil got in touch with FOGS' good friend John Yellowlees,Scotrail's External Relations' Manager to find out more about the intriguing Conversations' project on the Fife Circle line. 22 posters have been created faturing imaginary conversations taking place between former famous local figures/folk lore and people of today. The results are highly imaginative, often very amusing and the designs unique to each location. For example at Aberdour St Fillan from the 8th Century seeks help from a local looking for the Church! The colourful posters are a delight! It is hoped to have all the posters on display at Inverkeithing station. An attractive booklet featuring all the posters and conversations can be bought from Scotrail for £5.00. FOGS congratulate Margaret Sangster, Sheena Beery and John Yellowlees on this inspired project. If you are in the area seek them out!!

 A new cafe is proposed for the old booking office at Glossop Station. A lease has been agreed by Network Rail and Northern and work to renovate the site will begin shortly. Images of the design can be found by accessing High Peak Borough Council's Planning application website. The cafe is likely to open in