We are extremely concerned to learn that the popular Class 323 electric units which provide rail services on the Glossop, Macclesfield/Stoke, Alderley Edge/Crewe routes are not to be offered to the new franchisee of Northern from April 2016. These units have provided the mainstay of services for the last 20 years on these routes. It is envisaged they will move to the Birmingham area where London Midland use the rest of the Class 323 fleet.
What is intended to replace them is unclear. Using the former Thameslink Class 319 electric units ( now in the Manchester area on the newly electrified Manchester Liverpool routes) would face problems in maintaining current schedules on the Glossop route because of its rising gradient. Despite a recent extensive refurbishment by Northern they are older trains than the 323 units and they do not possess regenerative braking.They are also 4 coach trains and would be too long for some stations on the Glossop route.
We are currently working with the High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership to argue the case for the Class 323's being retained in the Manchester area and in particular on the Glossop line. We hope those of you concerned about the possible loss of these trains will also contact the Department for Transport to urge they be retained.

On Wednesday 19th August County Councillor Damien Greenhalgh Chair of High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership formally unveiled the new Glossop Points of Interest/Tourist Information Board at Glossop Station. Commissioned by the Partnership following the closure of Glossop's Tourist Office the project has evolved over three years. (see photos of the event)
The text has been created by Neil Williams and Penny Greenwood of FOGS working in conjunction with Val Sissons Senior Graphics Officer at Derbyshire County Council.
Neil thanked Val for her evocative illustrations of many of Glossop's iconic buildings with a card and plant and Andrew Walker of the Partnership for funding/supporting the project. He also thanked Penny Greenwood for help with proof reading and Mike Brown of Glossop Historical Trust for help with photos and research. As always Theo McLauchlan Northern's Glossop Line Manager was thanked for his ongoing support and for permission to display the board! The board was put in place by FOGS' Eric Pass and John Kimpton.
With increasing requests for tourist information at the station from both locals and visitors it is hoped that the new board will help in the provision of this. Damien and Andrew are now keen to explore the creation of a What to Do in Glossop Leaflet and we would welcome those interested in being involved in a leaflet like this to get in touch with us.
Neil would also like to thank Mel from Sandra's Florists on Henry Street for her kind help in creating an attractive blue silk bow for the opening!!

At 11.00 on Wednesday 19th August a new Glossop Points of Interest Display Board is to be formally unveiled at Glossop station by Derbyshire County Councillor Damien Greenhalgh. The project to create the board has taken 3 years and is a joint venture between FOGS and The High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership. We hope it will contribute to the provision  of tourist information for visitors and locals. Also attending is Val Sissons from Derbyshire County Council who has designed the board with wonderful drawings of some of Glossop's iconic buildings! Anybody wishing to join us at the unveiling is most welcome!

On Friday 7th August Hadfield station celebrated its 170th anniversary with a plaque unveiling by Bob, station employee for over 30 years! The event organised by Friends of Hadfield Station Chair Joy Hallsworth, was blessed with fine sunshine which showed the station off to advantage! Joy had been busy with bunting and the flower tubs looked splendid. Also looking colourful and attractive was the embankment garden on the approach to the station.
Guests include Paul Spencer representing Northern, Andrew Walker from the High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership, Keith who now works at the Station along with Bob, Babs from Friends of Hattersley, members of FOGS and High Peak Borough Councillors Jean and George Wharmby. Also attending Paul Abell, Editor of Today's Railways UK. Paul is a regular user of Hadfield station and he featured the staff a couple of years ago in a editorial in which he praised them. Joy gave a speech of welcome followed by Bob unveiling the plaque made by Glossop's Simon Denvers. Its wording also acknowledged the opening of the Woodhead route. Afterwards guests which included a number of local people, made their way to Hadfield Hall where Joy and her team had laid on refreshments. We thank Joy for her hospitality and congratulate Hadfield on this landmark!

We are delighted to announce that Bunty Gibson has been shortlisted in 2015 ACoRP Awards in the Outstanding Volunteer category. As anyone who knows Bunty this shortlisting is thoroughly deserved! Bunty is responsible for the flower boxes and baskets at Glossop station which are changed and added to seasonally. Along with other FOGS' personnel Bunty is a regular at the Sunday morning cleaning sessions. Her particular pride and joy is the disabled toilet which is kept in immaculate condition!!
We wish Bunty every success in the Awards which, this year, are to be held in Torquay on Thursday 1st October.