We are delighted that FOGS’ Chris Strogen’s picture of the newly refurbished Dinting Arches with a Class 323 crossing, is featured in the November edition of Today’s Railways UK. Paul Abell, the Editor, has included it on Page 6 as part of his editorial on Franchising – a prominent position for the picture! The caption reads, “The excellent train service from Manchester to Glossop and Hadfield shows what Northern services are like at their best. 323 224 crosses the newly painted Dinting Viaduct as the 16.08 Glossop - Manchester Piccadilly on 26 August.” We thank Paul for his interest and support and congratulate Chris on his picture being featured in this respected national rail magazine. Neil has given a copy to Theo, our Line Manager, who was delighted with it and he has sent it on to Senior Northern Rail personnel.

On Sunday 27th October FOGS’ final gardening session of the 2013 season took place between 06.00 and 09.00 – John LeG, Eric, Pete, Chris and Neil all benefiting from the extra hour of the clocks going back! Despite adverse weather forecast conditions were mild and dry. An extensive weeding of the area took place along with bulb planting. Bunty provided some welcome teas half way through the session! The garden continues to flourish and the primulas are again in flower providing an extensive splash of Autumn colour! The garden continues to attract a steady stream of compliments passed via the station staff to FOGS and directly to the volunteers themselves. It is very pleasing that the garden is appreciated by locals and visitors alike. A shared sense of pride! FOGS would like to thank Mike Franklin of Network Rail for the granting of the safety licence to permit the work and Russell Pike for overseeing it with good humour and interest.

On Friday 11th October Bunty and Neil planted up the two winter baskets for outside the station entrance. These were first trialled earlier this year and endured some difficult weather conditions particularly during the cold dry spells of March and April. The baskets spent the summer in Neil’s garden where remarkably many of the plants, especially the ivies, revived. New plants have been added and with the help of Jeff from Friends of Hadfield Station the baskets now adorn the front of the station again. Bunty and Neil will keep an eye on them and change/alter the composition should this be necessary!

FOGS would like to thank High Peak Council for providing what turned out to be a spectacular summer basket – it was a real spectacle! And the assiduous watering by parks’ staff during the very hot spells. Thanks in particular go to High Peak Councillor, Jean Wharmby for arranging us to have this basket.

FOGS welcomes Eira Williams and her work to our Station Gallery. Following Liz Armstrong’s successful summer exhibition Eira, a Hadfield based artist, has seven landscape paintings on display.

From early childhood Eira was encouraged to paint by a neighbour who was a professional artist. She painted large landscapes on her bedroom walls and scenery for local theatrical productions. Eira even took off a bedroom door so the painting could be entered into an art competition!

Eira studied at Manchester University and worked in Finance. She has spent time in France which gave her new opportunities to paint. In recent years a local art group in Hadfield and Glossop Art Society have helped renew Eira’s commitment to paint. She uses water colours, acrylics, charcoals and her favourite medium is oils. Eira likes her local landscapes and “ Padfield from Bottoms’ Reservoir” won her the People’s Favourite Award in Hadfield’s 2013 Art Show. During the last two years Eira has exhibited in the Stockport Contemporary Art Exhibition.

Click here to view more of Eira’s work or email her to purchase any of the paintings displayed at the station.

FOGS would like to thank Northern Rail for their support of the Station Gallery and John Kimpton for his effective showcase of Eira’s work.

If you are an artist interested in displaying work in The Station Gallery please email FOGS or leave your contact details at Glossop Station.

On Friday 27th September Neil made the trip to Llandudno on behalf of FOGS for this year’s ACoRP awards. Beautiful weather showcased North Wales at its best and, as a proud Welshman, Neil was pleased at the impact it had on the many visitors. Steve Magner, from TfGM, paying his first visit commented favourably on Llandudno’s Victorian elegance. Held in Venue Cymru the event was musically enhanced by Cor Meibion Llanwrst who performed as guests entered the hall for the drinks reception and again as guests entered for the meal. As always Hazel and Dawn had worked really hard to create a stunning visual spectacle inside. Neil Buxton welcomed everyone, attempting some Welsh too! and there was an address by Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas.

Although FOGS had not entered any categories this year the event was an ideal opportunity to see what had been happening around the UK in terms of Community Rail. And a lot had been going on! The meal was lovely and on Neil’s table were representatives from Skegness, Patricoft, Hindley, Dronfield, Derwent Valley CRP and Heaton Chapel and, on the next table nearby, were our friends from Whaley Bridge plus Pam Williams, Buxton line Manager and Stephen Sharp the Booking officer at Whaley Bridge. Awards were well spread across the UK. Northern had good results from Bentham, Huncoat and the Mid Cheshire line. Well done to Sally Buttifant for her Mid Cheshire Walks’ booklets. Special congratulations from FOGS to Gerald Townson, placed 1st in the Outstanding Volunteer section. Neil had met Gerald earlier in the year at a DfT meeting in London and had been very impressed by Gerald’s humour and commitment to work at Bentham – on the Morecambe to Leeds line. Well done too to Sylvia from Leighton Buzzard for her 2nd Place photo award. Sylvia is an inspiration for her work at Leighton Buzzard!

Despite having an entry relating to their splendidly restored  waiting room Whaley Bridge did not unfortunately receive a placing  - Frodsham taking first place in this section. However, Stephen from Whaley Bridge Booking office deservedly got a 3rd place in the Passengers Matter section. The evening offered lots of opportunities for Neil to catch up with rail friends from around the UK. He was especially pleased to have a couple of conversations with Alex Hynes, Northern’s new MD. Neil was also able to thank Don Jary and Lee Wasnidge for an excellent Stakeholder event at Bury two weeks previously. Neil was pleased to see Mark Barker at the dinner too!

Mark had retired earlier this year from Northern but, at Lee’s behest, has returned to work two days a week for Northern. We welcome Mark back! Neil was able to have a good chat with John Yellowlees First ScotRail’s Community Director. John kindly described Glossop to his guests from Largs as the Wemyss Bay station in Derbyshire!

Mike Franklin from Network Rail was present and Neil thanked him for his ongoing commitment to FOGS’ work on the Station Embankment garden. With an ironic sense of timing the next session was due on the Sunday of this weekend necessitating Neil’s departure on Saturday for his once a month 06.00 works’ date at Glossop station! The overall winner of the Community Rail strategy for 2013 was Abellio one of Northern’s parent companies. An excellent evening and we thank ACoRP for highlighting and rewarding the efforts made by so many people at their stations around the UK.

On Saturday a special train, known affectionately as “The Gerald”, left Llandudno for the Conwy Valley and Blaenau Ffestiniog. The train Arriva Trains Wales’ pride and joy – normally the Class 67 loco hauled service Holyhead to Cardiff Mondays/Fridays - made a splendid sight as it left Llandudno station with its many guests! Look out for Paul Bigland’s photos in the rail press!