We are pleased to announce that our Christmas Gala event will be held on Saturday 3rd December between 11am and 1pm. Star guest, of course, will be Father Christmas arriving on the 11.47 train from Lapland!! There will be a free gift for every child present and an opportunity for children and their parents to meet Santa in the station waiting room.
  Switching on the Christmas Tree Lights at around 11.20 is our guest from Northern, Liam Sumpter Regional Director Central.
  Creating seasonal music for the event will be popular group SPINDRIFT again making a welcome return to the station!
   As in previous years children will have a chance to make decorations  (templates kindly supplied by Simon Denvers) for the Christmas tree and to take home, with expert help on hand from Andrea Strogen and her team.  We hope too to have a model railway on display. Refreshments can be obtained in TWIG cafe on the station. A Christmas Raffle with a first prize of a Northern Day Out will be held.
    So a FOGS' warm welcome awaits whether you are a returning guests or  first time ones!!
    We would like to say a big thank you to Northern for its help with this event - to Theo McLauchlan for helping with arrangements and to Matt Worman, Client and Stakeholder Manager, for invaluable assistance with publicity and organisation.
    Decorating the station for Christmas begins this week so come and sample the festive atmosphere at our Gala!!

 Today a small event was held at Glossop Station to mark FOGS' tenth anniversary. Coffee was provided by Twig Cafe and cake by FOGS' stalwarts Bunty Gibson and Jacqueline Horne! The station was adorned with historical displays of past events including the famous football train of 2009 and the Tour de France. Principal guests were The Mayor and Mayoress of High Peak, Councillors George and Jean Wharmby. The idea was to bring together people who have helped and supported FOGS over the years. Neil Williams as Chair thanked guests for attending many of whom were from other station friends groups including Buxton, Whaley Bridge, The Hope Valley, Broadbottom, Hattersley, Hadfield, New Mills. Marple, Rose Hill and travelling a long distance, Gerald Townson from Bentham in Yorkshire! Paul representing the Brigg line was also warmly received. Neil outlined the vision of Linda Newman local Glossop resident, original founder of FOGS in 2006 whose determination and drive got the group off to such a flying start! Neil stressed that many of the group's successful projects had been achieved working in partnership with others and he thanked Northern, Network Rail and The High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership for ongoing support and commitment. Andy Griffin from Network Rail was thanked for devising the safety licence which permitted the creation of the popular Embankment Garden. Andrew Walker was thanked from the partnership for his kindnesses and sterling efforts with communication and station improvements! Malcolm Wood Company Secretary from The Railway Heritage Trust was thanked for his passionate commitment to historic renovation of stations and his help with projects the most recent being the installation of the vintage lights. Malcolm had left Oxfordshire before 6am to be at the station today!!
  Also making welcome returns to the station were Mark Barker Northern's original Client and Stakeholder Manager and Paul Spencer Service Delivery Manager for Northern. Both gentlemen have been instrumental in their support of FOGS over the years. On hand to answer many historical questions relating to displays was Mike Brown of Glossop Heritage Trust whose photographs aroused a lot of interest!
  Creating a colourful splash were the attractive new leaflets and posters - and a new mobile banner- marking the anniversary - created by Paul Marsh who happily, was able to stay throughout the event along with his wife Hilary.
   Present too were Joan Swindells the daughter of the late and much missed Jimmy Melia and Pat from Decor 8 - Pat has been a staunch supporter of FOGS' work coming from a local railway family! Representing Glossop Gardeners were Ian Simpson, Chair and Sue Astles who, along with Chris Harris,  have given much support to FOGS. Unable to be present but sending good wishes were Mark Eastwood Line Manager in 2006, Linda Newman, Damien Greenhalgh, Rosie from Glossop Garden Centre, Brian Barnsley from ACoRP, David Mansell, Mike Bishop,Steve Forde from SEMCORP, Geoff and Sue Mitchell from Mytholmroyd and Matt Worman, Client and Stakeholder Manager Arriva Rail North.
    Neil concluded his speech with special thanks for Theo McLauchlan Glossop Line Manager for Northern. Neil praised Theo's commitment, his good humour, practical advice and the trust shown to the group. We are fortunate to have a Manager like Theo!
     The event concluded with the Mayor rededicating a plaque he had launched but which had subsequently been  relocated marking the restoration of the waiting rooms and new ticket office in 2011. He quipped," It's not often I get to do the same job twice!!"
         FOGS would like to thank all those who have sent in messages of good will and congratulations in recent weeks. The group remains committed to enhancing the qualities of our lovely historic station alongside the promotion of the Glossop Line as an excellent way to travel!