This morning Pete and Neil on behalf of the group welcomed Ruth George MP for High Peak to the station for a pre - arranged tour. It was Ruth's first visit to the inside of the station! We were able to show her various projects with which we have been involved such as the vintage lantern style lights and recent display and information boards. Ruth showed an engaging and empathetic interest in our work as we toured the station. She took time to meet the gating staff and had a chat with Dave at the booking office about his work. The visit also allowed Pete and Neil to discuss current issues including the case for CCTV at Dinting station and the possible impact on the current timetable if planned changes take place to the type of trains currently providing the service on the Glossop Line. We have promised to supply further information to Ruth on this issue.
Neil also explained the work of WICR -Women in Community Rail - to Ruth  and its championing of more women in the rail industry. Penny, in FOGS, is a keen and active member of WICR and we are keen to promote its work and aims. Neil also praised the work of Andrew Walker and The High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership as being an excellent local working forum for the Buxton, Glossop and Hope Valley Lines.
Ruth was also interested in the commemorative display on the Lowestoft Evacuation and Neil explained the background to the story.
Before leaving the station Ruth took time to visit the warm and welcoming environment of TWIG cafe where she spoke to staff and admired the Christmas decorations.
We thank Ruth very much for finding the time in her busy schedule to visit us. Neil gave her, on leaving, a copy of the 2018 ACoRP Awards' booklet in which our recent awards are highlighted. Ruth had kindly commended us on gaining these. It was overall a most pleasant visit!

In dry and clear conditions our long planned Armistice event took place at Guide Bridge, Hattersley, Glossop and Hadfield stations. Organised and coordinated by the Friends groups at each of the four stations, the event drew much public support and goodwill. Linking each station's events were three soldiers in First World War uniforms who gave the event authenticity and gravitas.
At Guide Bridge much of the garden and adjoining fencing was bedecked in locally made knitted poppies. An olive tree was planted to commemorate Armistice. Andy and Barry's efforts, along with their team, got the event off to a flying start!
At Hattersley Babs had on display some of the many commemorative painted pebbles created by local schoolchildren. These will be cemented in during the near future along with a permanent art display.
At Glossop over 100 people listened to the period tunes played by students from Chetham's School of Music. The quality of the music was excellent deservedly receiving much applause. John LeGrove directed the students playing his own arrangements whichincluded stalwart favourites, Roses of Picardy and It's a Long Way to Tipperary. Our thanks to the students and John.
Thanks also to Mike, staff and customers at adjoining TWIG cafe for their forbearance when entering and leaving the cafe during this busy period.
Events culminated at Hadfield station where photos were taken on the platform before the guests assembled at the nearby Cenotaph. Four local children in locally produced themed tabards handed out commemorative leaflets. Joy addressed those gathered with appropriate thoughts on war and hopes for peace. This was followed by Paul and Neil reading three poems The Soldier; In Flanders Fields and For The Fallen. Neil invited everyone to join in the famous lines beginning They shall not grow old . . . we will remember them as a respectful conclusion to the event.
Light refreshments prepared by Joy and team were then taken in a warm and welcoming Hadfield Hall!
The Four Friends groups would like to thank the following: the three soldiers, Daniel, Chris and Dan for their patience and goodwill; Paul Marsh for his beautifully produced commemorative leaflets; Chethams School of Music - the students and Dave Chatterton and John LeGrove - for their evocative music; Simon Brooks, Glossop Line Manager for Northern whose permissions and arranging for free travel by train for participants were much appreciated, and our grateful thanks to Steve Forde at South East Community Rail Partnership for sponsorship of the event.
We were touched by the number of people turning up at the stations and for the staunch support given by  local press especially David and photographer colleagues from the Glossop Chronicle, Susan at the High Peak Review and Christina from SSAFA PR North West.

                      1918  -  WE WILL REMEMBER THEM  -  2018

 The Armistice event will take place as scheduled. There will be a limited train service operating on the Glossop Line on Saturday 3rd November. Trains leave Guide Bridge 8.38 9.38 10.08 and Hattersley at 8.47 9.47 10.20 to connect with events at Hattersley, Glossop and Hadfield. From Glossop 8.21  and Hadfield 8.13 to connect with the event at Guide Bridge and 9.21 and 9.13 respectively for the Hattersley event.

 Due to the limited train service it may not be possible to move the military personnel to each station's events but we will do our very best!

 Event at Guide Bridge around 9am. Please note there is an additional tree planting at 11am.
 Event at Hattersley around 9.30 am New commemorative art work
 Event at Glossop around 10.30 am Chethams Students play period tunes
 Event at Hadfield around 11.15 am Readings by Cenotaph at entrance to station
 Then light refreshments at Hadfield Hall to mark the end of the event.

 Everybody is warmly invited to join us as we strive to commemorate the role of railways during wartime.