
Father Christmas, arrived promptly on the 11.47 Northern train from Lapland was greeted by the largest crowd of children and adults since the event began five years ago! Moving to the waiting room Father Christmas greeted each child personally before handing over a free gift. Over 100 gifts were given along with satsumas and sweets given out by FOGS' Jacqueline Horne At the end of the session Santa's face was redder than the pictures of him seen on Christmas cards! (Click here for pictures of the day)
Our other special guest was Alex Hynes, Managing Director of Northern Rail. We were delighted to welcome Alex as it was his first visit to Glossop station. With the help of his young nephew Ned, Alex switched on the Christmas tree lights at around 11.30. He then made a short speech complimenting FOGS on its work at the station as well as stressing Northern's commitment to Community involvement. Alex was then given a short tour of the station ahead of Santa's arrival which allowed him to explore the station's features and recent developments such as the newly established Twig cafe. His eye was caught in the waiting room station Art Gallery by the new paintings of Glossop artists Marie Brooke and Roselyne Quilis-Edwards. Alex stayed for over two hours and chatted to many people proving to be a most amenable and interested guest. On his departure he was given in a presentation box a gift of Bunty Gibson's famous rocky road cake and a framed montage of Glossop station images created by Paul Marsh.
Folk Group SPINDRIFT provided seasonal music and Glossop Model Railway Society provided a popular interactive layout for the children. Christine Kimpton's Craft making stall allowed childern to make decorations for the station's tree and their own homes. Nearby Chris and Barbara cheerfully manned the raffle with a first prize of a Northern Rail Day out.
FOGS would like to thank everyone for their support. In particular Theo McLauchlan Glossop Line Manager and all the FOGS' backstage team who made this event possible. To Ian Dalton, Janet, Dave, Graham and Claire - our local Northern Staff our thanks for their patience and active help! Much appreciated! And of course special thanks to Father Christmas and Alex for joining us on the day.
To view photographs of the day click here. Please check local papers including Glossop Chronicle and Buxton Advertiser for news too.