Vale Royal Borough Council the baggin man Takes the Train the baggin man Contents Takes the Train Pages 2 Introduction 3 Enjoy Vale Royal 5 Visit and 7 Train at Plumley Station 9 Forty Years On 11 The Whitegate Way 13 A Close Shave 15 And the Band played on 17 A Special Excursion 19 A Village Society 21 Underneath the Arches 23 History in the making 25 A Great Institute 27 A Partnership in action 29 The Best Kept Story 31 The Baggin Man 32 Acknowledgements the baggin man Takes the Train

Watercolours courtesy of Bernice Barrett-Brown 1 the baggin man Introduction Takes the Train From John Hulme Welcome to The Salt Museum, and Underneath the Arches – an exhibition celebrating Mid Cheshire Railways. It is now five years since I wrote the first Baggin column, for the local Chronicle Series, telling the stories of Mid Cheshire as Bilbo Baggins cruised the local waterways. Over 100 columns and two books later, there are now more than 40,000 copies in circulation all over the world. It is amazing this railway exhibition came about because we moored the Bilbo Baggins on the River Weaver in Northwich and decided to walk up to the Salt Museum. On that fine sunny morning, I had a chance meeting with Andrea Peattie, Vale Royal’s Tourism Manager and Matt Wheeler, the Museum’s Curator, to discuss the Cheshire Best Kept Station Competition. As we discussed the history of the local railways and a few yards away a train thundered over the Northwich Viaduct, Matt said “Let’s have an Exhibition of Mid Cheshire Railways”. This is the story I related to Andrea and Matt that morning. Enjoy the Exhibition. Enjoy the story of the Cheshire Best Kept Station Competition.

2 Enjoy the exhibition then step out into Vale Royal and enjoy its other attractions. 3 4 the baggin man Mid Cheshire Railways Exhibition Takes the Train A trip down the Anderton Boat Lift on Bilbo Baggins. We also feature the West Coast Mainline, which A cruise along the River Weaver, alongside I.C.I., and rushes through Mid Cheshire, and the railway town on to Northwich. Then a visit to the local Salt of Crewe, which brought much prosperity to our Museum. It certainly brings home the rich heritage area. And, to take you back to your childhood - we have in Mid Cheshire. clockwork, Hornby Dublo and the latest models. Add to that the history of our local railways and the But what about today? Northern Trains, who are story becomes more complete. the main sponsors of this exhibition, operate our Underneath the Arches – an exhibition of Mid local community railway – the Mid Cheshire Line. Cheshire Railways - tells that story. It is not just a It is important that we understand their vision so we story of yesterday but an account of today - as it is can contribute to its success. important we document our present times for future Then there are the volunteer groups. The Mid generations. Cheshire Rail Users Association (MCRUA) looks after Look around the exhibition and you will discover the the interest of today’s passengers, whilst the 8E Cheshire Lines Committee and the history of the Mid Association and the Stanier 8F Locomotive Society Cheshire Line, whose 48 stone arches look over this are the guardians of the past. Museum. Finally, there is the story of the Cheshire Best Kept The exhibition explores the story of freight traffic and Station Competition, which this book narrates. how I.C.I. and salt were fundamental to the railway’s Enjoy the exhibition. Better still, next time you pass success. We also investigate the history of British your local railway station. Take the train. It can be a Transport Police. journey that is more fascinating than the ride itself!

Mr Baggins says >> Whilst at the Museum make sure you see the other galleries. Then visit other attractions in the area. 5 6 the baggin man Train at Plumley Station Takes the Train The station was clad with bunting. There were We sponsored the local football team; we steam train rides for the kids. A fairground organ supported the village fete; we ran the Proud of entertained the crowds and the brass band played Plumley campaign on our 20th Anniversary; our on. band, JPD Mereside Brass, always leads the village It was 4th July 1998 and the re-opening of Plumley carol singing down at the village hall. Station House as the corporate headquarters of JPD But five years later, we were to take a great leap, Training Ltd. Yes, at long last we could shout, go county-wide and make Plumley, the Home of Train at Plumley Station! the JPD Cheshire Best Kept Station Competition. So, with some nostalgia, we re-opened the Station A few phone calls got the Borough Councils but it was also the start of a very special involved. Our local rail user groups were already relationship. A relationship with our neighbours. aboard. The rail operating companies thought we were on the right track. Cheshire villages are great places to visit. The village shop, the country pub, the local church and And who better to help judge the competition than chapel, the village hall, local walks. But most of all, Ian P Moss, who as President of the Railway and what is best is the community spirit. Canal Historical Society opened our station in 1998. And this is what my company has tried to achieve. But the story goes back a little further. More than To be good neighbours and be a part of Plumley forty years to my early school days in . village life. For a business it is an investment to be recommended. It’s great fun too.

Mr Baggins says >> If you are a visitor, pick up a local paper. There’s much more going on than you think. 7 8 the baggin man Forty Years On Takes the Train Have you ever wished you had taken the advice That salt had been produced in Cheshire for over of your old headmaster? 2000 years and now Winsford is the only place in Donald J I West was my revered headmaster. the country where rock salt is still produced on a In the sixties - respect, discipline and hard work large scale. were the order of the day at the Verdin, Winsford. I would have learnt that during the war, paintings Not that declining Latin nouns was top of my and other national treasures and archives were kept agenda. Nor was joining the choir and singing the down the mine. Even perhaps the crown jewels? school song - a harrowing Forty Years On. And how men worked in the salt-producing sweatshops, stripped to the waist, in steaming hot No, my time was concentrated on the Verdin conditions. Their children being allowed to leave Transport Society under the watchful eye of my school early at lunchtime to take baggin to their favourite physics master and transport historian, fathers. Ian Moss. And then there was the competition. How immensely proud I was, when many years The competition between the Weaver Navigation later, I invited Ian to re-open Plumley Station and the railways for the salt trade-finally being House. won by the motor lorry. But forty years on, I regret not listening to my Take a look at what Winsford looked like 100 years history and geography teachers. ago. Can you see the railway wagons outside the I would have learnt that the Salt Union was the Verdin Salt Works? Looks like our story has gone hub of the UK salt industry. full circle!

Mr Baggin says >> To learn more about the history of salt and our heritage visit the at Marston and the Salt Museum in Northwich 9 10 the baggin man The Whitegate Way Takes the Train If you take the train to Cuddington, you will not be “I often walk the Whitegate Way. No trains these far from a further piece of local history. But this days but watch out for the fleeting joggers and time it is a brisk country walk that will give you a cyclists. It really makes a perfect day out that can flavour of the past. capture your imagination. Way back, the station name boards at Cuddington And if you fancy a picnic, enjoy it at Whitegate. used to say ‘Cuddington. Change here for There you will see the station building, the original Whitegate and Winsford’. station sign and an old loading gauge whose In 1868, the Cheshire Lines Committee built the purpose is to ensure wagons were not over laden. railway to Winsford to attract the lucrative salt As you take the path of the long-gone salt trains, trade. This was never to happen, and its passenger keep your eyes open for the beautiful flora and service was even less successful. It’s only claim to fauna. I often saw badgers, buzzards and foxes, fame was that it was one of the few railway lines especially when I walked to work in a morning. that was closed to passenger traffic three times! It’s all a reminder of how lucky we are to live in such a lovely area. Stretching from Cuddington to the Salt Union mines at Winsford, the track bed is now a There are stories that nature lovers, from all over delightful 6 mile rail trail. the North, used to descend on the area in search of dragonflies. Very rare dragonflies. No one can explain the way better than my old pal, Rock Salt Jim, who is a former face worker at the And at the end of the day, our visitors could be Winsford Salt Mine. seen on Cuddington Station, with their large nets, returning to the cities. No flies on them!”

Mr Baggins says >> Why not join the rail trail at Whitegate then visit a Cheshire Country Pub for lunch? 11 12 the baggin man A Close Shave Takes the Train Back in 2003, our first nomination for the JPD Puns apart, there have been some serious meetings Cheshire Best Kept Station Competition was at the Goshawk. Earlier this year, I met up with Mouldsworth. With a hairdresser at the Old Frank Harding, who looks after Cheshire Crimebeat, Ticket Office, I might have guessed judging the the High Sheriff’s Charity. Crimebeat supports competition would be a very close shave! young people who have ideas about improving the But there is more to Mouldsworth than meets community. the eye. Accompanied by Inspector Mike Sutton of British There is the Mouldsworth Motor Museum, with a Transport Police, whose lads look after our local century plus of motoring history. Remember the stations, it did not take much for me to be car your Aunt Mabel used to drive and petrol was persuaded to have a Cheshire Youth Challenge five shillings a gallon? Award as part of our Best Kept Station Competition. Now if you missed the buzzards on the Whitegate Way, you won’t miss the Goshawk at “Just think” said Mike “if we could get our Mouldsworth. It’s a delightful country pub, with youngsters doing something positive at the stations, open fires, and is right opposite the Station. what a tremendous impact it would have?” Better still, if you travel by train from Chester, “Yes,” said Frank “and the High Sheriff has offered Delamere or Cuddington and take a meal, the some monies to kick-start project in Cheshire.” landlord will refund the price of your ticket. What a great idea I thought for our young people. Now that’s a fare deal with first class dining. Much better than a close shave with the law.

Mr Baggins >> Don’t be surprised if you see classic cars in the village. They are probably enthusiasts off 13 to the Museum. 14 the baggin man And the Band played on Takes the Train The first winner of the JPD Cheshire Best Kept Look closely and you may even see the Station Competition was Helsby. An award they skyline and the outline of the cathedrals that adorn very much deserved. the city. Wow, what a view! Visit Helsby on a Friday and you will meet the Looking back, there is a further picture of Helsby North Cheshire Rail Users Group out on the station I will treasure and that was from the 2003 Awards tending the gardens and ensuring the station is Ceremony. This is best explained by Mr Helsby better than best. They are an enthusiastic volunteer himself - Frank Thomas. group in action. “Do you remember the Competition Awards?” Perhaps you have noticed Helsby Hills when you Frank said. “The gardens immaculate. The station travel the M56? Difficult to miss, because, clad with bunting. The station master with his top whichever way you approach, you can see a face, hat. And, as JPD Mereside Brass entertained the in the rocks, looking back at you. crowds, the Mayor presented the volunteers with the winning plaque.” But why not visit Helsby by train? Enjoy the station gardens and then take an exhilarating walk up into “But best of all, was as the train rolled in from the hills. Maybe to the White Lion, at Alvanley, for Chester,” Frank said with a smile. “All the an inviting lunch or a refreshing drink? passengers shot over to the windows and stared with utmost amazement. There was a landscape But, be sure to stop at the top of Helsby Hill and of smiles. It was pure nostalgia and a day to take in the view. On a clear day you can see the remember.” full panorama of the Mersey Estuary. “Yes” I replied “And the band played on”

Mr Baggins tip >> Why not walk the hills from Helsby to Frodsham and return by train. It’s a one stop return trip! 15 16 the baggin man A Special Excursion Takes the Train Although a long time ago, my first recollections of Best of all we saw special excursions spiriting Frodsham were when I travelled there with Mum holidaymakers to amazing places. and Dad, on a red North Western bus. To our surprise one day, we saw a bright green Just like now, Frodsham was renowned for its GWR Hall Class steam engine. GWR. That’s the Thursday Street Market. A market that offers Great Western Railway or to its enthusiasts God’s something for everyone. Clothing, fresh Wonderful Railway. Dad thought it was a long way vegetables, plants, jewellery and much more. from home. But was it? A place to take time and ponder. A place to Now what was its name? Arley Hall? Capesthorne stand and stare. Hall? Willington Hall? Or perhaps even Marbury On our early trips over to Frodsham, Mum would Hall; Bostock Hall or Eaton Hall? All with rich tell me the story of the Castle Methodist Sunday Cheshire names. School Treat and how in the 1920’s they would Today, as I tour the County, those names are now go by charabanc to Overton Hills, overlooking very familiar. Some are still homes. But some are Frodsham. There they would enjoy a picnic, and where you can have a special day out; take a meal play on the helter-skelter, swingboats and and even stay overnight. And they all come well see-saws. If it was not to Overton, it was to commended. Hatchmere Lake, not far away and close to And so was Frodsham Station. Yes, it was such a Delamere Forest. pleasure in 2005 for the judges to give it a special My special treat, whilst Mum was at the Market, commendation in the JPD Cheshire Best Kept was to stand in Frodham’s Church Street, with Dad, Station Competition!. and watch the trains go by. Mr Baggins says >> When in Frodsham visit Castle Park. There’s the Art Centre, Gardens and lots of squirrels! 17 18 the baggin man A Village Society Takes the Train One of the most enjoyable events of the JPD Best It was a pleasure to tell Gwyneth that one of the Kept Station Competition was in 2004, when main aims of the Competition was to say a big Mobberley won the top award. thank you to those volunteers who worked so hard That year, the Awards Ceremony Presentation was during the year. That is the least we can do. on home territory at Plumley Station House. When Gwyneth announced, “The winner is We were all a little nervous as our special guest Mobberley.” It was a picture to see Susan and was Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody, MP for Crewe and Penny collecting the award on behalf of the Nantwich, but also Chairlady of the all important Mobberley Village Society, who look after the Parliamentary Transport Committee. The top brass station. It was as if they had won an Oscar and was coming to Plumley. No, not Albert and JPD their beaming faces said it all. Mereside Brass, although, they were in attendance, Gwyneth was then off back to London on playing Ticket to Ride! Parliamentary business. But she didn’t leave empty As we mingled with the crowds, Gwyneth said, handed. To supplement her cup of tea on the train “John, this Competition is just what the County - and with the help of my good friend David needs. It brings the best out in people and Roberts, from Roberts Bakery - Gwyneth was provides a focus in both our villages and towns. presented with her very own Baggin Box packed It is marvellous to be involved in a good news story full of Roberts’ fresh products. about our Railways.” Butties at Baggin Time. Now, there’s a bit of Cheshire talk we all understand.

Mr Baggins says >> Would you like to keep your local station spic and span? Everyone’s a winner in 19 our Competition. 20 the baggin man Underneath the Arches Takes the Train There’s no better place to be than cruising the River What is most enjoyable is to take those involved in Weaver on the Bilbo Baggins. the Best Kept Station Competition on the river. It is a great place to be and a great place to see. Then, they can see the story from the other side. In Northwich alone, there is the Anderton Boat Lift, One of my passions is joined-up-marketing and and the Town Bridge, the first electric powered getting our partners to work together. Swing Bridge in the UK. Then there is the Weaver Recently our guests were Mark Barker, Client and Viaduct with its 48 stone arches and two wrought Stakeholder Manager of Northern Rail and Chris iron girder bridges stretching over half a mile across Brown, Chief Executive of Visit Chester and the River Weaver. Cheshire, our local Tourism Board. Joan and I are fortunate to travel underneath the “Yes,” Chris said “Cheshire has so much to offer arches but I challenge you to take a ride across the our visitors and it is important we get the message viaduct on the Mid-Cheshire Railway Line. And, if across. There is so much to see and enjoy.” you see us, give us a wave! “And it is Northern's job to get those visitors The panoramic view of Northwich and surrounding there.” Mark replied “Travelling by train gives you areas is tremendous. A great view of the the time to really enjoy the journey, the time to talk meandering Weaver. The Dane as it rushes into with family and friends and the time to look Northwich. The Salt Museum just below the forward to the great day out ahead.” arches. The old dry dock, the rowing club, a Now that’s what I call true partnership working multitude of timber-framed buildings and much together. A winning combination for Cheshire. more.

Mr Baggins says >> Try leaving the car at home this weekend and visit your favourite Cheshire destination 21 by train. 22 the baggin man History in the making Takes the Train It is no surprise that people only tend to get My second nomination must go to my old mate enthusiastic for the past when it has long gone. Ron. Alderman Ron Carey BEM JP DL. So let me make two nominations we should record 45 years a railwayman and still Northwich’s number in today’s history. one Best Friend. It was an immense pleasure when the top award of Take a look back a page at our picture of the the 2005 Competition was won by the Friends of Weaver Viaduct. Many might ask “Do you remem- Handforth Station and presented to Mike Bishop, ber the Stanier 8F steam locomotives throwing their their founding member. dirty black smoke over Northwich?” But Mike’s work does not just stop at Handforth. Nobody could explain that better than Ron himself. In 2003, Mike provided the help and guidance we “John,” Ron told me, “50 years ago, there were 8 needed, when our own Competition was launched. trains a day, each carrying 1,130 tons of limestone He has also helped establish local Friends Groups at into the ICI works at Winnington. and Sandbach, who are part of our Our railways fed ICI - and ICI fed Northwich. Cheshire Competition. The Handforth Award is significant, because Ron continued, “And, when we took those Class 8 Mike and his dedicated team of volunteers have engines across the Weaver Viaduct, we often transformed a one time vandalised eyesore into wondered if we would make the other side.” an attractive and hospitable suburban station. Well Ron made the other side and now as an In the industry, Mike has tremendous respect. Honorary Alderman and a Deputy Lieutenant of Mike is Mr Best Kept Station. Cheshire, we salute you. Mr Baggins says >> If you visit Northwich, why not walk up through Carey Park to the Anderton Boat Lift Centre 23 24 the baggin man A Great Institute Takes the Train With the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Wearing their bright orange jackets, it was a Canal only a few hundred yards apart at Acton privilege to thank them for the work they were Bridge, Bilbo Baggins is a frequent visitor to the carrying out in the community. area. They had cleared the neglected station’s flower If you are in the locality, I certainly recommend the beds of weeds and debris, and planted bulbs and walk down to Dutton Locks where just beyond is shrubs to improve the appearance of the station. the Dutton Railway Viaduct. The twenty arches, As we stood beside the smart flowerbeds, the fast which soar to a height of 70 feet, make it a classic Virgin Trains flew through the station taking feat of Victorian engineering prowess. holidaymakers up to Scotland and the Lakes. Remember to pick up a copy of Colin Edmondson’s I wonder how many of those holidaymakers look Towpath Walkers Guide. It not only tells you the out of their windows, when they flash over Dutton best routes but is loaded with the history of the Arches, and wonder what it is like to visit the Weaver Navigation. Daeve Hook’s book, Leigh Weaver Valley and surrounding areas. Arms and the Locks and Bridges of Acton Bridge is If you take a careful look at the picture of the also a good companion whilst in the area. Station, you will see Mike Cooksley and his wife But, there is a further story to tell about Acton Sheila. Mike is Chair of the Weaver Valley Regional Bridge. And, that was when we were able to Park, one of Cheshire’s flagship projects. highly commend the Railway Station in the 2003 JPD Cheshire Best Kept Station Competition. Soon our railway stations will be calling all change for our very own Regional Park. The Tourist To our pleasant surprise, the award was to the Destination of the future. Acton Bridge Women’s Institute.

Mr Baggins says >> The Weaver Valley Regional Park. Cheshire’s very own Rural Escape 25 26 the baggin man A Partnership in action Takes the Train The work of Community Rail Partnerships is one of As we tucked into our freshly cooked lunch, the best examples of a catalyst for making local followed by a pot of piping hot tea, Sheila plans happen. continued “This is just what our overseas visitors And, The Mid-Cheshire Partnership, under the love. You wouldn‘t get this in Disneyland.” direction of John Kitchen, takes some beating. “Talking about a kid’s paradise”, John replied A few weeks ago John and I took Sheila Dee “Earlier in the year I arranged a Woody Workshop - who is a Board Member of the Association of for 300 local schoolchildren at the Forestry Visitor Community Rail Partnership - out on the Centre. Gemma Ward, the Forestry Education Mid-Cheshire Line, stopping for lunch at the Officer gave the kids a super day out. There were Delamere Station House Café. lots of smiles all round.” It was fabulous to hear Sheila’s comments, Now that is real partnership achievement. especially as she manages the nearby Shrewsbury But, there was even more good news to come. and Chester Partnership. When we awarded Delamere the Visit Chester and “I did not realise this line is a tourist attraction in Cheshire Tourism Award in the 2005 JPD Best Kept itself”, Sheila commented as the train headed out Station Competition, Gemma told us that the of Chester towards Delamere. “When you drive Forestry Commission was planning a Green Planting into the city, you have no idea how pretty this trip Scheme at the Station. This would be full of low is. And, I have to admit, I did not know there was maintenance, slow-growing local species. a café in the heart of Delamere Forest just fifteen What a winner! That trip to Delamere was an eye minutes away. This would make a superb afternoon opener to us all, demonstrating a Great Partnership trip for those on short breaks to Chester” in action

Mr Baggins says >> >> Visit Delamere Forest by Train next weekend and make you neighbours green with envy. 27 28 the baggin man The Best Kept Story Takes the Train A good visitor experience always leaves the best There is now even a Station Buffet at Northwich – attraction until last. That way, you end on a high The Arabica Coffee Lounge – to match any in the and it makes the whole experience unforgettable. country. And so to our last story. The Best Kept Story. This Best Kept Story, which is part of the Northwich When we judged the 2005 JPD Cheshire Best Kept Vision, is the start of a bright new image for Station Competition, there was one station that Northwich. stood out. Not because it was the Best Kept Its success has only come about through the Station, but because it had improved beyond our dedication and hard work of all the project partners. wildest dream. But a special mention must go to Anne To a crowd of over 100 special guests including the Bingham-Holmes and, under her executive High Sheriff of Cheshire and three Mayors, Mike direction, the hard working team at Vale Royal Cooksley - the Chair of Visit Cheshire and Chester, Borough Council. our local Tourism Board – presented a Special A partnership only works when it is characterised by Award to Northwich Railway Station. mutual cooperation and responsibilities, aimed at a The Awards Evening was at the Zone, the new specific goal. £500,000 Community Learning Centre at the A partnership excels when those committed go far Station. beyond the expected level of expectation. The Zone, supplemented by the vast improvements At Northwich we have a winning team that excels. on the Station itself, was a dream beyond all We have one goal in the net. I know they intend to imagination. score more. Keep your eye on The Competition!

Mr Baggins says >> Why not join one of our winning teams at a Cheshire local Station? 29 Contact the Baggin Man details the baggin man Takes the Train

30 Cheshire Lines Committee Memorabilia courtesy of the Bob Mitchell Collection the baggin man On 22nd July 2005, I hung up the Station Master’s hat Over the past weeks, I have spent much time with my at Plumley for the last time, having decided to sell the artist, Bernice Barrett-Brown, watching a vision turn family silver and retire to pastures new. into a lovely artistic scene. Bernice’s watercolours are But was it to be the end of the line? superb. Was I to throw the laptop overboard and take to the As The Baggin Man concludes another journey canals on the Bilbo Baggins? through the towns and lovely countryside of Cheshire, I now ask you to paint your own picture? The Cheshire Canals. What better place could I find to enjoy my passion for developing the Vale Royal Take a look at those railway tickets of yesteryear? area into a premier tourist destination? Football fans were visiting Northwich from Chester. Mum was taking daughter on a one stop journey to The Vale Royal area has so much to offer its visiting Plumbley. A member of the forces was returning tourists. Towns. Villages. Great Rural Escapes. home to their relatives in Northwich. A family was And, if you live in the Borough, please make the most taking a Day Excursion to Whitegate. of your leisure time by enjoying the diverse range of Now close your eyes and paint that landscape of attractions, events and activities in the area. yesterday. Can you see the Baggins Man’s vision of the future? A vision we can all help to make a reality. 31 Acknowledgements This book is the story of the Cheshire Best Kept Station Bob Mitchell’s collection of local railway memorabilia Competition, so my main thanks go to all those was just the ticket. volunteers and strategic partners who have made the Once again, the most important thank you is to my Competition possible. They are too numerous to list, partner Joan. Joan has kept me on track and ensured but I hope they recognise themselves somewhere in the I have not gone off the rails. It is now time to repay storyline. her by getting out into the Cheshire Countryside on A special thanks to John Tackley. His expertise in local Bilbo Baggins. That is what we both enjoy most. tourism, and being a former rail engineer, has brought Having read through the final printers copy of the a breadth of knowledge to the book I could not find book, you might find the below information useful. elsewhere. Without question I was the apprentice. Visit Chester, Northern Rail and Bernice The book includes superb watercolours by Bernice www.visitcheshire.com 01244 346543 Barrett-Brown. The time taken to visit the scenes and turn them into paintings should not be underestimated. Northern Rail I am also indebted to our guest artist, Gordon www.northernrail.org 0845 000 0125 Wilkinson, for his painting of Plumley Station House. Bernice Barrett-Brown and Riverview Studios Once again, Andrea Peattie, the Vale Royal Tourism www.riverviewstudio.co.uk 01606 76204 Manager, and her team, have provided much help, Colin Edmondson’s and Daeve Hook’s companion support and guidance. You could not want for a books are available at The Leigh Arms at Acton Bridge, better partnership. The Northwich Tourist Information Centre and The Having around me a team of specialists, including local Anderton Boat Lift Centre. historians Colin Edmondson and Daeve Hook, has made Finally, if you can help take this storyline further, this railway journey possible. please contact me at [email protected].

32 C Vale Royal Borough Council Are we accessible to you? If not tell us.

0800 0852493

For further details of places visited by The Baggin Man Visit the Northwich Tourist Information Centre 1, The Arcade, Northwich CW9 5AS Tel: 01606 353534 John Hulme was born in Northwich and, having recently retired, has returned to Vale Royal to live in a cottage, overlooking the Trent and Mersey Canal. He has two grown-up children. Educated at the Verdin Grammar School, Winsford, John is the former Chairman of JPD Group Ltd, a management training company, based at Plumley Station House, just outside Northwich. He continues to advise the company, and its new owner, on corporate strategy. John was a local councillor for Vale Royal in the seventies and is a former Treasurer of the Friends of Anderton Boat Lift. Along with many volunteers in the area he is keen to encourage tourism throughout Vale Royal. Now a Board Member of the Weaver Valley Regional Park, he is actively working to make the Weaver Valley and its surrounding areas into a premier tourist destination in the North West. He passionately believes that its success will depend on the public sector, businesses and the community working together in partnership, and now advises companies on using this approach as a strategic management tool.

Vale Royal Borough Council Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford CW7 1AH Tel: 01606 862862 Fax: 01606 862100 www.valeroyal.gov.uk