The Friends of South Station

Newsletter Autumn 2014

‘The Biggest Cof- Rourke’s Graft! fee Morning in the World’ is in aid of Terry retires from fundraising on a high raising funds for Macmillan Cancer after raising a magnificent £300 Support. of the £500 total for our Macmillan event It is an event we supported from the beginning because everyone in some way has been touched by Terry said he cancer and this took up the chal- charity does its lenge to beat utmost to relieve our 2013 Mac- the suffering and millan total in worry of cancer January this sufferers and their year and he families in their ’would retire darkest days. from my fund raising with a We are immensely bang!’ proud of Reddish generosity, espe- cially in these straightened times.

Terry presents the cheque for £300 to FORSS Treasurer Dot Ashworth Inside this issue: Friend Terry Rourke, local residents (again!) be available as our champion magnet seller which hopefully will be a bit less arduous! who has tirelessly fund- as well as some visi- Macmillan ‘Biggest 2 raised for our ‘Biggest tors from further afield. Coffee Morning in the Coffee Morning in the To raise £200 on the Below is Terry with Dave Ashworth who was his last prize winner on the Coffee Morning. World’ event in aid of day is also a record for Campaign News 4 There are more pictures of our biggest station Macmillan Cancer Sup- us and Terry’s contribu- event of the year on pages 2 & 3. Retrorail Excursion to 6 port for the last 3 tion is deeply appreci- Stratford –on –Avon years, has decided to ated and we cannot Heritage Day 8 retire at the top of his thank him enough. game after raising an Rose Hill & crab apple 8 jelly amazing £300 this year Terry has fundraised all of this year and regular -which is over half of Station 9 our grand total of readers of the newslet- Fun Day £500. ter have been kept up to date with the various Terry’s lottery news 9 The FORSS committee competitions. See his Snippets were delighted and last report later in this 10 touched by the over- publication. whelming generosity of Date for your diary 10 We do hope he will still Page 2 The Friends of Reddish South Station

The Macmillan Cancer Support ‘Biggest Coffee Morning In the World’…...

The day dawned dull but not too cold. We were hop- ing for a day as glorious as last year but it is Septem- An unexpected ber after all and so we just sight for some of prayed there’d be no rain! us ! We actually had 3 trains go We set up early to catch through the sta- our weekly train and to give tion while we conductor & driver some were there cake. This year the train brought some special guests to our station— our Many thanks to Northern Rail Client & Dot with our train conductor—cake courtesy Stakeholder Manager, Mat- of Mrs Joyce Burrows Mrs. B, thew Worman, who has Tina, recently come into post, Joanne, David Huber, our retiring Transportation Policy Offi- Dot, Steve Forde cer (SMBC) and his succes- & Noel, Matthew Worman David Huber & especially Rob Crompton who gave a lot of their free time and baking Steve Magner (L) expertise to and make the Mark Angelucci from TfGM morning such a success sor Steve Forde. We were also delighted to welcome TfGM Rail Partner- ship & Development Officer Steve Magner with col- league Mark Angelucci.

Anne Ryan—ex Reddish resident, now of Friends of David Huber Strines Station, came to & support us and renew ac- Steve Forde quaintances with Noel & Terry having a Terry. Steve & Mark had break between not seen our station land- customers scaping in all its glory so we were delighted to show us off! The Friends of Reddish South Station Page 3

...on Reddish South Station platform September 26th 2014

and carried on regardless under 2 large umbrellas!

We are truly grateful to the people who attended— and stayed despite the We are made of strong rain, and for their generos- stuff in Reddish! ity, although the quality of What’s a bit of rain! the baked products cer- tainly helped!

We are also, once again, indebted to MacDonald's who provided us so gener- Friend Dave Ashworth pledged £10 and vowed to have ously with cups, stirrers an alcohol free month for ‘Stoptober’ and sugar as well as those We are also, who gave their time to make the cakes. once again,

indebted to

(pictured left) Some of MacDonald's our customers who provided us

so generously

with cups,

The residents of Reddish stirrers & sugar. did not let us down and came early—Dot slaved non -stop over a hot flask, while the rest of us did the hon- ours with the cake.

Unfortunately, the heavens opened around 11am but our guests did not let this hamper a good time! We Local Councillors thought we might try for a Walter Brett & Tom Grundy with Dot record for the amount of The station garden Ashworth & the people squashed together gazebo! is starting to mature under a gazebo (we man- nicely now, and was aged 22!) while one or two a lovely backdrop to stalwarts did not let the the morning. weather beat them Page 4 The Friends of Reddish South Station Campaign News ‘There are also aspirations from Manchester Chamber of Commerce support our campaign local businesses Cham- in Stockport & ber of Commerce (GMCC) Tameside for a responded to the Northern R: the Northern Franchise franchise consultation and report by Noel: new service from supported the re-opening Stockport to of the railway line from Our new mantra is now Why Not? Manchester Stockport to Manchester Victoria via Reddish South Victoria via & Denton Stations. Denton & In light of this, we immedi- The Friends campaign with ately contacted GMCC and Reddish South our sister station Friends of sent them our response to Denton (FORSADS) were Stations’ the franchise consultation. delighted to receive news Chris Parrack, Tameside of this from Andrew local President, wrote back Gwynne MP. He called it to say how they were im- ‘Good news’ that we were pressed with the report, and getting support in this for- ‘There followed to invite representatives to a mal way from such an influ- breakfast meeting with a question & ential group. guest speaker Roy Chapman answer session In their submission GMCC of Transport for Greater write: ‘There are also aspi- Manchester (TfGM). Noel was asked to address and the feed rations from local busi- the meeting and explain Noel Henry, the author, went nesses in Stockport & our plans for the reinstate- along with FORSS member back gave Tameside for a new service ment of the service from Alan Burrows. from Stockport to Man- Stockport to Manchester us the feeling Victoria. Noel had not ex- chester Victoria via Denton The irony did not escape us pected to be asked to do & Reddish South Stations. that unfortunately Roy Chap- that this this but put across our Whilst Denton & Reddish man was not able to attend case extremely well. (our campaign) are currently lightly used, due to public transport prob- there is considerable in- lems (!) but it did give Noel There followed a question was a vestment being attracted the opportunity to speak to & answer session—the to the eastern side of the the meeting. feedback gave us the feel- ‘no-brainer’ ‘ city, creating jobs that ing that this was a ‘no- Alan Burrows reports: Re- need to be accessed so we brainer’ and it would boost and it would gional Manager Emma An- would be keen to see if a the local economy as well trobus addressed the meet- business case could be as benefit the communities boost the local ing initially and explained built whilst the largest of Reddish & Denton.’ that the Chamber had made economy as scale re-mapping of ser- a submission to the consul- vices in living memory is We would like to thank well as benefit underway’. tation for the Northern Fran- Chris Parrack and GMCC chise. She went on to say for their support and the the They also comment on ca- that rail services in the opportunity to meet and pacity, length of the fran- north west of were speak to them, as well as communities of chise, smart ticketing and in need of improvement—for Andrew Gwynne who ad- Rail North. The full tran- example, the travelling time vised us of the submission. Reddish script of the document between Manchester & (published with full permis- Leeds presently takes far & Denton sion) can be found on the too long by rail compared FORSS website: with a similar travelling dis- tance in the south east of www.friendsofreddishsouth England. station.co.uk The Friends of Reddish South Station Page 5

FORSADS meet with David Jones, Manager –Operations & Customer Service Projects with Arriva

Pictured L to R: Pictured L to R: Tom Grundy, Dot Ashworth, Tom, Dot & Alan Simon Eastwood, David Jones, Jones, Chair , Alan Jones, Alan Burrows, The Friends of Noel Henry Denton Station

The Franchise shortlist for bacon butty and assured due to train delays, the Northern Rail Services was him we treated everyone meeting was a truncated announced on 19th August; this way! one but Noel felt that as an there are 3 ‘contenders’: initial meeting it had gone David told us that it was well and that we (well, The icing on the Arriva Rail North Limited the quality and detail of mainly Noel) had repre- Noel’s report that had cake was when Abellio Northern Ltd* sented ourselves well. prompted Arriva’s wish to Alex Hynes, Govia Northern Ltd** meet with the campaign The bacon butties went group. down OK too! Managing As soon as we knew who Director of the final 3 were we con- Noel and David talked with Tom Grundy—our chair and Northern Rail, tacted them and sent our *Abellio North have prom- report as our response to councillor for Reddish came to our South and Simon East- ised to respond soon the consultation. The first table, so I was in to respond was David wood, who deals with ** Govia Northern did not Jones from Arriva and we Transport Policy in Tame- respond other than to ad- there giving him met on 2nd October. We side. vise we look at their web- chapter & verse took him to the Plaza for a Unfortunately, and again site for developments.

Dot & Dave go on the Northern Day out– and don’t miss the chance to campaign!

Treasurer Dot & Website boy, grew up in Heaton Manager Dave had the op- Mersey, and used to come portunity to go on a North- to Reddish Baths! He said ern Rail day out and meet he could see the sense of some of the management having a service.’ of Northern Rail. Alex kindly agreed to look Dot reported; ‘The icing on at our reports and pass the cake was when Alex them as appropriate. He Hynes, Managing Director has now been contacted of Northern Rail, came to and we have sent him our our table, so I was in there reports. giving him chapter & verse. Dot with Alex Hynes It turns out he is a local Thanks Dot & Dave ! Page 6 The Friends of Reddish South Station

August Bank Holiday Monday excursion to Stratford -

A second Retrorail Tour Left: A little took us all to Shakespeare earlier than we country and –wait for it- We always get train thought– so a was looped in Bescot Rail- enthusiasts enjoying bit bleary eyed way Yard "Up & Down the sight of the train for a Bank Holi- Goods Loop" for 20 min- too! day boarding at utes. We could hardly con- Below: Alan, Dot & Reddish South Dave and of course— Station tain ourselves, but used the sign! this unique opportunity to enjoy Ged & Phil playing to us all while we took in the scene.

We all had a wonderful day, despite a traditional Bank Right: Ged & Phil We all had a Holiday soaking (it never entertain at the wonderful day Bescot Railway Yard stopped!) which meant Up & Down Loop some of our party despite a (including our musicians) traditional Bank took themselves off to the Dirty Duck Hostelry and did Holiday soaking not surface again until it which meant was time to embark for the some of our journey back! party took themselves off to The Dirty Duck Left: ‘Kirsty’ one of the barges Hostelry and did available for a cruise up the river Below: a good time had by all at not emerge until the Dirty Duck—Ged & Phil were it was time to joined by some local musicians return!

Left: the tomb of William Shakespeare—the inscription reads: 'Good Frend for Iesus sake forbeare to dig the dvst encloased here. Blese be the man Y spares hes stones and cvrst be he Y moves my bones.’ The curse is due to his determination not to have his re- mains removed to make way for new burials which was common practice in 17th Century. The Friends of Reddish South Station Page 7

upon - Avon & the birthplace of Shakespeare

Right: Some of us had a cultural Shakespeare’s afternoon to take in all that birthplace Stratford had to offer and Below: the en- think we were properly trance room– a ‘Shakespere’d out’ by the bed was a huge time we had to leave. status symbol and Walter & Maureen often prominently Brett—enjoying the Stratford is indeed a lovely placed where it ride place to visit even during a could be immedi- downpour and we would ately noticed! certainly recommend it if you have never been.

Some of the buildings are from 16th Century and are beautifully cared for and it is a place obviously very proud of it’s heritage. Some of us took a sail on the river, looked around the market and the beautiful church where Shakespeare As ever, huge and his family are buried. thanks to James We had more entertain- and the Retrorail ment on the way back and Left: Shakespeare’s father was a prominent crew who gave a lovely short walk home citizen and a Glover by profession. His work- from our local station! shop was on the ground floor of the house. us such a super Below: the beautiful Avon by the church day—and get where Shakespeare is buried well soon Bobby Ball– we missed you!

Tom catches a word with Ged between songs

Left—home again— look—still light! Page 8 The Friends of Reddish South Station

Heritage Weekend—Reddish Community Centre

FORSS had a stand at Red- dish’s part in the national Heritage weekend at Red- dish Community Centre on 12th September, along with the Reddish Retired Peo- ples association, the Man- Ian & Janet of chester & Stockport Canal JianTaiji Society, St Elisabeth’s Church and the Breakfast Classes are held Club at Reddish Com- munity Centre We were entertained by a every Thursday Tai Chi demonstration by 7pm—8pm until Jian Taiji (and Dave joined mid-December in!)

Andrew & Allison Gwynne Pictured L to R: Reddish resident Stan, Walter, Allison & Andrew came to support the event as did Cllr Walter Brett.

Left—Tai Chi demonstration by Janet

Centre—Dave & Joan Leigh have a go at some of the movements—and were very impressive!

Right: Alan & Dave on the FORSS stand

Rose Hill Station—Craig to the rescue!

Dot & Kim took the oppor- As part of our fundraising tunity to take a guided tour for Macmillan, Secretary around this beautiful little Kim makes crab apple jelly station. with crab apples from the station. The Friends of Rose Hill have been very successful Unfortunately the crop was raising the profile of the not big enough this year so station and increasing the Craig Wright (former Mar- service. ple local councillor and Friend of Rose Hill Station) Craig hopes that we can generously offered to help emulate Rose Hill’s suc- us out by donating a huge cess! From the top —Rose amount of apples from his Pictured L Craig & Dot in Hill platform garden. Rose Hill’s new orchard Craig shows us the Friends work in the waiting room The Friends of Reddish South Station Page 9

Stockport Station Fun Day

Right: from L to R: We had a stand at Stockport Alan, Niki Abnett, Dot & Station on 10th August for Dave. the third consecutive year Niki is the organizer of this year. the fun day Unfortunately the heavens opened late morning and attendance was not what we had hoped.

Nevertheless, we had an enjoyable day and it was good to see and talk to the passengers using the station and those hardy enough to brave the weather!

Incidentally, the loco pic- tured below is a freight loco– but one very like this one took us to Stratford. It caused a lot of interest! top: Manager Lesley draws the raffle Above: We did have some visitors despite the dreadful

Pictured clockwise from top: Alan, Noel, Station Manager Lesley Ross, Dot & Dave weather! Lesley presents Tom with his raffle prize ‘Tiny Stations’ The DB Schenker class 60-001 loco MP Andrew Gwynne takes a look at the Reddish South Station chapter in the book ‘Tiny Stations’ Terry’s Lottery News:

Winners of the latest compe- of Reddish. titions: Terry as reported, has now The Mallard model (Heritage retired from competitive Day competition) - the sta- fundraising and we are going tion was Stalybridge & the to miss him a great deal. We winner was Steve Jenkinson can only say again, many, of Reddish. many thanks to him (and Margaret’s patience!) for his The Mallard model sterling contribution and (Macmillan Morning at Red- leave him with the last Pictured above & right dish South Station) - the sta- (paraphrased) word: at the Heritage Day, tion was Reddish South & some of the Breakfast the winner was Julie Ward of ‘The time has come to let Club who assisted with, Reddish. someone younger than me and witnessed Terry’s have a go….and as Vinny raffle draws for the past The Railway Jigsaw Jones would say ...its been 3 years. (Macmillan Morning) - the EMOTIONAL’ Cheers Tel! winner was Dave Ashworth Page 10 Snippets...... The Friends of Reddish South Station

Crab apple jelly rescue part 2:as well as Craig’s generosity we must also thank Pam Jones and Simon at who also generously donated crab apples for the cause. Alison & Margaret, pictured left serve in the cafe as Reddish Vale and agreed to be photographed in lieu of Pam & Simon!

And the work goes on..... This has been such a packed issue—no chance to say proper thanks to Noel, Alan, Dot & Dave who have continued to keep the mural varnished to stop it cracking and give the fencing another coat of paint so it looked fab on Macmillan Day. We’ll be announcing another weeding day soon and everyone is welcome—bacon butty and tea on the house (or on the station platform!)

Statistics and more!: Up to the end of September we have had over 22,000 hits on our website— the highest month being July with 3,375 hits. UK has the most hits of course but we have also been looked at by USA(128), China(83), Finland (73), Germany (72), Brazil (57), France (37), Sweden (19), Romania (18) - seems there are enthu- siasts (or anoraks!) worldwide!!

Date for your diary: