The Friends of Handforth Station were delighted at the start of the New Year, their 20th anniversary, to receive news that two of their unique collections of Railway Signs were designated by the Board of Trustees of the Science Museum Group. This Group is charged under the 1996 Railway Heritage Act to identify artefacts and records of significance for preservation by recommendation for designation. The designated signs are the Regional Railways Sign on the Manchester-bound Platform and the British Railways enamel sign on the Crewe-bound platform. In addition to these, there is also a collection of over 20 modern European Railways “Handforth” signs. The designation requires Network Rail and the Train Operating Company to retain the signs and prevents them from removing the designated item without agreement form the Science Museum, through the Designation Advisory Board. This will help ensure the continuing exhibition of these and the other 20 additional unique European Railways “Handforth” signs.
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From Wilmslow.co.uk (L:sa Reeves)

A garden created by 24 students from Wilmslow High School for the RHS Tatton Flower Show has been installed at Handforth Station.

The ‘Quarry Bank Mill’ garden was awarded ‘Highly Commended’ at the annual show in July…. Read more

From Wiilmslow.co.uk (Lisa Reeves):

As part of their commemoration of Winston Churchill on the 50th anniversary of his death and of the creation of the Churchill Travelling Fellowships, the Friends of Handforth Station have an exhibition of Travelling Fellowships on display at the station.

The trusts were set up as a permanent national memorial and living legacy following Churchill’s death and millions of grateful people raised an initial £2.8m to fund these.

The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust was created in 1965 and since then has given grants to thousands of people from all walks of life to travel and study their chosen subject abroad, then return to the UK and use their new-found knowledge to the benefit of the country. These grants, of which there will be 150 this year, cover all travel expenses, daily living costs and insurance for up to 8 weeks travelling.

To mark its 50th anniversary, the exhibition showcases Trust fellows from the North West – each in 50 words. This travelling display began its journey at Carlisle Museum of Military Life then continued through Tebay Service Station to the libraries in Barrow-in-Furness before going to Martin Mere in Lancashire. After Handforth station it will go on display at Handforth library, from Monday 14th September, and after that to local Handforth primary schools, before continuing to Manchester Central Library.

Mike Bishop, Chair of the Friends of Handforth Station said. “I was awarded one of these fellowships in 1993 and many of the features introduced at the station are the result of my Travelling Fellowship. This enabled me to visit European and Scandinavian Railways to study their environmental enhancements.

“I cannot too highly recommend the opportunity offered and urge all ages to investigate these before the closing date of 22nd September. Visit the station or from next week, Handforth library to learn how you can, as the Trust says “Travel to learn- return to inspire.”