On Saturday 27 September 2025, the Friends of Handforth Station proudly hosted the launch of the very first Rail Ale Trail on the Crewe to Manchester railway line.

This initial Rail Ale Trail features nine railway stations — Handforth, Styal, and all stations southwards to Crewe — alongside 21 pubs located near each station.

The launch event was held as a highlight of the volunteer group’s celebrations for Railway 200, marking two centuries since the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.

Members of the Friends of Handforth Station and their guests assembled on the station concourse for a brief ceremony led by the group’s president, Mike Bishop. Following the ceremony, attendees crossed Station Road to The Railway pub, where they enjoyed refreshments. Here, everyone was given their own Sticker Card and, upon purchasing a glass of real ale, they collected their very first Rail Ale Trail sticker.

The event was attended by Cheshire East Councillors, Handforth Town Councillors, members of local CAMRA branches, Handforth residents, and representatives from other station friends groups involved in the Rail Ale Trail, including Holmes Chapel, Chelford, Sandbach, and Styal stations.

Special guest Matthew Curtis, an award-winning writer, photographer and podcaster from Manchester, also addressed attendees. Matthew is the author of Modern British Beer (CAMRA Books, 2021) and Manchester’s Best Beer Pubs and Bars (CAMRA Books, 2023).

Matthew said: “It was a great honour to help launch this Rail Ale Trail, which I am certain will be a wonderful success. The dedication and hard work of community groups like Friends of Handforth Station feel more important than ever, and I wish them a hearty congratulations on getting this project underway.”

Mike Bishop, president of the Friends of Handforth Station, said: “Anyone wishing to participate should visit the Rail Ale Trail webpage. There, participants can download a Sticker Card listing all the stations and pubs involved.

“The aim is to collect a sticker at each pub visited. Upon completing the Sticker Card, participants are rewarded with a coveted baseball cap featuring the Rail Ale Trail logo.

“We’d like to express our gratitude for the generous sponsorship provided by the Crewe to Manchester Community Rail Partnership, Crewe Business Improvement District and the Cheshire Pub Company for making this project happen.”

Access all the details of the Rail Ale Trail here.

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Friends of Handforth Station via their website.