All Aboarders, the Welwyn Garden City (WGC) Station Adoption Group, have hosted their first Makeover Day since 2019.

All Aboarders are a group of volunteer citizens who maintain WGC Station for the enjoyment of the travelling public. On June 29, All Aboarders volunteers were joined by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and Network Rail staff, as well as local councillors, WGC Rotary Club members and new prospective volunteers.

Together the group planted newly donated plants, as well as carrying out weeding, pruning, and watering. The facilities staff brought their expertise with them, painting posts and troughs as well as putting up new signs. The platform planters and station facilities are now looking much smarter and brighter, thanks to the volunteers’ TLC.

The station has also been reunited with one of its original light-up platform signs, kindly donated by volunteer Malcolm who saved it when it was decommissioned years ago. All Aboarders are hoping to display the sign alongside the heritage gallery in the Waiting Room on Platform 3/4.

The group are also hugely grateful to the staff at Marchio’s Café on Platform 1/2, who kindly provided drinks, pastries, and lunch for the volunteers throughout the day.  

Andrew Chillingsworth, GTR Community Engagement Officer, said: “It was great to support the WGC All Aboarders with their makeover day. This group of volunteers do a wonderful job all year round, keeping the gardens and waiting rooms in an immaculate condition, providing a welcoming and colourful environment that is highly appreciated by customers and staff.”

All Aboarders are always ready to welcome new volunteers. If you couldn’t make it to the makeover day, but would like to join the group, you are more than welcome on any of their regular volunteer sessions. The group meet on alternate Thursday and Saturday mornings from 10am-2pm.

To find out more, visit their website or send a message through the All Aboarders Facebook group.