A Tyneside station friends group has taken the first steps in looking to twin with another station friends group in the north of England. Blaydon Station Adopters have been keen for sometime to twin with another group to exchange ideas and experiences of station adoption.

On Monday 5 July 2021, the initial steps were taken as Community Rail Cumbria officer, Warren Birch met with the Blaydon Station Adopters and Tyne Valley CRP community rail partnership officer, Fiona Forsythe.  Fortunately the weather was good and Warren was shown the new mural at Blaydon and the work that had been undertaken with the planters.  The station entrance was decorated especially for Warren’s visit, so the flags were really out.

“Twinning is like having a blank canvas to work on”, said Joseph Codling, Blaydon Station Adopter.

Having adjourned for a coffee, plans were drawn up to develop the project and we look forward to progressing twinning and establishing further links between the Tyne Valley and the Cumbrian Coast.

Warren Birch said: “I love the idea of a group sharing their skills, knowledge and expertise with another county, helping inspire others and creating new friends”.