28 October 2026
At a special celebratory event at the station, Mayor of New Milton David Rice-Mundy did the honour of unveiling the top five poems, which also feature on the walls of the exhibition space in the waiting room. He said: “What an exceptionally warm and joyful selection of poems – it was difficult to choose the top five. Each poem had so much character and heart. Well done and thank you to all the poets.”
Continuing the literary theme, the Friends of New Milton Station are also offering passengers the opportunity to pick up a mystery book to read on their journey. Arranged in collaboration with the New Milton Sands Women’s Institute, the ‘never judge a book by its cover’ initiative is for all ages and provided for free to passengers travelling through the station.
The Friends of Spalding Station are delighted to have won Silver in the ‘Railway Stations / Transport Hubs’ category at the 2026 East Midlands in Bloom Awards.
Jan Whitbourn, volunteer with the Friends of Spalding Station, said: “This award is a tremendous achievement. It recognises not only the appearance of the gardens but also the commitment, teamwork and community spirit of the volunteers who have turned up each week because they wanted to make a positive difference.
“Over the years, the station has changed significantly. Areas that were once plain or overlooked have been given new life through colourful planting, thoughtful displays and features that encourage visitors to stop and look. Volunteers have worked at the station each week, carrying out a wide range of tasks to keep the gardens attractive and welcoming. Planting, weeding, watering, pruning and clearing are all part of the regular routine, as well as developing the peace garden, which will soon be adorned with concrete poppies and ‘Silhouette Tommies’ in honour of Remembrance.
“The support we have had has helped turn plans into reality and demonstrated the value of involving people with different talents and experience. The Long Sutton Men’s Shed has become involved, bringing practical skills, ideas and enthusiasm and the wonderful Bug Houses, and the Spalding Lions have now agreed to join us and will help us as we move towards the winter months.
“Being shortlisted was an honour and a reason to feel proud, but to win the award means so much to us. It proves that voluntary work matters and that steady, determined effort can produce extraordinary results.”
In accepting the award, Friends of Dronfield Station chair Michael Muntus recounted how since the group took over the maintenance of the station, the garden has been transformed from a patch of unloved and scruffy grass to an attractive and welcoming place for rail users to visit. He added that this was due to the hard work of the volunteers who plant and water the flowers, mow the lawn, paint the fences and generally keep the station looking welcoming and vibrant.
The event at The White Swan in Barton brought together people from the local community for a celebration of all things music, community spirit and a shared passion for Lincolnshire. The partnership also used the opportunity to help shine a spotlight on the many attractions, destinations and experiences that can be enjoyed across the area, and easily accessed by rail. Click here to watch a video of the event featuring music from local musician Tim Bartlett.
Dawn Branton, Barton Cleethorpes CRP officer, said: “Celebrating Lincolnshire Day was not only an opportunity to showcase the county’s identity and culture, but also to recognise the people, places and community spirit that make the region such a wonderful destination.”
14 October 2026
Paula Aldridge, community rail manager for South Western Railway, said: “There was so much to celebrate. Delegates heard about the fantastic range of projects happening right now across our network – showcasing the difference that community rail partnerships, volunteers and local organisations are making every day. Most importantly, the day was a brilliant reminder of what can be achieved when the railway and its communities work together.
“A room full of passionate people, great stories and shared ideas – and everyone heading home ready to make the next year of community rail even better – if that is at all possible!”
For the second group’s visit in September, plans had to change at the last minute due to disruption on the railway. Meg from the ticket office stepped in to show the young people how to purchase tickets, and, with the support of the driver and guard of a stranded train at the station, the children were able to use the train as a makeshift classroom, learning about railway safety and navigating trains in a different way, and providing a memorable afternoon for the group without having to leave the station.
Monika Pendleton, Friends of Swanwick Station volunteer, said: “This work has been such a lovely example of how station volunteering can extend beyond looking after the physical station to create genuine engagement with the local community, particularly younger generations.
“We are incredibly proud of what our little volunteer team is beginning to achieve at Swanwick Station and these two visits, together with the support from Ian Edwards of the Friends of Fareham and Porchester stations, and the wonderful response from South Western Railway staff, have certainly been among the highlights for us.
“Working together created a real sense of connection, friendship and belonging, which ultimately contributed to the wellbeing of everyone involved.”
Yeovil Pen Mill Station is currently the only station on the main line from Frome to Weymouth which does not have a station adoption group. If you’d be interested in getting involved, please contact South Wessex CRP officer Chantelle Bacon on chantelle.bacon@southwessexcrp.or.uk.
Sidonie Forrest-Brown, chair of the Hounslow Richmond CRP (part of SCRP), said: “What made the day so special was the huge support and enthusiasm of everyone involved. I really would like to thank everyone who contributed to making the event such a success, especially Rachel Morrison, Anna Stearman and Angela Ivey.”