The Friends of Handforth Station (FoHS) were saddened to announce the passing of founding member Barry Burkhill at the end of November.

Barry helped to found FoHS in 1996 and served as a committee member for many years. In his role as a Cheshire County Councillor, he established many valuable partnerships with council officers and other contacts.

Barry attended many FoHS events in his full Cheshire Mayor regalia. He often represented FoHS at local rail-based and community meetings, and was also a regular attendee at Community Rail Network events.

Mike Bishop, fellow founder and current President of FoHS, said “Barry was a dedicated supporter of Handforth Station, most noticeably campaigning for improved access to the platforms and widened footpaths.

“Barry worked on many of our monthly work parties at the station, using his own ancient lopping shears instead of those offered by the rest of our group. He was a valued, active supporter of Handforth over many years, both politically and practically. We shall miss him.”

FoHS have lowered the flag at Handforth Railway Station to half-mast in the weeks since Barry’s passing, to commemorate the outstanding work on behalf of his local station.