Television’s brightly dressed railway guru, Michael Portillo, made an unscheduled stop at Buxton Station on Monday 10 October to praise the work of local voluntary community group, the Friends of Buxton Station (FoBS).

The former politician turned TV presenter wanted to offer his congratulations to the group, who scooped another National Community Rail Award at a celebration event in Manchester on 6 October. FoBS were awarded 1st place in the category of ‘Station Friends and Adopters at the Heart of Communities’ in recognition of their ‘Part of Something Positively Local’ work – their seventh such title overall.

Mr Portillo said: “I’ve seen the marvellous work done by the volunteers – the Japanese Garden looks wonderful, there’s cheery murals and even a superb statue on the platform. It really is a delightful station.  The volunteers have won so many Awards; it has been such fun to come and see what they’ve done and to congratulate everyone. Great efforts, great success!”

Dave Carlisle, FoBS’s Chairman said: “We were so pleased to welcome Michael before his speaking engagement at the Opera House and very proud of the kind things he has said about our voluntary work up at the station and in town.”

Click here to view our 2022 Community Rail Awards Winners Booklet and read all about FoBS’s achievement.