The Friends of Handforth Station have revealed some of the activities and events they’re planning to commemorate the national Railway 200 celebrations.

The activities and events being delivered by the group of volunteers at Handforth Station include an exhibition of rail-related poems, a joint open day with the miniature railway in Handforth’s Meriton Road Park (run by Handforth Model Engineering Society), a new stainless-steel Railway 200 screen to match the adopters’ current ‘Millennium screen’, and a rail ale trail.

The Rail Ale Trail, expected to launch in late spring, will be hosted by stations along the line between Manchester Piccadilly and Crewe – many of which also have station adoption groups, like the Friends of Handforth Station.

The trail aims to promote lesser-known visitor attractions in the villages and towns surrounding each station – including of course at least one pub! – all of which are easily accessible by rail.

The profits generated from the rail ale trail and all other events will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Society, one of the charity partners for national fundraising taking place during Railway 200. 

The initial planning meeting for the Rail Ale Trail was hosted by the Friends of Handforth Station in the Railway Pub on Tuesday 18 February. The volunteers were joined by representatives from other ‘friends’ groups along the line, members of two local Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) groups, the local Robinsons Brewery manager and the community rail officer for the Crewe to Manchester Community Rail Partnership.

Hugh Everett, secretary for the Friends of Handforth Station, said: “This Rail Trail will be promoted all year, and we expect that it will continue for many years to come. It will allow people to appreciate the communities that have grown up around each of the stations since the Crewe to Manchester line was opened in 1842. After all, in North Cheshire we are very close to the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and home to several of its innovations.” 

Matthew Curtis, local photographer, writer and long-term CAMRA member, said: “A rail trail is the perfect way to enjoy some of the best pubs and discover local beers and nuggets of history along the way.” 

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Friends of Handforth Station via their website.