Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership (CRP) has supported the Friends of Altrincham Interchange to host a celebratory event at the station, showcasing the fantastic work achieved by the volunteer group to enhance the station.

On the afternoon of Thursday 15 January, station volunteers gathered at Altrincham Interchange Station alongside representatives from the CRP and Community Rail Network, as well as members of the community and special guests including the Mayor of Trafford, Cllr Jane Brophy.

The mayor did the honours of cutting the red ribbon on the newly installed running-in board, before guests explored the artwork created by local children in the nearby poster cases and the Railway 200-inspired panels detailing the history and heritage of the station and surround area.

Up next was the waiting room, where volunteers pointed out the framed knitted totem made by local group Library Knitters, the well-stocked platform library and the many awards which the Friends of Altrincham Interchange have won over the years.

Guests were able to explore more vibrant artwork brightening up the station, including aerial photos of trams and trains moving through Altrincham at night, ceramic dove mosaics and panels created by a local Scout group that shine a spotlight on the landmarks and landscapes that can be found across Greater Manchester.

The guests then made their way to the ‘Flourish rooms’ on Platform 4 to enjoy refreshments. Local poet Pam Brashaw recited a poem from the Mid Cheshire CRP-funded book Hare and Rabbit: Travels on a Train, an illustrated poetry compilation that uses captivating rhymes and colourful pictures to showcase the beauty of train travel and the many attractions that can be found along the Mid Cheshire Line.

Sarah Muir, Mid Cheshire CRP officer, said: “We hope those who attended were inspired by the fantastic collaborative work that has been achieved at Altrincham Interchange and Navigation Road Station in the last year.

“The enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers have had great success at reaching out to the local community during 2025 and involving them in projects to enhance these two stations – truly embodying the ethos of community rail!”

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Mid Cheshire CRP via their website.