Spotlight on Stations
This summer we’re taking the opportunity to spotlight some of our amazing train stations in Lancashire and highlight the incredible work our volunteer groups do to keep them looking beautiful and grow pride amongst visitors and the local community.
First up in the Spotlight on Stations series, is the Church and Oswaldtwistle station on the busy East Lancashire Line.
This station was adopted six years ago by The Rotary Club and over these years a lot of hard work has made it a station the community can once again take pride in. Most weekends the volunteers work hard to maintain the station, tending to flower tubs, picking up litter, sweeping the station and ensuring all signage is in place.
Some of the recent projects the volunteers have carried out include:
+ Clearing the front of the station of weeds and saplings; put down 5 tonnes of stone chippings and completed the project with 2 large planters.
+ Painted the subway and fixed the wire meshing to prevent pigeons from roosting in the bridge.
+ Looking after the model engine and carriages on the Colne platform which needs regular painting and is planted annually with begonias.
+ Care and plant seven planters each year with either, tulips, daffodils or begonias, depending on the season.
+ From February to October we meet on Saturdays to look after the station, the planters and to sweep up any litter.
The hard work, care and consideration of the volunteers at this station has made a huge difference, by creating a beautiful, welcoming environment for the local community, visitors and commuters to enjoy.
Michael Jackson, volunteer at Church and Oswaldtwistle station said:
“Our team of volunteers have made a huge difference to the station at Church and Oswaldtwistle. We meet every Saturday to keep the station looking tidy, brushing up debris, planting, watering and caring for all the flowers.
None of this would be possible without the hardwork and commitment from our amazing volunteers, who give up their spare time to make our station beautiful for all.
We are always looking for new volunteers, so if you want to join our amazing group, just get in contact.”
Richard Watts, Chair of Community Rail Lancashire added:
“Stations are the gateway to the local community and keeping them looking at their best is very important. Across Lancashire many volunteers do just that by creating lovely floral displays and keeping the stations looking tidy and welcoming. We couldn’t do it without them.
The Spotlight on Stations series is a great opportunity to thank all the volunteers, showcase their hard work and achievements, while encouraging others to join. These groups offer a great opportunity to meet new people and make a difference in your local area. Get in touch today, if you want any more information.”
Want to join the volunteering team at Church and Oswaldtwistle station?
The station group is always on the lookout for new volunteers. Would you like to put something back into the community, do you have green fingers, like painting or simply want to get out of the house and meet new people? If so, get in touch.
Email: communityraillancashire.crl@gmail.com
Church & Oswaldtwistle station serves the Accrington suburb of Church and the small town of Oswaldtwistle. Church village stands on the Leeds Liverpool canal and three structures associated with the canal are listed at Grade 2, two bridges and a disused warehouse. Also listed at Grade 2* is St. James’ Church.
Legend has it that Oswaldtwistle is named after Saint Oswald, King of Northumbria who passed through the area and ‘twistle’ which is old English for ‘brooks meet’ giving Oswald’s Twistle, which in time came to be Oswaldtwistle. However, it is more likely derived from the name of an Anglo-Saxon who farmed the land.