CRL - Community Rail Lancashire

The cycle shelter at St Annes-on-sea Railway Station has now had its revamp in the year of the station’s 150^th anniversary to great fanfare!

It now features a photograph of local Lifeboat, the RNLB Barbara Anne, taken by local professional photographer and supporter of the RNLI, Gregg Wolstenholme on the station’s cycle shelter.

In addition, a new Lytham St Annes Lifeboat history poster, thanks to David Forshaw, local Deputy Launching Authority and Press Officer for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has been created which features the value of this vital local service to the town over its lifetime. The new poster can be downloaded on this link: Lifeboat History Poster

On 21^st August 2023 the unveilings took place by the St Annes Mayor, Cllr Shirley Green, with visitors and invited guests all joining in the celebrations, including ‘Stormy Stan’ – the RNLI mascot!

After the unveiling, there was a cycle ride to the RNLI All Weather Lifeboat Boathouse on St Annes South promenade, where the Shanty Crew sang, visitors toured the Lifeboat station, cycled for a smoothie and RNLB Barbara Anne was on view!

Gregg Wolstenholme, the photographer said “I’m extremely proud to have my work used to promote the town and honour the RNLI for the great work that they do. I hope it will encourage more visitors by train to walk along the beautiful promenade at St Annes and visit the Lifeboat Station.“

Tony Ford, Chair of the South Fylde Line Community Rail Partnership said, “It’s great to have spruced up the cycle shelter with Gregg’s wonderful lifeboat photograph and to share the long history of the Lifeboats in St Annes and Lytham, including the very first Lifeboat, Laura Janet, that arrived by train – transported free of charge no less!”

Caroline Holden, Community Rail Development Officer explained “We were delighted the weather was kind and we had such a wonderful local response to the celebration both at the Railway and Lifeboat Stations. We thank both the Friends of St Anne’s Railway Station and the Lytham St Annes RNLI for working with us to feature the vital service provided to the town past and present, and the enthusiastic response to the event by the local community.”

Martin Keating, Regional Community and Sustainability Manager commented: “Northern are very pleased to support the new cycle shelter artwork and history boards. These complement the station and are yet another great example of Northern working together with its partners and the wider local community to improve railway stations and enhance the customer experience.”

Mick Elliot, Railway Station Manager said: “It is through working with Community groups such as the RNLI and Community Rail Lancashire that Northern can make a difference and say we are proud of those communities whom we serve”.