Over the last few days friends of stations groups along the South Fylde Line have been preparing for National Community Rail Week 2025.
The group at Squires Gate station have reached a huge milestone with the installation of a heritage running-in board on Platform 2. After three years of overcoming technical hurdles, it is incredibly satisfying to see it finally in place.
Spontaneity played a role in its completion – sometimes, the best progress happens when people decide to test things out on the spot. A few minor paint touch-ups, adjustment of the Q won’t take away from the achievement; the sign will be a stunning addition to the station.
Everyone’s hard work and dedication is making a real difference to the station and the community. The new sign, in LMS style, is an important tribute to Glynn Hague, a long-time supporter of the Settle & Carlisle line and former Squires Gate station adopter who is sadly no longer with us.
At St. Annes-on-the-Sea members of the group have, over the weekend, installed a new ‘Chatty Bench’ and some art work showing the beautiful flowers over the years that have been displayed on the station. The Chatty bench will be officially declared open during an event on Friday 23 May 2025.
Other events taking place today are a musical launch of the new LNER service to London from Bradford Forster Square which will see the Bantam of the Opera choir entertaining guests as they travel down to Doncaster. In addition, a new project will be launched to commemorate Bradford 2025 city of culture and Railway 200. Seat-y of culture will see young people across the Bradford district design a new moquette for an LNER 225 carriage.
There is also a ‘Open Day’ at Accrington station which will see local schools visiting the CRL Bunker to carry out art work and learn about rail safety – this being led by the CRL Education Team and supported by Prospects Foundation and Northern Railway.
Accrington Railway Station
To see a programme of the events being organised by CRL click on the link here CRL CRWeek Programme 2025
