The Friends of Handforth Station have picked up another award to add to their growing collection.
Last weekend they attended the 2015 Community Rail Awards in Torquay where they won the Permanent Art Works category for their "Art in a Box" entry.
'Art in a Box' is a new permanent public exhibition space next to ticket office at Handforth Station. Created by upcycling two unused bicycle lockers, it is a used for displaying art exhibitions.
The Friends of Handforth Station commissioned Christine Wilcox-Baker to create the first exhibition 'Reflect' - a commemoration of the relationship between the railway and members of the local community who enlisted for the First World War - which has certainly attracted the interest of passengers and the local community.
This is the first time that the Friend's of Handforth station have received a Community Rail Award. They were also short listed for their work as a whole on World War 1 remembrance, which included three performances of "Over by Christmas" by Theatre in the Quarter and starring local schoolchildren, which was seen by over 400 people at Handforth.
Hazel Bonner, Awards project manager said "It was a fabulous night, attended by over 340 volunteers and rail industry members, the atmosphere was brilliant and we saw some really wonderful projects and people publicly recognised."
Mike Bishop, Chairman of Friends of Handforth Station said "A huge thank you to all the people we work with and especially our sponsors for this artwork including Cheshire East Council, Handforth Parish Council, Contour Homes and Northern Trains in this creative partnership of which we are very proud and which is working to makes things happen in Handforth."
Photos: (l-r) Mike Bishop. Mike Thomson and Andrew Backhouse receiving the award from Mark Hopwood, Managing Director of Great Western Railway.
"Night" shows "Art in A Box" design "Reflect" by Christine Wilcox- Baker, illuminated at night.
