Friends go back 80 years for latest project to mark their 20th anniversary

John  boards 4

For the latest of their commemorations of their 20th anniversary, the Friends of Handforth Station have gone back over 80 years to the days when the London Midland and Scottish Railways provided the rail service at Handforth.

Thanks to Age UK Cheshire East's Men in Sheds Project Macclesfield and the work of local volunteers two replica running in boards are displayed at the station, these are based on a photograph dated 1932 which shows an original board and is displayed in the ticket office.

These join the two original British Railways running in boards, an original Regional Railways totem and 15 totems donated by various foreign railway companies in their own style, featuring "Handforth."

The Men in Sheds Project is run for men only over 50 years. It is a place where they can meet up for social, practical or cultural activities. Based around the garden shed and setup for woodworking activities the men can, if they wish, make, mend, paint or be creative in any way they wish. There is support from staff and volunteers to enable a quality project to be produced with the professional equipment they have in the workshop. The only decision they need to make is, do I make anything and if so what? Or do I just socialise!

Mike Bishop, Founder of the Friends of Handforth Station said. "For the latest of our 20th anniversary projects we are particularly pleased to continuing working with our new partner, the Men in Sheds Project, for these eye catching boards.

"These are not only visible for local passengers but also tell passengers on Express non stop trains passing through the station that the are passing the famous Handforth station."

The Men in Sheds Project is for men over 50 years of age and offers a place where they can meet up for social, practical or cultural activities. Based around the garden shed and set up for woodworking activities the men can, if they wish, make, mend, paint or be creative. There is support from staff and volunteers to enable a quality project to be produced with the professional equipment they have in the workshop.

Photo: John Lowe, designer of the boards, fabricator of the letters and painter of the completed works.

Tags:
Friends of Handforth Station, Handforth Station
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