Handforth Station has added to its list of awards with its receipt of the 'Big Society' award in the annual Cheshire Best Kept Station Competition.
The award was in recognition of the station friends group close links to the community, culminating in two successful 'Big Tidy Up' events in Spring 2011.
The awards night, unique to Cheshire, took place on 17th January at The Weaver Hall Museum in Northwich with over 90 guests present, including the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, the High Sheriff and six local mayors.
Announcing Handforth's award, John Hulme, organiser of Cheshire Best Kept Stations, said: "One aim of the Big Society is to encourage local people to get involved with their communities. The Friends of Handforth Station group has led the way in working with the local neighbourhood and making things happen over 15 years. This local community work truly deserves this award."
Mike Bishop, Chairman, Friends of Handforth Station said: "We have received recognition in 8 of the 9 Cheshire Best Station Awards nights but we are especially pleased to receive the Big Society Award this year.
This acknowledges the huge contribution of so many within our community: Rotary, Wilmslow High School, our local primary schools, the Girl Guides, Rainbow Play Group, the Youth Club, Transition Wilmslow/, Incredible Edible, artists, and the numerous individuals from Handforth since we formed in 1996.
This award is for them all with many thanks from the Friends of Handforth Station."
Chelford, three stations down the line, picked up the Best Kept Gardens Award on the same night, whilst the overall winner was Frodsham on the Manchester to Chester Line.
Photo: (l to r): Cllr Barry Burkhill, David Roberts (presenting awards) and Andrew Backhouse of Friends of Handforth Station.
