Castleton Station celebrates 175 years with community celebration

Castleton Station - 175 years

Rail enthusiasts and supporters of Castleton Station gathered on Monday (15 September) to celebrate 175 years since trains were first allowed to pass through the village.

The Friends of Castleton Station held a community event and celebration to celebrate the milestone of the station.

Guests on the day included Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Carol Wardle, Councillor Billy Sheerin, representatives from The Friends of Castleton Station, Northern Rail, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), and the East Lancashire Railway as well as school children from a number of local schools.

The afternoon’s celebration included a performance by Scottish Piper Stuart Hay of Rochdale Council. After greeting Mayor Wardle to the event, he entertained throughout by providing Scottish melodies. The choir from Castleton Primary School then performed for guests.

Roy Chapman from TfGM addressed the enthusiastic crowd and Chairman of STORM, Richard Greenwood MBE gave the history of the railways in the Castleton area. Brian Davies from the East Lancashire Railway then outlined the plans for a Castleton connection to bring steam and vintage diesel hauled trains back into Baggs Yard.

After announcements and speeches were made, arriving on the 13:40 train, Councillor Jean Hornby, dressed in Victorian dress, arrived to help with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.

The plaque, which was unveiled by Mayor Wardle reads: “This plaque is to commemorate the 175th Anniversary of Castleton Railway Station. Councillor Carol Wardle – Mayor of Rochdale RMBC. 15 September 1839 -15 September 2014.”

Mayor Wardle presented children from Castleton Primary School, St Gabriel’s Primary School, St Edwards Primary School and Matthew Moss High School with special fridge magnets bearing the inscription ‘Castleton Lancs’ on a historic maroon totem as used in British Railway days. These were handed out to the children as a thank you for helping with the floral displays at the station.