Friends of Littleborough Station shortlisted for Community Rail Awards

The Friends of Littleborough Station have been shortlisted for two Community Rail Awards.

The Friends have been shortlisted for the awards' Best Marketing or Communications Campaign category alongside Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership and Community Rail Lancashire for the Marvellous Days Out and Discover Amazing Women by Rail project.

Part of the Marvellous Days Out series, the ‘Discover Amazing Women by Rail’ booklet highlights the extraordinary lives of women – both known and unknown – who have lived in 32 towns, villages or cities with stations along the Mid-Cheshire line (Chester to Manchester) and Calder Valley Railway Line (Leeds to Manchester).

The booklet includes famous Northern women such as Rochdale singer Gracie, poet Sylvia Plath (Hebden Bridge) as well as Knutsford novelist Elizabeth Gaskell, author of ‘North & South’ and Manchester’s political activist and suffragette, Emmeline Pankhurst.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/117631/gracie-fields-celebrated-in-new-booklet-on-amazing-women-by-rail

Richard Lysons, historian and Chairman of Friends of Littleborough Stations, said: “This project has already had much acclaim from royalty, MPs and the rail industry, and positive response in local, regional and national media, as well as from the general public and tourist industry.

“Local councillors and libraries in the borough have been especially supportive.  We did not plan the project to coincide with the centenary of the start of women’s suffrage, but that has obviously helped. Heritage Open Weekends next month are also focusing on the achievements of women.

 "The project is the result of a successful creative partnership between community rail professionals and volunteers, along with the fantastic illustrations and graphic design of Nicky Thompson of Lemondrop Creative. We are grateful to the DfT for funding the project and the support of our partners, especially Women in Community Rail.

"Over 20,00 copies have been distributed around the region. Copies of the free booklet are available at Touchstones, local libraries and Littleborough Coach House.”

Mr Lysons has also been shortlisted for the Outstanding Volunteer Contribution category after being secretly nominated by Sally Buttifant.

The awards will be held in Glasgow on 4 October.