Artist Debbie Goldsmith and leather worker Sian Tudor Jones have been given the key to the restored station building at Goostrey Station.

Debbie and Sian have a vision - to build an exciting creative space where they can not only house their working studios but also hold workshops, exhibitions and educational activities.

When Friends of Goostrey Station (FoGS) were presented with a sixth award from the Cheshire Best Kept Stations competition on May 25, Debbie and Sian were able to allow members to enter for the first time since the refurbishment was completed in 2019.

The outside of the windows had been spring cleaned beforehand and inside, as well as paintings and leather goods, there was a display of photos showing the stages of the refurbishment.

Knutsford Guardian: Artist Debbie Goldsmith talks to FoGS members inside the station building

Artist Debbie Goldsmith talks to FoGS members inside the station building 

Mike Jarvis, former chair of FoGS, accepted the CBKS Special Award on behalf of the whole team.

In his speech, Mike said: "Our main aim when FOGS was formed some seven or eight years ago was to persuade the railway companies to renovate our Victorian former ticket office, of which there are few examples left in the whole country.

"We also wanted it to be brought back into use in some form.

"We have achieved that goal and it's fitting that we have with us today Debbie Goldsmith and Sian Tudor Jones who plan be the first occupants of the building for many years.

"Their aim is to form working Art and Leather Studios with Education Workshops for adults and children."

Knutsford Guardian: Mike Sidebottom and Craig Sidebotham holding the Special Award from CBKS

Mike Sidebottom and Craig Sidebotham holding the Special Award from CBKS

Mike went on to explain how the work had only been made possible thanks to Network Rail and The Railway Heritage Trust who together funded the £150K renovation project.

He added: "It is also highly appropriate that we have with us Mark Barker from CBKS who introduced us to Andy Savage at the RHT, and Rebecca Styles from Northern Rail with whom the letting contract has been arranged."

During the FoGS working party on June 13, the new totem was attached to the wall of the road bridge.

At the same time, members admired the recently planted tubs of flowering plants and the new exhibition of art work in the platform shelter.

Knutsford Guardian: Leather worker Sian Tudor Jones

Leather worker Sian Tudor Jones

Year 4 at Goostrey Community Primary School have a display inspired by Carol Ann Duffy’s book called The Lost Happy Endings.

The children have written poems and stories with twisted endings to traditional tales, the intriguing title of one being ‘Goldilocks and the Side Order of Potatoes’.

Chair of FOGS, Dave Roberts told members: "It was really good to see everyone’s enthusiasm with the various activities.

"The mounting of the recent CBKS award adjacent to the five previous awards really highlights FOGS achievements at the station."

If you have ever thought about becoming a Friend of Goostrey Station then you can find out more about FOGS from the website friendsofgoostreystation.org.