A group of volunteers on the East Lancashire Railway have been celebrated this week after clocking up a whopping 2000 years-worth of service between them.
The heritage railway is a popular tourist attraction on the Greater Manchester and Lancashire border, bringing around 200,000 visitors annually.
It has now awarded its most dedicated volunteers – which its chairman says are the railway’s ‘lifeblood’ – with Long Service Awards.
He added that they had helped the attraction to ‘bounce back’ from an ‘incredibly challenging’ 18 months caused by the pandemic.
Some of the volunteers who were honoured in the Long Service Awards. Credit: Supplied
But not all their volunteers have returned post-pandemic, and the ELR is calling out for people to maintain the railway, run the heritage trains and host events and experiences – basically, to be the ‘cogs that keep the railway running’.
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58 staff and volunteers were recently given plaques for their dedication to the ELR over the last 50 years.
They’ve collectively spent more than 2,000 years working for the heritage attraction, with its longest-serving volunteers working there for more than 50 years.
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Lois Veevers Hatton and Peter Lord have both been with the ELR for 52 years, while Richard Law and Phil Bailey have spent 51 years volunteering.
Some volunteers have worked on the ELR for more than 50 years. Credit: Supplied.
These people are credited with ‘rescuing the railway from disappearing’ back in the late 60’s, preserving it for future generations.
Ten further volunteers were given silver awards for more than four decades of service, with the remaining honoured with bronze awards.
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East Lancashire Railway chairman Mike Kelly, a fellow volunteer himself, said: “Our volunteers have and continue to be the absolute lifeblood of the heritage railway.
“Put simply, without them, we could not function, so it’s only right that we step out to salute their incredible selfless and unwavering service.
“Our Long Service Awards provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate their contribution and to thank them for their dedication that stretches back decades.
“This was more important than ever after the last 18 months which have been incredibly challenging for the railway due to the coronavirus pandemic, which put our future in jeopardy.
“With the help of our super staff and volunteers, the railway has been able to bounce back and continues providing magical moments for everyone who visits.
“But not everyone has returned from our pre-pandemic teams and we aren’t quite up to full strength. We desperately need more people to join our fantastic teams.”
Perks for volunteers include free trips on the line, a free family trip per year, and discount rates on all other journeys – as well as getting to go behind the scenes of this popular attraction.
Featured image: Facebook – East Lancashire Railway
Kids & Family
Stretford’s popular festival with dozens of FREE events and activities to return next spring
Emily Sergeant
A popular festival for all the family is set to return and take over a buzzing Greater Manchester town next spring.
After a successful first run last summer, where thousands attended as a diverse array of music, art, dance, and interactive workshops descended on the streets of Stretford, The StretFest is back again for 2025, and will be taking over the whole Trafford neighbourhood with loads of free events and activities to get involved with.
This new spring edition of the neighbourhood festival will spread across Stretford’s favourite venues and public spaces to celebrate ‘new beginnings’.
Organised by Stretford Town Centre Forum – which is a new collaboration of local businesses and community groups, with support from Trafford Council and Bruntwood – the theme of next year’s festival has been chosen as a nod to the development work that’s now well underway across Stretford town centre.
The StretFest returns in 2025 / Credit: Supplied
Free events will be at venues such as Stretford Public Hall, the Mall, Victoria Park, St Matthew’s Church, and Stretford Library, alongside loads of local independent businesses.
The festival also coincides with the 10th anniversary of Stretford Public Hall’s transfer into community ownership, so you can celebrations at the Hall all throughout the day.
One of the main events on the day of the festival will be the popular ‘Stretford Socials’ from midday through to 4pm, where you’ll find an array of stalls featuring talented local makers, bakers, and community groups.
It’s here where you’ll also an also enjoy a variety of free family-friendly activities that organisers say “promises fun for all ages”.
More information is set to be announced in the new year, so keep your eyes peeled.
The StretFest returns on Saturday 1 March 2025, and you can find out more and apply to be a part of it by submitting an application here.
Featured Image – Adrian Michael (via Supplied)
Kids & Family
You can send messages of hope to a veteran in Greater Manchester this Christmas
Thomas Melia
A Manchester veteran is urging local people to show support by writing messages to other veterans who suffer with physical and mental challenges.
Lamin Manneh, who served in Afghanistan, is fronting this initiative alongside Help For Heroes with the aim to deliver as many uplifting messages as possible to veterans who need a little pick-me-up this Christmastime.
The Manchester-born veteran experienced his own struggles while serving for the Armed Forces losing both legs and an arm whilst on patrol.
There are at least 7,700 veterans in Manchester and there are even more that can be supported by Help For Heroes.
Their latest campaign ‘Send A Christmas Message To A Veteran’ allows anyone to upload their own words and pictures of support that veterans can access virtually.
It’s easy to access and the message is uploaded straight away meaning people can reach it through any digital or desktop device whenever they need.
Last year, Christmas cards with some inspiring messages and words of support were distributed between more than 9,500 veterans and the Armed Forces charity are hoping to reach even more.
These cards are vital to any retired soldier as Help For Heroes knows for some people this may be the only card they receive this year.
Pairing this with the fact that many veterans are affected by both physical and mental challenges which limit socialising, Christmas can be a tricky time for them.
Some of the messages posted to the online wall have images attached to them too, which you can also do, including some of the cutest dogs, that’s sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
Manneh said: “During military service, service men and women have a strong support network and a close-knit community, but transitioning to civilian life can destroy that.
“Coupled with physical and mental health issues, which can prevent them from socialising, Christmas can become a time filled with dread rather than a celebration.
“Loneliness can lead to unnecessary thoughts coming to you, which can cause so much harm. Therefore, it is paramount for anyone who needs help to reach out.
“I know from last year that receiving messages from Help for Heroes supporters made a massive difference to some people and showed there are people out there who care. It also encouraged veterans to come forward and get support.”
If you want to get involved and show your support with a few words of encouragement and empathy, you can do so via their virtual message wall here.
Daisy Jackson -
15th November 2021 
