HISTORY
If I could turn back time.
Members of FoGS were delighted when a local resident recovered a large piece of sandstone which was originally part of the road bridge over the railway and was removed during electrification. The real interest was the carving on the stone. At the top are two shields and the letters M.B.R for Manchester Birmingham Railway. In the lower half is the name G. W. Buck and the date 1841, which is when the branch line from Manchester Store Street, later Piccadilly, to Crewe North Junction was completed. A local farmer loaned equipment when the keystone was lifted onto its new support on the Manchester platform.
An article in the local press led to the return of a metal and glass surround which shielded the wick of an oil lamp that was lit each evening by a porter. It was removed when electricity replaced oil and was retrieved by a relative of a former signalman at Goostrey. It has been restored and is mounted next to the keystone with an explanatory plaque designed by members of FoGS.
Members of the public have also been in touch and donated rare photographs of the Station and individuals who once worked there. We are extremely grateful for these precious glimpses into the past!
