Newly formed ‘station partnership’ group established with aim of making the Great Northern stop more welcoming
Volunteers from the Friends of Winchmore Hill Station
Winchmore Hill Station has become the latest to join the nationwide ‘station partner’ scheme – with a group of volunteers now helping to brighten up its platforms.
The newly-formed team of local residents recently held their first action day at the Hertford Loop Line station, filling up some newly-installed planters with fresh foliage.
Station partnerships have been running for over ten years and encourage community groups and residents of all ages and backgrounds to volunteer and help enhance the appearance of their local railway station, which is often the first sight visitors have of an area when they arrive.
The idea is to make stations more welcoming to commuters, visitors and station employees, while perhaps inspiring further projects being initiated across the community.
Winchmore Hill Station which opened in 1870 and is served by Great Northern Railway. Several other partnerships along the Hertford Loop have won awards for their efforts in brightening up their stations, inspiring Winchmore Hill Residents’ Association to get in on the act by helping to establish a new group called Friends of Winchmore Hill Station.
The first step, back in February, was to survey other stations along the line to see what worked and might be applicable to Winchmore Hill in terms of planters, graphics and other features to make the scheme work – stations such as Enfield Chase and Gordon Hill have special waiting areas and specially designed murals and others such as Bowes Park now have an award-winning platform café.
Great Northern offered money towards the set-up costs and the remaining funds were raised by crowdfunding from the local community, plus business sponsorships. Phase one of the scheme was the installation of wood planters filled with drought-resistant plants and spring bulbs which will provide colour in the new year.
The first action day was supported by Herts Woodwork, which built the planters, and Clockhouse Nursery, which selected and supplied suitable plants and other equipment.
Friends of Winchmore Hill volunteers got stuck in
Neil Littman, one of the organisers, said: “It was great working together with a group of volunteers to make the station a nicer place and see our efforts improve with the seasons and give something back to the community. Initiatives like this should not be underestimated in terms of the long-term benefits.”
A second phase – subject to funding – will involve installing graphics around the station waiting areas and new hanging baskets on the platforms and the front of the station, together with a custom-designed welcome sign.
Other improvements and new features will be appearing over time.
Anyone who would like become a volunteer at Winchmore Hill Station should contact Winchmore Hill Residents Association:Email [email protected]
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