Events
The Friends of Sowerby Bridge Railway Station organise a number of events throughout the year.
Our next Planned Public Event other than organised trips (see Trips) is our Remembrance Service (see details below).
Previous Events
Christmas Carol Concert
On Sunday December 22nd 2024 the group decorated and put lights on a Tree in the Brontë Garden and organised a Carol Concert after sadly having to cancel the event in 2023 due to a storm. Despite the weather, albeit dry but very windy approximately 25 – 30 members and the public came together to sing Christmas songs and carols followed by some very welcome Mince Pies courtesy of Tesco’s. Those attending the event expressed their enjoyment and plans are already afoot to hold another one in 2025 (see Calendar).
Christmas Lunch 2024
A Christmas Lunch was organised by the group on Thursday December 19th at The Navigation Inn, Sowerby Bridge. Members, partners and friends enjoyed some lovely food and a few drinks in a excellent atmosphere with good service.
Remembrance Service 2024
A Remembrance Service was held on Sunday November 10th 2024 in the Brontë Garden conducted by John & Val Frankland which was attended by over 30 people. Music recordings were again successfully employed as substitute for a live ensemble/band, and wreaths were placed by Christine Harris (Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire), Richard Isaac (Northern), Bill Smithies (Sowerby Bridge Rotary Club), Sylvia Walker (Friends of Sowerby Bridge Railway Station) and Halina Dennison.
22/09/24 Trip to Bridgnorth & Severn Valley Railway
The Friends arranged a trip to Bridgnorth & Severn Valley by Coach which was enjoyed by all those who travelled. Despite the atrocious weather forecast the weather was tolerable and the attendees enjoyed both the town of Bridgnorth and the Severn Valley Railway Steam Gala. For details of potential future trips please see Trips.
19/05/24 Trip to Lakeside & Haverwaite Railway & Ravensglass & Eskdale Railway
The Friends arranged a trip to The Lakeside & Haverwaite Railway or The Ravensglass & Eskdale Railway by Coach which was well received and enjoyed by all, the weather was glorious and new friendships were forged. For details of potential future trips please see Trips.
Christmas Lunch 2023
A Christmas Lunch was organised by our Chairman Mike Payne at the Navigation Inn, Sowerby Bridge. Members and partners enjoyed some lovely food in a excellent atmosphere with exceptional service.
Remembrance Service 2023
A Remembrance Service was held on Sunday November 12th 2023 in the Brontë Garden conducted by John & Val Frankland and was well attended. Music recordings were again successfully employed as substitute for a live ensemble/band, and wreaths were placed by Christine Harris (Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire), Richard Isaac (Northern), Paul Whiteley (Sowerby Bridge Rotary Club) and Sandra Adams (Friends of Sowerby Bridge Railway Station).
The Event was covered by ITV Calendar, the local news programme who had the following comments as well as a couple of photographs and a short video.
“In Sowerby Bridge, there was a service to remember the men of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company who died in the First World War.
At 11am a whistle was blown – a poignant reminder that it was probably the last sound the soldiers heard on leaving the valley – and the very last sound for those who advanced ‘over the top’ to their deaths.
James Hennigan, from Friends of Sowerby Bridge railway station said it was decided to start the service differently this year, with the original railway whistle.”
24/09/23 Trip to Llangollen
The Friends arranged a trip to Llangollen by Coach which was well received and enjoyed by all, whatever transportation method was chosen, or even just to spend time in the town. For details of potential future trips please see Trips.
21/05/23 Trip to North Yorkshire Moors Railway (Pickering) & Whitby
The Friends arranged a trip to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (Pickering) & Whitby by Coach which was well received and enjoyed by all, with most people opting for a trip via a group booking on the North Yorkshire Railway between Pickering & Whitby. For details of potential future trips please see Trips.
18/09/22 Trip to Severn Valley Railway Steam Gala
The Friends arranged a trip to the Severn Valley Railway Steam Gala by Coach which was well received and enjoyed by all. For details of potential future trips please see Trips.