WYRE Forest u3a group is celebrating after being shortlisted in the Community Rail Partnership Awards in recognition of its work at Kidderminster Station.
It started when group member Sue suggested adopting the station so it could bring about improvements to reflect the town’s history and community spirit.
A dedicated ‘Kidderminster Station Adoption’ group was formed within Wyre Forest u3a to coordinate the efforts of volunteers.
Since the adoption in 2022, the team has accomplished a variety of improvements, including building a ‘bug hotel’ to support local wildlife, planting a herb garden for commuters to enjoy, transforming a once-neglected bank into a well-tended woodland area and repurposing an old boat into a planter with signage referencing Kidderminster’s twin town, Husum.
Other projects have included a display honouring Kidderminster’s carpet-making heritage and plaques around the station that highlight significant historical sites. A new noticeboard also keeps the public updated on Wyre Forest u3a activities.
The project has enabled members to apply their personal and professional skills in creative ways.
Different roles
Sue drew on her background as a project manager, while former engineers John and Gilbert contributed their expertise to refurbish the boat planter.
Mike used his computer-aided design experience to develop visuals for installations, which helped communicate ideas with train operators and suppliers.
The u3a gardening group revitalised the green spaces, and another member named Sue, who leads the Industrial History group, partnered with the Museum of Carpet to secure display boards.
Tony, a photography enthusiast, documented the progress and shared the images on the Wyre Forest u3a website and station displays.
Sue said: “We were amazed and exceedingly proud to see that we had been shortlisted and especially placed in the GOLD category of ‘Its Your Station’.
“It certainly made all of our efforts worthwhile that we had been recognised after a very long road to get our projects under way.”
Appreciated by commuters
The transformation has not gone unnoticed by commuters and visitors.
Sue added: “When we work on the gardens, many people come and talk to us and ask who we are and why we are doing it. We get many ‘thanks’ from passers-by who appreciate what we are doing for the community.
“One commuter also sent us an email thanking us for making her regular trips to the station more pleasant.
“People are learning all about Kidderminster and its rich heritage.”
This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Community Rail Partnership Awards, which celebrate the volunteers, groups, and partnerships making a difference in their communities and at UK rail stations.
Wyre Forest u3a earned a place on the shortlist in the ‘It’s Your Station’ category and was awarded a Certificate of Excellence.
Sue added u3a members had a wealth of experience, knowledge and skills and set about bringing them to create cheer and interest to Kidderminser Station which would be visited by so many people for many years to come.
Visit wyreforestu3a.org.uk for more on the group and how to join.
