Showing posts with label Greater Manchester. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Greater Manchester. Show all posts

Thursday, 24 December 2020

Reddish South: A Glimpse into One of Britain's Quietest Railway Stations

Nestled in the community of Reddish, Stockport, lies Reddish South Railway Station, a stop often found among the UK's least used. With just two scheduled stops per week, both on a Saturday morning in each direction, this unassuming station holds a fascinating history of rise, decline, and a community's fight for its future.


From Bustling Hub to Quiet Corner

Reddish South opened its doors in October 1845, when the Manchester & Birmingham Railway completed the line between Stockport and Guide Bridge. Barely a year later, it became part of the London and North Western Railway (LNWR) following a significant merger.

In its early years, Reddish South was a bustling hub, boasting two island platforms, a signal box, an engine shed, and a large goods yard. However, its fortunes began to shift in May 1899 when train routes were redirected, significantly reducing passing rail traffic.


Surviving the Axe, But Not the Neglect

The decline continued, and by the 1960s, British Rail underwent massive downsizing as part of the infamous Beeching cuts. Despite many stations and lines facing closure, Reddish South, along with the Stockport-Stalybridge line, remarkably survived. Yet, survival didn't equate to investment. The station suffered from neglect: the line was reduced to single track, one of the island platforms was filled in, station buildings and the engine shed were demolished, and eventually, the sidings and surrounding land were sold off for redevelopment.


A Request Stop and a Community's Campaign

By the 1980s, Reddish South had become a mere request stop. This was further reduced to a "parliamentary service" – a solitary train once a week, at 9:22 am on a Friday, travelling from Stockport to Stalybridge.

In 2007, proposals emerged to close Reddish South and Denton station to its north, while keeping the line open. This sparked a local campaign for more services and much-needed investment. A dedicated local group has since worked to brighten up the station, adding a vibrant mural, a flower bed, and a welcoming picket fence.


The Present Day: Potential Waiting to Be Tapped

Today, Reddish South continues to grapple with a lack of investment and facilities, offering only those two Saturday morning stops. The nearby landscape, however, hints at its potential. Numerous residential buildings border the station, and a large Morrisons store sits just behind the mural – all representing potential passengers.

In 2019/20, a mere 158 passengers used the station, averaging just three per week. This stands in stark contrast to Reddish North Railway Station, located a mere mile away, which served a staggering 242,000 passengers in the same period – over 1,531 times the usage of Reddish South.

The future of Reddish South remains a testament to the dedication of its community, hoping to transform this quiet stop into a thriving part of the local transport network once more.

(Pictures taken on 15th December 2020 using a Nikon d3300 SLR.)


The stations only entrance, the infilled section to the right was once trackbed making the station multi platform, it is now served by 1.


Despite low usage, a lack of investment, and 1 train a week stopping the stations limited facilities are looked after by Friends of Reddish South.


To the stations northern end, past a limited size fence is the disused section of the platform. The construction site to the right used to be the stations goods yard.


The fence represents the end of the used part of the station.


The used part of the station, showing the lack of facilities and shelters.


Freightliner 66610 passing through the station, the line is mainly used by freight trains.

The station viewed from the bridge, the former goods yard having houses constructed on it.

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Tuesday, 31 December 2019

Smithy Bridge: A Tale of Two Stations and Enduring Connectivity

Nestled on the Caldervale Line, midway between the bustling metropolises of Leeds and Manchester, lies Smithy Bridge Railway Station. While it might appear, at first glance, to be a modest, unstaffed two-platform stop, its history is anything but ordinary, a testament to the evolving needs of a community and the enduring importance of rail travel.

A Modern Yet Modest Hub

Today, Smithy Bridge Station serves as a vital link for the local community, evidenced by its impressive passenger numbers – 167,000 in 2017/18, equating to over 3,200 journeys per week. Despite its unstaffed status, the station offers essential facilities. Small shelters on both platforms provide respite from the elements, while information boards keep passengers informed. For convenience, ticket machines are available for both purchasing and collecting tickets prior to travel.

Accessibility is a key feature, with both platforms reachable via ramps, ensuring that the station is usable by all. A small car park sits between the station and the picturesque Rochdale Canal, though passengers are advised this is not station property. A defining characteristic of Smithy Bridge is its proximity to the level crossing that carries Smithy Bridge Road, a route leading up to the scenic Hollingworth Lake – a popular local attraction.

From Victorian Origins to Modern Revival

The story of Smithy Bridge Station is a fascinating journey through time, a narrative of closure and triumphant re-opening. The original station, a product of the Victorian railway boom, was opened by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway in October 1868. This was nearly three decades after the initial line through Smithy Bridge had been laid, extending to Littleborough. For over 90 years, this initial incarnation of Smithy Bridge Station served its purpose, connecting the community to the wider rail network.

However, the mid-20th century saw significant changes in the railway landscape. British Rail, undergoing rationalisation, made the difficult decision to close Smithy Bridge Station in May 1960, a common fate for many smaller stations during this era. For 25 years, the tracks through Smithy Bridge lay silent, at least in terms of passenger services.

But the story didn't end there. Thanks to the foresight and financial backing of Greater Manchester PTE (Passenger Transport Executive), a new chapter began. On August 19th, 1985, a new Smithy Bridge Station, built on the very site of its predecessor, was officially opened. This revival underscored a renewed understanding of the importance of local rail connections and the role they play in sustainable transport and community development.

Echoes of the Past: The Signal Box

Just to the east of the current station, a level crossing marks a spot with a more recent historical footnote. Until 2014, a signal box stood proudly on the opposite side of the road to the station, diligently controlling the crossing. These iconic structures, once ubiquitous along railway lines, are now a rare sight, gradually being replaced by modern signalling systems. The Smithy Bridge signal box, a silent sentinel for many years, was ultimately taken out of use and subsequently demolished, another sign of the ever-evolving nature of the railway infrastructure.

A Snapshot in Time

The accompanying images, captured on a Nikon D3300 SLR camera on a crisp December day in 2019, offer a contemporary glimpse of Smithy Bridge Station. They show a station that, while unstaffed, is clearly well-used and continues to serve its community effectively. They are a visual reminder of the station's present-day function, a testament to its successful rebirth.

Smithy Bridge Railway Station is more than just a stop on the Caldervale Line. It's a living piece of railway history, a testament to the ebb and flow of rail travel, and a vital link for the people it serves. Its journey from Victorian origins to modern revival highlights the enduring value of accessible and well-connected public transport, a story that continues to unfold with every passing train.

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The following is taken from my YouTube channel.


All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Sunday, 16 September 2018

A Pennine Gem: Discovering Christ Church, Denshaw

Sometimes, the most enchanting discoveries happen when you least expect them. That's exactly what occurred on a sunny June afternoon in 2016, as I journeyed back from Manchester Airport, weaving my way through the picturesque Pennine landscape. My original plan was to explore the tranquil beauty of Dowry Reservoir, but fate had other plans. As I drove along Huddersfield Road, a striking silhouette caught my eye: Christ Church, Denshaw.

Standing proudly near the heart of the village, Christ Church is a testament to Victorian architectural prowess. Built by Henry Gartside and opened in 1863, this Anglican parish church exudes a sense of timeless serenity. Its solid stone construction and elegant spire pierce the Pennine sky, a beacon of faith and history.

The church's grounds, too, hold a special significance. Just inside the entrance gate, the Denshaw War Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the village's sons. The juxtaposition of the peaceful church and the solemn memorial creates a powerful atmosphere, inviting reflection and remembrance.

It's no surprise that Christ Church was granted Grade II listed status on June 19th, 1967, a recognition of its architectural and historical importance. The intricate details of its exterior, the well-maintained grounds, and the sense of history that permeates the air all contribute to its unique charm.

The photographs I captured on that serendipitous day, June 25th, 2016, offer a glimpse into the beauty of Christ Church. From the majestic spire to the tranquil gardens, each image tells a story of a place where history and community intertwine.

I've included eight of those photos below, showcasing the exterior and grounds of this beautiful church. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed discovering this hidden gem.

Christ Church, Denshaw, is more than just a building; it's a living piece of history, a place of peace, and a reminder of the enduring beauty of the Pennine landscape. If you ever find yourself travelling through this part of the world, I highly recommend taking a moment to explore this enchanting church and its surroundings. You never know what hidden treasures you might discover.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography on Zazzle.









Thanks for looking, please take a moment to share and follow me on social media, and check out my portfolio's on Photo4Me and Clickasnap via the links below.



All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Sunday, 26 November 2017

The Summit Tunnel: A Testament to Victorian Engineering and Resilience

The Pennines, a formidable range of hills in Northern England, presented a significant obstacle to the burgeoning railway network of the 19th century. But where there's a will, there's a way, and the Victorians, with their characteristic ingenuity, carved a path through the heart of these hills: the Summit Tunnel. This 1.6-mile marvel of engineering, connecting Littleborough in Greater Manchester with Walsden in West Yorkshire, stands as a testament to the vision and determination of its builders, and a fascinating story of both triumph and challenge.

Construction of the Summit Tunnel began in 1837 under the watchful eye of the legendary George Stephenson. This ambitious project aimed to create a crucial rail link between the industrial powerhouses of Leeds and Manchester. The sheer scale of the undertaking is staggering. Around a thousand navvies toiled for four years, excavating through the unforgiving terrain. Tragically, nine men lost their lives during the construction, a stark reminder of the dangers faced by these pioneering workers.

The numbers involved in the tunnel's construction are truly impressive: 23 million bricks and 8,000 tonnes of concrete were used. The final cost, a staggering £285,000, significantly overran the initial budget of £97,000, highlighting the challenges inherent in such a monumental task. Upon its opening in 1841, the Summit Tunnel briefly held the title of the longest tunnel in the world, a testament to Stephenson's ambition and skill. He considered it his greatest piece of railway engineering, famously declaring, "I stake my reputation and my head that the tunnel will never fail so as to injure any human life."

For nearly a century and a half, the tunnel served as a vital artery, facilitating the movement of people and goods across the Pennines. Its continuous service was only interrupted by a dramatic event in 1984. A goods train carrying petrol tankers derailed within the tunnel, triggering a devastating fire. The inferno raged for two days, capturing national attention and raising serious concerns about the tunnel's structural integrity. The fire brigade battled tirelessly to bring the blaze under control, finally issuing the stop signal on Christmas Eve. The aftermath saw the tunnel closed for eight months.

The fire, while dramatic, ultimately revealed the resilience of Stephenson's masterpiece. Despite the intense heat, the brick lining held firm, requiring only minimal repairs. Approximately half a mile of track and the electrical services needed replacing, and some of the air shafts required reinforcement. Before the tunnel was reopened, local residents were given the opportunity to walk through it, a gesture that underscored the community's connection to this vital piece of infrastructure. Train services between Todmorden and Littleborough resumed on August 19, 1985.

The Summit Tunnel stands as a powerful symbol of Victorian engineering prowess. It's a story of vision, hard work, tragedy, and ultimately, resilience. From its construction in the 19th century to its dramatic encounter with fire in the 20th, the tunnel has played a crucial role in the history of the region. It continues to serve as a vital transportation link today, a testament to the enduring legacy of George Stephenson and the men who built this remarkable feat of engineering.

The pictures below were taken with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on November 14, 2013. The feature is the tunnel's eastern portal, a few of the tunnel's air shafts, and a number taken from the hills above the tunnel looking down into the valley and landscapes below. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.
















The following 2 short films were taken at the tunnels Northern (Western) portal.
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This shows a Leeds bound train leaving the tunnel in the direction of Walsden. It was filmed in August 2017.

This was filmed in November 2013 and shows a Manchester bound pacer train entering the tunnel.

Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.


All the pictures and video remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Remembering Walkley Clog Mill (Canal Wharf Mills)

Nestled between the bustling towns of Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd, a silent sentinel of the industrial past once stood: Walkley Clog Mill,...