Friends of Blaydon Station received a major boost recently when they discovered they had been nominated for, and been given, the Angel Award, which was presented to them by the MP for Blaydon, Liz Twist.
A simple ceremony was held at Blaydon Station where all current rules relating to Coronavirus were followed. Liz Twist MP awarded the Certificate of Appreciation to Friends of Blaydon Station and Station Adopter Joseph Codling. Liz said, “This award is to recognise outstanding contributions made to our community during Covid-19. Thank you for all you have done, you have made a real difference”.
Launched on 16 July 2020, the Angel Awards is a scheme to recognise those making a real difference to the communities in the Blaydon Constituency.
The Friends of Blaydon Station, were founded as the Blaydon Station Adoption Group in November 2018. It consists of four volunteer members, who while small in number have a range of different skills and experiences which create a very flexible and dynamic team. Their aim is to create something the local community will enjoy and be proud of and they:
- Maintain the planters which add colour to the station.
- Maintain the noticeboards and change them regularly to keep them fresh.
- Have commissioned a mural from local artist Sarah Jarman which has attracted over 650 positive social media comments.
- Promote the station.
- Litter picking.
- Update a social media account so the local community know what is happening and remember Blaydon has a railway station, as it is cut off from the town by a busy dual carriageway.
- Maintain links with Northern management, and Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership.
Marie Addison, Regional Community and Sustainability Manager (North East), said, “I am so pleased about this, absolutely fantastic news to cheer us all up during these challenging times”.
Joseph Codling, Station Adopter said “I am delighted that our hard work has been recognised. Blaydon is a lovely town and we are privileged to help im
prove it”.
Fiona Forsythe TVCRP Officer said, “This is the first time that a Station Adoption Group in the Tyne Valley has won an award. It is so well deserved as a recognition of all the hard work and energy which the team put into developing Blaydon Station”.
