Bench unveiled in memory of Friends group treasurer

The group wanted to acknowledge the contribution Steve, who died a year ago, had made to the station, and arranged for a memorial bench to be installed.

The bench and plaque were unveiled by Steve’s widow Michelle in the presence of Sue Bidwell, the mayoress of Cheshire East and many of Steve’s friends and railway staff.

“Many of Steve’s friends gathered at the station to commemorate his time as the treasurer of FoHS for more than 20 years,” said FoHS chairman Andrew Backhouse.

“Steve was an early member of FoHS, and contributed an awful lot to the local community via FoHS, providing quiet and calm reasoned comment, keeping other volunteers sane with a gentle dry humour, and using his considerable height to advantage when working at the station, especially when installing hanging baskets and raising numerous artistic flags over the years.

“The Friends wanted to recognise all that Steve had contributed to the station over so many years, and arranged for a memorial bench to be installed thanks to funding from Northern Rail and the Crewe to Manchester Community Rail Partnership with installation undertaken by Northern’s contractor ISS.

Sue Bidwell said: “I am honoured to be here today to represent the Mayor of Cheshire East and Cheshire East borough at this special event in Steve's memory.

“Steve was a gentle, kind, unassuming and self-effacing man who worked quietly and tirelessly for his community, not just here at the Station but also with our young people.

“I enjoyed working with him so much when I was a Macclesfield Borough councillor; he always had my respect and affection.

“Sadly I was not here when we lost him. He is hugely missed, and I am so glad to see this lovely seat here in his memory.”

Andrew added: “Following the unveiling everyone adjourned to The Railway for coffee and biscuits, and continued recalling with fond memories the exploits of Steve and his lovely sense of humour, which was treasured and has been sorely missed.”