Henley Station Celebrates First Year After Transformation

Henley is celebrating its station’s first year. The station’s transformation is worth celebrating, and the activities held there were successful. The station raised £15,000 for charity.

The station once faced closure and seemed destined to decay. Trains still stopped, but hope seemed lost. It transformed into a flagship project, boosting stations along the Stratford route.

They brightened the outside first, and new artwork and displays appeared. A full makeover then took place, and the station’s reopening was last year.

Lord Hendy opened it on February 22nd. He chaired Network Rail at that time and is now a government minister. He praised The Station, Henley-in-Arden, and hoped it would inspire others.

The station has welcomed many events, including corporate, private, and community gatherings. It opens Thursday to Sunday regularly, and Angela Okey chairs the Community Interest Company, driving the project forward.

Angela praises the Henley community’s hard work. The station provides a meeting place and funds worthy causes. They granted £15,000 to nine groups before its first anniversary.

Grants supported many local groups, including Christmas lights and the Henley Hub. They also helped the heritage center and even sponsored a mobility scooter.

SLRUG also contributed to the station’s success. They urged the council to adopt the station, and Angela joined the council, which helped. Terry Phillips recognized Alan and Fraser’s roles in rallying community support.

Terry says a rail group can create change. The station boosts the community and local businesses. More people visit Henley by train, and the station’s environment improves too.

It generously funded local causes early on. Angela and volunteers deserve praise for their hard work towards station success. The station has plans for the future, and unique events will benefit Henley and surrounding villages.