News


July
2023
Naming Ceremony

Last week saw the official naming ceremony of our new locomotive ‘Graham’.

Named after our late friend and volunteer Graham Speechley, his widow poured champagne over the bonnet whilst naming it in his honour. A few of his friends and relatives joined our staff and volunteers to then toast his memory.

Jobey Few, our youngest qualified volunteer driver then took the party on several trips along the line, with fellow volunteer Peter Dyson guarding.

The diesel hydraulic locomotive was specially built for us by volunteer Adam Jeffrey. It was painted on site this year and is already proving to be a really useful engine.

Click on any picture to open as a bigger image


April
2023

Easter Egg Hunt
Thursday 6th, Good Friday 7th, Saturday 8th & Easter Monday 10th
10:30 to 4:00

It’s all happening over Easter here at Brookside.

We’ve got a free to enter Easter Egg Hunt (for 2 to 16 year old passengers) on Thursday, Good Friday, Saturday & Easter Monday (we’re closed Easter Sunday by law). The first correct entry drawn each day will win a 12 ride ticket.

Keeling’s Vintage Funfair is also back on the fairground, on Good Friday, Saturday & Easter Monday.

So come along and have some good old fashioned fun. 10:30 to 4 each day.


March
2023
Mother's Day Special – Sat & Sun 18 & 19 March 10:30 to 4:00

Each child buying a train ticket will receive a free coloured wooden rose to give to someone special.

(free to child passengers aged 2 and over, and children under 16 years of age. Whilst stocks last.)


2023 Charity Fun Day – Sunday 26 March 10:30 to 4

All train fare donations will be collected by The Christie Charitable Fund !!!

There will also be:
- Traction Engines (large and miniature);
- Fairground Organ (sponsored by Edgar Brothers);
- Fun Fair Rides (outside the station only, with all takings also donated to Christies);
- Christie Bear and a
- Raffle with fantastic prizes donated by many local businesses.

PLEASE come and support – and circulate this post.

If you can display an A4 advertising poster, please collect from our railway shop.

(as all money on the day is going to Christies, can we ask you not to use the pre-bought 10+2 tickets at this event)


Jan
2023
Review of 2022

The video says it all.


Christmas
2022




Nov 22

Trains in the Rain?

Our new covered coaches are now in regular service. So even if it rains, there’s no excuse not to enjoy a ride.



29-30 Oct 22

Halloween

Frankie wants to tell you what’s happening at Spookside this Halloween!



2-5 June 22

Jubilee Celebrations

It’s all happening here this Jubilee long weekend!

Our station and shop are decorated for the occasion and rail travellers can see the royal coaches carrying a very special passenger!

We’re joined at the garden centre by the full vintage fun fair, which is also open Thursday to Sunday.

Come and join in the fun, 10:30 to 4 each day.



14-18 Mar 22

Easter Egg Hunt - 10:30 to 4

It’s all happening over Easter here at Brookside.

We’ve got a free to enter Easter Egg Hunt (for 2 to 16 year old passengers) on Thursday, Good Friday, Saturday & Easter Monday (we’re closed Easter Sunday by law). The first correct entry drawn each day will win a 12 ride ticket.

Keeling’s Vintage Funfair is also back on the fairground, on Good Friday, Saturday & Easter Monday.

So come along and have some good old fashioned fun. 10:30 to 4 each day.


20 Mar
2022
Charity Fun Day

A very big thank you to all the supporters at our Charity Fun Day (20th March). It was VERY BUSY!!!! We’ve never had so many passengers in one day.

It gives me great pleasure and pride to report that everyone raised £5,325.89 for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity.

Click on any image to open in a new tab

Special thanks to all our railway staff who volunteered their time and efforts;
The band (some of whom came from North Wales!);
Keeling's Vintage Funfair (who donated all their takings)
Julie and Ade Bailey with their showman’s steam engine;
Aulden Massey and Nathan Griffin with their miniature traction engines;
Everyone who donated a Raffle Prize;
Edgar Brothers Ltd;
The staff at Brookside Garden Centre who personally donated two prize hampers;
The Oxley extended family for selling raffle tickets all day;
The Secret Ingredient for raising even more money;
And a very special Thank You to everyone who came and supported such a good cause and got their wallets and purses out.

Thanks


2022


Charity Fun Day - Sunday 20 March 2022 - 10:30 to 4

All train fare donations will be collected by the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital !!!

There will also be a:-
    - Jazz Trad Band (sponsored by Edgar Brothers);
    - Traction Engines (large and miniature);
    - Fun Fair Rides (outside the station only, with takings also donated to the Hospital);
    - Humphrey Bear; and
    - Raffle with fantastic prizes donated by many local businesses.

PLEASE come and support.

If you can display an A4 advertising poster, please collect from our railway shop.

(As all money is going to the Hospital, we cannot accept our discounted 10+2 tickets at this event)


Jan
2022
Review of 2021

The video says it all.


Nov
2021


Oct
2021


Sept
2021
New Advert!

We’ve made an advert for our Really Useful Station Shop at Brookside Miniature Railway!

Andy, the Manager, is a natural - but I think we need better mobile phone cameras!


Sept
2021
Shop Stock

We’ve just had our last delivery of stock for our Really Useful Station Shop before Christmas.

We’ve just emptied another wholesaler’s shelves, and they say they probably won’t get any more stock until February or March (when the price will be much higher).

It’s going to be a worrying time for parents of young Thomas fans, so it’d be wise to buy early if you can.

Sorry – we can’t reserve items or do online sales. It’s first come, first served. Cash or card.


April
2021
Tracks to Fairy Wood

The big project this lockdown will probably go unnoticed by most of our passengers. The relaying of the track up to, and inside, Fairy Wood.

The ride there was getting very rocky and uneven. It was no surprise when we found that the track wasn’t on any foundations and the sleepers had rotted away – not helped by all the tree roots.

So, 15 tonnes of ballast and a lot of radox later, the journey is nice and smooth. The fairies and gnomes have now moved back and brought with them a few more friends.

See you on Monday (12 April)? We’re open all week, 10:30 to 4, cash or card, and no pre-bookings.


April
2021
I just called...

We always hated the bad condition of the red K6 telephone box on our platform. The paint was flaking and the acrylic windows had aged to opaque.

Fortunately, volunteers Nick & Graham agreed and did something about it before we open again at 10:30 on Monday 12 April (fingers crossed).

After many days sanding and painting, new laminated glass was added (donated by Eagle Glass of Stockport). The interior isn’t original, but to keep costs down it was mocked up from plywood and cheap photo frames.

I think you’ll agree it now looks outstanding.

Doris has now locked herself inside it, spending every day chatting away!


March
2021
Opening 12 April (hopefully)

We hope to open on Monday 12th April (unless the lockdown is extended).

We're intending to be open all week, Monday to Sunday, 10:30 to 4.

Fingers' crossed!.


Jan
2021
Review of 2020

The video says it all.


31 Dec
2020
Sorry, we're Closed (again)

Due to the current Tier 4 restrictions we are closed.

We'll open as soon as we are allowed.

Let's just hope it won't be too long.

See you soon (hopefully).


1 Dec
2020
Brookside Railway Helps Santa!

Santa has moved his North West Factory and sleigh loading despatch depot into our railway buildings at Brookside.

Owing to recent travel restrictions, Father Christmas asked if we could help him out. Of course we said “Yes!” (not wanting to go on the naughty list).

So why not come and have a ride on the railway and ride past Santa’s Factory?

No booking necessary – simply turn up and buy a ticket from the station shop doorway (cash or card).

Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas


30 Nov
2020
We're Back Open!

We’re back open this Thursday!

After our 4 week lockdown, we’ll be back up and running from this Thursday.

Our Christmas opening hours are on the timetable below. 10:30 to 4pm each open day.

We’ll publish more details about our Christmas attractions before Thursday.

Thank you for your support – and let’s get back to playing, I mean running, trains.



1 Nov
2020
Sorry, we're Closed

Due to the recent lockdown restrictions we are currently closed.

We'll open as soon as we are allowed.

Let's just hope it won't be too long.

See you in December (hopefully).


Oct
2020
Earlier Start

A little bit of a change to our opening hours due to the many requests.

We’re now starting earlier at 10:30am (and still running until 4pm every Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday).


Oct
2020
Spookside Miniature Railway!

Bones the Dog is getting excited about the Halloween decorations around the railway.

Suitable for kiddies of all ages (running Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday).


Sept
2020
Mighty Max has come Home!


We brought our new loco Mighty Max back to Brookside today.

It was purchased from the Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway, Chester, who originally bought it from Brookside 2 years ago when we all thought we’d be closing down.

It’s a fantastic loco more than capable of pulling full trains up our 1in36 incline. We’ve got a bit of tinkering to do with it, but should hopefully be on test over the next few days.


July
2020
Back Open 4 Days a Week

We are now open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday. 11 to 4 each day.

Late night Thursday (weather dependant).

There are no pre-bookings on line. Simply come along and buy a ticket from the Station doorway.

All coaches are screened and are social distancing compliant.

The station shop will be open, but subject to reduced entry conditions.


July
2020
Coach Screens


The coach screens have finally arrived and been fitted!!

If you look carefully at the images, you can see that all the coaches, and therefore every social group of passengers, are screened from other people.

This means the wearing of Face Coverings is now optional.


June
2020
Re-opening 4th July 2020 !!

Yes! After 111 days in lockdown, we’re opening again on the 4 July (11 to 4).

We’re having to make quite a few changes. These include:-

• One way system on the platform;
• Face coverings have to be worn on the train (we’ll have some for sale if you forget to bring one);
• There will be no public access inside the shop;
• No prams / buggies or spectators on the station (due to the one way system);

It’s challenging times but let’s get back to having fun!

See you Saturday


June
2020
Paint, paint & more paint!

It’s all been happening at Brookside during this lockdown.

The biggest change is to the station area which has all been painted.

It was long overdue, but the weather hadn’t been too kind until now (not to mention our priorities being diverted towards last year’s flooding, tunnel diversion, bridges being replaced, etc).

But now the station looks fantastic!

Hope to see you when the government allows us to reopen – hopefully in just a few weeks’ time. Watch this space.


May
2020
Railway Service Still Suspended

You may be aware that today the garden centre reopened for business with, of course, all the necessary safety measures.

In accordance with current government guidance, we have decided that our miniature railway will remain closed in order to help protect our visitors, staff and volunteers.

The station gift shop will also be closed.

Hopefully this will be a short term situation, and normal service will soon return.

We will continue to carefully monitor developments and keep you informed via our Facebook pages and our website.

Many thanks for your support through these difficult times.

The Brookside Team


March
2020
Railway Service Suspended

After careful consideration, we have taken the decision to temporarily close the railway due to the current government advice on the coronavirus.

Hopefully this will be a short term situation, but under the circumstances we have no choice but to help protect our passengers and staff.

The well-being of our visitors, staff and volunteers is our absolute priority and matters of health and safety are at the forefront of our thoughts.

The station gift shop will also be closed.

Please bear with us through this difficult time. We completely share your disappointment this news may bring, but the situation is beyond our immediate control.

We will closely monitor developments and keep you informed via our Facebook and website pages.

Many thanks for your support,

The Brookside Team


Feb
2020
Burglary & Street Art


Dec
2019
2019 Review

A new year and just over one year since we took over the railway to restore it back to its former glory.

In twelve months we’ve certainly had our work cut out (not to mention our fair share of bad luck):-


• Replaced / repaired 3 bridges to make them safe;
• The 60’ long tunnel was found to be dangerous. The only solution was to re-route around it (200 tonnes of stone & a 200’ long fence);
• Refurbishing inside the station shop with wall panelling & new floor, re-wiring, heating, etc;
• Repair / make safe the big station canopy;
• Replace all the station fencing due to decay & new paving on the platforms;
• Flooding. The station area was under 3’ of water;
• Approximately half of the track replaced / repaired;
• Restoring the rotten roof and doors of the coach shed;
• The new loco especially constructed for us not being suitable (subject of further action);
• The river finding a new course along the trackbed on the fairground loop - resulting in us having to close that section of the line;
• Building a staffroom;
• Creating ‘Fairy Wood’;
• The sad unexpected loss of our good friend and railway volunteer.

There’s probably a lot more – but you get the idea!

Was it stressful and worrying? Oh Yes! Was it fun? Yes again!

The best bit? Discovering so many brilliant customers who have stayed with us and supported us through all the year’s ups and downs. We've had so much thanks and encouragement. We also have had the good luck of so many hardworking staff who’ve given their time running and repairing the railway (we could always do with more volunteers though….)

So let’s see what 2020 brings. Things can only get better!

Thank you to all and have a happy new year.


Dec
2019
Christmas Holiday Opening

We’re open and running every day over the holidays apart from Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day – 11 to 4pm (Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve we finish at 3pm though).

When the kids go back to school we’ll only be open at weekends until April to allow for track replacement, etc.

Come and see us – but if you can’t make it, we’ll wish you a Merry Christmas now.


Dec
2019
10+2 Ticket Launched

Due to popular demand, we’ve produced a 10+2 ticket. Simply buy 10 rides for £20.00 and get an extra 2 rides for free – saving a whopping £4.00.

There’s no time limit when you can use it, so save all year!

Ideal stocking filler for the young enthusiast (and the not so young ones as well).


Nov
2019
Closed for Funeral

I am saddened to report that the railway will be closed for the day on Thursday 14 November for the funeral of our friend and volunteer Graham Speechley.

Graham will be known to many of you as he could often be found driving or guarding. He also was very productive behind the scenes, track laying, repairing – there wasn’t much he couldn’t do.

He will be very sadly missed.


Aug
2019
Flooded – But we’re open!

In the afternoon of Wednesday 31 July 2019 we were flooded.

Thanks to the community, we recovered after only 4 days hard work!

Watch our story


July
2019
New Opening Hours!

From now on we’ll be open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

It’s 11 to 4 every day except Thursday. Thursday is a late finish at 7pm. Thursday is also the restaurant’s late night – so why not have a tea time treat!

Thanks


June
2019
We’ve done it!
The full track is now open!

For the ones who haven’t been following what’s been happening the last few months, let me explain…

In early March this year we discovered that the Garden Centre’s retaining wall against the neighbouring field had become unstable due to heavy rain and the growing tree roots. As our track runs next to it (it forms part of the 60' tunnel after the loco sheds), we had no choice but to stop running in that section. The problem was solved by demolishing the carriage shed which is alongside the tunnel (the wooden roof was already falling down due to decay) and re-route the main line track though there.

Over 150 foot of fencing was erected, 300 sleepers placed and 160 tonnes of hardcore laid (in addition to the many packets of Radox used by our volunteers who did most of the work!).

We are now operating a full service around the garden centre again. There’s still a lot to do (add sidings, enhance the appearance and make it look interesting, etc) so you’ll hopefully see improvements every week.

See our display in the Station Shop for further details.

Thank you to all our customers who supported us through all the upheaval and for all the words of encouragement. It was very much appreciated.

Open every weekend until the school summer holidays – 11 to 4 each Saturday & Sunday.


April
2019
WE’RE BACK OPEN AND RUNNING!

At 11am on Saturday 13th April (tomorrow) we’re pleased to say that we’re back running trains.

The tunnel hasn’t been repaired yet as it’s a far bigger job than everyone initially thought, but we’re offering a restricted shuttle service at a discounted price.

The new loco ‘Wilf’ will be helping our resident ‘Miss Katie’ pull our brand new luxury coaches. Of course the new shop will be open.

The station is also looking fantastic having been resurfaced and repaired (although we're waiting for the nicer weather before it's all painted)

So come along and see it all for yourself.

Opening times over the School Holidays are:

Sat 13th & Sun 14th – 11am to 4pm
Mon 15th & Tues 16th – Closed
Wed 17th, Thurs 18th, Good Friday 19th & Sat 20th – 11am to 4pm
Easter Sunday 21st – closed (it’s the law!)
Easter Mon 22nd – 11am – 4pm
Tues 23rd to Fri 26th – Closed
Then we’re only open weekends until the next holidays

See you there!


April
2019

PRESS RELEASE

Sorry!

Sorry. Still no trains running this weekend and during half term.

The Garden Centre’s retaining wall against the neighbouring field is still unstable due to the recent heavy rain. As our track runs next to it (it forms part of the 60' tunnel after the loco sheds), we had no choice but to stop trains in that section. It’s very unfortunate after all the work our volunteers have done, but of course safety is our main concern.

Very soon we are hoping to be able to run an ‘out and back’ shuttle service on part of the railway. Our engineers are still modifying things (brakes and the track points) to allow this.

Hopefully it won’t be too long before we’re up and running in some form. Finger's crossed, the Garden Centre will soon repair the wall.

Watch this space!


Mar
2019

PRESS RELEASE

POSTPONED EVENT – Sunday 24 March 2019

It is with deep regret that the Grand Re-Opening event of the Brookside Miniature Railway, Brookside Garden Centre, Poynton, has been postponed.

This is due to the exceptionally inclement weather causing water damage against a perimeter retaining wall, alongside the track.

The event was the official re-opening of the railway since a group of local enthusiasts took on the closed popular miniature line. Railway rides, a vintage funfair and a jazz band were all going to be free for the public on the day, but donations were being requested for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity. The Mayor of Poynton was scheduled to ask the Mayor of Stockport and the Mayor of Cheshire East to cut the ribbon on the railway bridge over the brook which forms the boundary between the two counties.

Andy Prior, the railway site manager, said “The high volumes of rainwater are about to push over a long retaining wall onto the railway. Of course safety is paramount and we simply can’t run trains. Everyone is devastated. So many people have worked so hard for the event”.

The railway is currently working with the Klondyke Group, the Garden Centre owners, and specialist professionals to rectify the problem – The railway will be open as soon as possible.

Andy added “Like a lot of other facilities and businesses in the area, we’ve suffered from far too much rain in the past week. Even local roads are still closed due to flooding.”


Feb
2019

PRESS RELEASE from Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity

Puffs of smoke and the toot toots of miniature trains are once again a familiar scene in Poynton thanks to a troop of local enthusiasts who didn’t want to lose an iconic attraction.

When Brookside Miniature Railway closed suddenly in September 2018, many visitors voiced their disappointment at losing such a well-loved venue. But now a band of local enthusiasts have worked hard to replace bridges and relay track and will be hosting a Grand Re-Opening on Sunday, 24th March.

The volunteers have put in months of hard work to revamp the site and have welcomed visitors back every weekend since late 2018. But they decided an official re-opening would be a fitting way to announce Brookside Miniature Railway was back in business.

The entire day will be free for visitors, who will be able to enjoy train rides, Keelings Vintage Fun Fair and music from Mad Ed’s Hot Five Jazz Band. Instead of paying for train rides or vintage rides, visitors will be asked to make a donation to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity, whose mascot, Humphrey Bear, will also be attending.

Chris MacKenzie MBE, one of the railway directors, said: “The event started off as simple ‘we’re back in business’ but then volunteers decided it would be great to make the entire event free, but with voluntary donations to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity.

“When others heard what we were planning, they also offered their services for free; stewarding, providing funfair rides, musicians, charity collections – the list is endless.

“Of course the Brookside Garden Centre staff from Klondike-Strikes have also been very supportive.

“I find it encouraging how so many people from the community are keen to get involved and help a charity that’s so important to local families.”

The Grand Re-Opening will be held from 11am to 4pm. As the railway crosses over the boundary between Stockport and Poynton, the mayor of Poynton, Sarah-Jane Gilmore will invite both mayors from either side of the border to jointly cut the ribbon at 2pm. Mayor of Cheshire East Councillor Lesley Smetham will share the ceremony with Mayor and Mayoress of Stockport, Councillor Walter Brett and Mrs Maureen Brett.

Andy Prior, the railway’s Site Manager, said: “We chose the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity because many of our customers are children. It’s nice to give something back to a charity benefitting children, especially those who really need it.”

Collections on the day will all go to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity. After the re-opening day, normal fees will apply and a train ticket will cost £2.

Jo Thomas, Community Fundraiser at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “Our volunteer donation collectors, and of course Humphrey, can’t wait to meet all the young visitors at the Grand Re-Opening.

“We’re so touched the volunteers chose to ask for donations instead of selling tickets – it really does mean a great deal to us.

“We hope the day is a big success and encourage children and families to go along and have some fun.”


Jan
2019

Just a bit of an update as so many have been asking what’s happening.

This month we moved to only opening to the public at weekends (Saturdays & Sundays only – 11 to 4). This is to allow us time to do some essential repairs and improvements before Spring.

Already we’ve built a new noticeboard pictured above (with volunteer Peter looking very dapper). Just awaiting the new posters now. It’s amazing what you can build from things found in skips!

There’s a team getting ready to start on the track along the tramway section (by the old conservatory sales area). The worn rails need repair and the tarmac sorted out so that steam loco’s can be run without damaging themselves.

The same teams already finished the first bridge over the river, so that looks great now. Just one more bridge to do, so we can start running over that as well.

A couple of us are spending every spare minute refitting the station gift shop. No spoiler alerts here, but it’s going to look fantastic!

Never let it be said that we don’t look after our volunteers. As soon as we finish the shop we’ll be creating a staff room in the old signal box. We just need electrics and water putting in, together with kitchen units, plaster-boarding, emulsioning etc etc etc.

Quotes are coming in to repave the main station platforms and repair the station fencing. This was such a big job we decided it was best left to the professionals (I think a bag of cement must be heavier than it was 40 years ago...).

Some volunteers are busy clearing leaves and general tiding all round the line. Already the loco shed viewing area has been cleared and jet-washed – it just needs repainting when the weather gets a bit better (and direction signs for the public making and installing).

The “Fairground Loop” halt has been cleared (we found paving stones under it all!) but there’s still so much to do there, including repainting.

Has anyone got any knowledge of restoring a red K6 telephone box? That needs doing soon.

On the loco front, we’ve started negotiations with people who may be bringing their steam engines to run on the line. Fingers crossed! Our own new diesel should be here in a few weeks and the new coaches should be arriving before February.

If you wish to become involved and have a few hours a week to join the volunteers, please speak to Andy, the Railway Manager. As you can see, we need all types of skills, abilities and knowledge. Unfortunately we can’t have children and young people helping us for all sorts of administrative reasons, but we plan to change that in a few months.

Your railway needs you!

brooksidemr@btinternet.com
07818 070 723


Dec
2018
After a huge clean up operation Brookside Miniature Railway is open again with a new operator.

This was days earlier than expected – mainly due to the extremely hard work of the volunteers who slogged away clearing leaves, jet washing, mending track and building new bridges to make it all safer.

It is our intention to keep working away to restore the railway back to the beautiful and charismatic line created by Chris Halsall. Although we are a private company (working alongside the Garden Centre owners) we couldn’t survive without our friends (including many of the original staff) and family helping out. Thank you to all.

Although we didn’t have enough time this year to plan special trains to Santa’s grotto, we’re giving rides as normal - every Wednesday to Sunday until Christmas. In the New Year we’ll be running just at weekends whilst we do further refurbishment. So please bear with us during this time. There will then be a Grand Re-Opening event in early Spring - details to be made public when we know them.

We are keeping the price the same (£2 all classes).

So please come to see us and ask any questions. I can’t promise to answer all the questions on our Facebook page as all our spare time is taken up at the railway. Better still, why not come along and see what you can do to help!

Many thanks

Chris MacKenzie MBE







at
Brookside Garden Centre, London Road North, Poynton, Stockport, Cheshire SK12 1BY
07818 070 723 - brooksidemr@btinternet.com

www. brooksideminiaturerailway.com