Friends of Dronfield Station are back to spruce up garden after lockdown

When quarantine rules were imposed by the government in March, the Friends of Dronfield Station were prohibited from working at the station or in its garden

In the ensuing 14 weeks, the garden has become increasingly unkempt with long grass, shrubs and bushes growing out of control and a forest of weeds in the flower beds.

Now the volunteers have been given permission by rail company Northern Trains to work on the garden three days a week and between certain hours. There must be a maximum of two volunteers at all times, they must wear face coverings and observe social distancing rules.

Volunteer Rick Varley said “it’s great to be back working at the station after this long lay-off. The garden looks a right mess and it’s difficult to see the flowers though all the weeds, but our team will soon get it looking smart for the people who use the station.”

Over the last decade, the Friends group has created an award-winning garden with lawns, flower beds, planters, hanging baskets and a flower-filled pit tub. Volunteers work from March to November on keeping the garden neat for visitors to admire.

The group is also committed to keeping the station looking its best by repairing and painting the wooden fences and planters.

A quarter of a million passengers travel from Dronfield station every year. A big part of the F riends’ mission is to improve rail services by lobbying decision makers. Their demands include hourly trains to Manchester, late-night trains from Sheffield and more car parking.