British Empire Medal

11th June 2016

John Hulme the instigator and visionary behind the Cheshire Best Kept Station Competition has been recognised for his work by the honour of British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queens 90th Birthday Honours List.

NCRUG has been associated with the Competition for many years and has benefited from the awards at Helsby, Frodsham and Runcorn East.

The NCRUG is pleased that John's tireless work for the railway industry across Cheshire has been recognised at the highest level and is richly deserved.

Now president of Cheshire Best Kept Stations, John developed the Awards from his former business at Plumley Station House but stepped down last year handing over to a new organising group

John said “I am absolutely thrilled to accept this honour but it really recognises those 30 plus station groups that make Cheshire Stations the best.  They are our unsung heroes in the community. 

I must also thank the new team that has taken over the mantle of Cheshire Best Kept Stations.  This is particularly important as Community Rail is set to grow substantially this year with the recent changes in Franchise on the Northern Network.

Mark Barker, who is now Chair of Cheshire Best Kept Stations, reminded those who work so hard on our Cheshire Stations, that the judges will be out soon making their judgement for the 2016 Awards and added “This is a richly deserved honour for John. Cheshire Best Kept Stations has brought together hard working volunteer groups, local government, businesses and the rail industry together, strengthening many local communities.

How fitting it is that a man, who spent 12 years working to recognise the efforts of others, should himself be honoured for this work.” 

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