Ritika Janiya
Maghull Station, a modest yet lively railway station in Liverpool, recently earned a big win by being crowned the best station in the UK in the 2024 World Cup of Stations competition. But what makes this small, seemingly ordinary station stand out from the rest? Let’s take a look at what makes Maghull special and why it’s more than just a place to catch a train.
A Burst of Activity
Even on a mild October morning, Maghull Station is buzzing with life. Unlike many stations that go quiet once the morning rush is over, Maghull continues to hum with activity. As you step onto the station grounds, you notice something different. It’s more than just a waiting area – it feels like a cozy community spot. And that’s exactly what the Railway Delivery Group, the contest organizers, noticed.
A Welcoming Entrance
At Maghull Station, the friendly atmosphere hits you as soon as you arrive. The station greets you with a traditional brick building and a ticket office, which now includes a cozy café called “The Coffee Carriage.” Opened in February by two local entrepreneurs, this café has quickly become a hit, offering passengers and locals a place to grab a drink and chat.
If you need to cross to the other platform, a footbridge awaits, decorated with a beautiful railway-themed stained-glass window. This charming artwork was donated by a local artist, and it adds a dash of creativity and warmth to the station.
Meet the Heart of the Station: Margaret Walton
One of Maghull’s hidden gems is 85-year-old volunteer Margaret Walton. Margaret isn’t just a volunteer; she’s a staple of Maghull Station, coming every day – even on Christmas – to keep the station clean and welcoming. You’ll often see her with a litter picker in one hand and a plastic bucket in the other, smiling and ready to help.
Margaret doesn’t just pick up litter, though. She’s also a talented self-taught artist who paints beautiful murals across the station. Her murals depict life at Maghull, showing everything from the friendly staff to the busy platforms. When asked how she got into art, Margaret laughs and says, “Oh, I taught myself – they wouldn’t let me into college because I couldn’t spell.”
Quirky Decorations and a Secret Garden
Outside the station building, the surprises keep coming. There are well-maintained planter boxes, quirky sculptures, and even a secret garden! These touches aren’t just for decoration; they’re a labor of love from the Maghull Volunteers group and other local community members. The garden and sculptures make the station feel more like a neighborhood park than a railway stop.
The volunteers are led by 81-year-old Doreen Bird, who has been part of the group for nearly 20 years. She shares why she loves her work, saying, “It’s amazing how much people appreciate the station being as beautiful as it is. One lady told me, ‘It makes me smile every Monday morning when I really don’t want to go to work.’ That’s why we do it.”
A Sense of Community Spirit
During a visit to Maghull Station, it’s easy to see how much the community cares for this place. Passengers frequently stop to congratulate the staff and volunteers or ask, “Did you win the contest?” It’s clear that people take pride in their station and feel connected to it.
One regular passenger, 81-year-old Maureen Webb, shared her thoughts with a smile: “It’s clean, well cared for, and the staff and volunteers do a wonderful job. If there were more people like that, the world would be a better place.” Maureen, who still runs her own tailoring business, shows that Maghull is more than just a stop on her route; it’s a source of joy and pride.
Tom and Marie Gillespie, who are new to the area, also love Maghull Station. Tom, 67, says, “It’s friendly; you get off the train, and there are always people pottering around.” His wife Marie agrees, calling it “a great little station that’s small but beautiful.”
A Hub for Charities and Groups
One of the station’s biggest transformations happened with the opening of “The Coffee Carriage” café. This café, owned by local entrepreneurs Rory McLellan and Craig Reeves, has turned Maghull Station into more than just a transit spot. Now, it’s a place for community gatherings. The café hosts various events, from “knit and natter” sessions to mental health and cancer support group meet-ups.
Groups like the Friday Strollers walking group also gather here regularly. June Avery, a member of the Strollers, says, “It’s a very welcoming place.” The station has evolved into a safe, friendly spot for people of all ages, creating a sense of belonging for everyone who stops by.
A Place of Pride for Everyone
The recent win in the World Cup of Stations has only strengthened the sense of pride Maghull brings to its community. Whether it’s the welcoming staff, the volunteers who tirelessly keep it beautiful, or the cozy café bringing people together, Maghull Station has become a symbol of community spirit.
For Maghull, winning isn’t just about the title of “best station.” It’s about the journey the station and its people have taken together. The quirky sculptures, the lovely murals, the garden, and the caring volunteers all show how much love and effort have been poured into this small station. It’s a place that locals and travelers alike can enjoy and appreciate.
