Friends of Swanwick Train Station

07/06/2026

We are delighted to see our volunteering efforts at Swanwick Station being recognised and highlighted by the local councillor.

The pleasure was ours Councillor Joanne Burton. It was great to showcase the work our volunteers do to help keep the station more welcoming and attractive for passengers and the local community. We appreciate your support and interest in our efforts. We are proud of the difference our team makes, even if these are early days, and we hope this can be the start of future collaboration as we work together to support and improve our local community.

06/06/2026

Railway Fact Saturday

Did you know... Britain’s first passenger railway journey took place on 27 September 1825, when the Stockton and Darlington Railway officially opened in north-east England.

The journey marked a major turning point in transport history, carrying both passengers and goods using steam locomotives — something revolutionary at the time. Thousands of people gathered to witness the event, amazed by the idea that people and cargo could travel faster than horse-drawn transport. What started as an industrial railway quickly helped transform how Britain travelled, worked and traded, eventually leading to the vast railway network we know today.

Nearly 200 years later, railways still connect communities across the country every single day - though thankfully with slightly more comfortable seats and far fewer clouds of steam!

30/05/2026

Railway Fact Saturday

Welcome back to our Railway Fact Saturday series, bringing you interesting railway facts from across the UK!

Did you know... the famous phrase “Mind the Gap” became such an iconic part of British rail travel that it’s recognised all around the world? The warning was first introduced to help passengers safely step between the train and platform edge, particularly at curved stations where larger gaps could appear. Over the years, the simple announcement became a famous part of everyday British travel, heard by millions of commuters, tourists and visitors every single day.

It’s now so well known that “Mind the Gap” has appeared in films, TV shows, souvenirs and even tourist photographs, becoming one of the most recognisable railway phrases ever created.

27/05/2026

A little exciting update on our work at the station.

We are talking to local art groups and individual creatives with a view to their work adorning the walls of our waiting room.

More details to follow soon, so keep an eye on this space 👀

23/05/2026

Railway Fact Saturday

Welcome back to our Railway Fact Saturday series, bringing you interesting railway facts from across the UK!

Did you know... many railway stations in Britain still stand on the exact same sites chosen by Victorian engineers over 150 years ago? When the railways rapidly expanded during the 1800s, engineers carefully selected station locations to connect towns, industries, docks and growing communities. Many of those original routes proved so well planned that stations today still serve the very same areas. Thousands of passengers continue to travel through places first designed in the age of steam trains, gas lamps and horse-drawn carts.

20/05/2026

We just want to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has shown support for our station project so far. Thanks to your kindness, generosity, shares, encouragement, and donations, we have now reached an important milestone in our crowdfunding campaign. What started as a small community effort is slowly growing into something positive, and it means so much to see so many people getting behind the project. Every donation, big or small, is helping us improve the station and create a more welcoming space for everyone who visits.
Thank you for believing in what we are trying to achieve. Your support truly makes a difference, and we cannot wait to share more updates with you as the project continues to grow.

Iʼm raising money to to transform our local Swanwick train station into a colourful, welcoming space the whole community can enjoy.. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.

18/05/2026

Attracting wildlife at the Swanwick Station

18/05/2026

A little update from today’s volunteers' visit to the station.

Today we brightened up the space by adding a few flowers to the hanging baskets at the front of the station. We also added lots of lovely new books and spent time making everything look welcoming for everyone who visits. We have also had a very exciting surprise: our flower planter has started attracting wildlife! It’s lovely to see nature enjoying the space alongside our community.

It may be small progress, but everything is heading in the right direction, and it’s wonderful to see the station slowly coming to life again.

16/05/2026

Railway Fact Saturday

Hello and welcome back to our Railway Fact Saturday series, bringing you interesting railway facts from across the UK!

Did you know... the UK railway network has over 20,000 miles of track connecting towns, cities and countryside across the nation? That’s enough steel to stretch around the world almost once! From bustling city stations to quiet rural lines, the railway continues to keep the country moving every single day.

What’s your favourite railway journey or station in the UK? Let us know in the comments below 😊

15/05/2026

🚧 Travel update: Rail works this May half term 🚧

Upcoming rail works may affect journeys in and around Fareham and Portsmouth during half term:
📅 Monday 25 May – Friday 29 May

During this time, buses will replace trains between Havant, Fareham and Portsmouth Harbour while essential signalling and track upgrades are carried out.

🚌 Service changes:
➡️ Trains will start/end at Havant or Fareham instead of Portsmouth Harbour
➡️ Replacement buses will run frequently between key stations
➡️ Some Southern and Great Western services will also be altered

👉 If you’re planning to travel, please check before you go and allow extra time.