Couple adopt Manningtree rail station
They plan to help make the station more attractive and welcoming
Manningtree station has been officially adopted through Greater Anglia’s Station Adoption scheme.
Kerry King and Martin Rayner have adopted it and plan to help make the station more attractive and welcoming.
Kerry, the former Mayor of Manningtree, is described as an "active member of the community", working as a celebrant and as a trustee of the local food bank and the Manifest Theatre.
She will be supported by her husband, Martin, a retired project manager and community volunteer who is currently helping to restore Colchester’s Quaker Meeting House.
He plans to bring his practical skills to the role.
Both have previously been a part of 'Floral Manningtree', a group dedicated to making sure the town looked its best.
Together they plan to maintain floral displays at the station, brighten up waiting rooms and create refuges for wildlife and birds.
Kerry said:
"I always try and get involved in community activities and because we go everywhere by train it seemed appropriate to help Manningtree station look as good as possible."
Greater Anglia’s Station Adoption scheme sees people getting involved with their local rail station for the benefit of their communities.
They work with Greater Anglia to bring about improvements or care for gardens and floral displays to benefit local wildlife and make stations more welcoming.
Alan Neville, Greater Anglia’s customer and community engagement manager, said:
"I’m delighted to welcome Kerry and Martin to the Station Adoption initiative and look forward to hearing their ideas for brightening up the station and making it a welcoming environment ready for when the current pandemic restrictions can be lifted."