Sandbach Rotarian Stuart Blackwell has now organised a total of 10 “Mystery Trips”. Members pick up a Wayfarer ticket at Sandbach Station and are prepared for wherever Stuart takes them – by train, tram and bus. The only thing they know is that they will be back at Sandbach Station before 5 pm.

The most recent one set off for Manchester Airport, then to East Didsbury (for a coffee break) and then by tram to Cornbrook. From here the group travelled by tram to Eccles – calling at such exotic locations as Pomona, Anchorage, Harbour City and Broadway. The 67 bus took the group to Irlam for lunch at the station which had been restored from dereliction in 2015.

The station is resplendent in LMS colours and style and incorporates a railway museum, a restaurant and waiting rooms. The Rotary magazine on the table gave a clue to the fact that the Rotary Club of Irlam meets there weekly. Members of the group were very impressed by the station and the meal. A further treat was an unexpected talk about the station and the history of industry in the area by a trustee.

The return journey was by train to Deansgate station, changing to a tram for the next stage which passed through central Manchester arriving at Piccadilly, where the group caught the Airport Express train to Manchester Airport and then – after coffee – to Sandbach.

Everyone taking part in the Mystery Trip had to wear something red and to hand over £5 to Stuart. The proceeds go to Stuart’s favourite charity, British Heart Foundation.

John Higgins