Welcome to the first column from the Welwyn Garden City train station adoption group – the All Aboarders.

We are delighted to be able to share who we are, what we have been doing, and future plans with readers. So what are the All Aboarders all about?

The WGC station adoption group has its origins back in 2018 when Lynda Cowan, seeing the gardens of the train station in a tired and under appreciated state, put out a call for support right here in the Welwyn Hatfield Times.

A number of volunteers responded and so the All Aboarders were formed.

The aims of the group would be to both look after and promote our unique station which serves so many locals, commuters and visitors alike.

Work began to tidy the existing greenery that dotted the length of each island platform.

Pampas grass clumps, pine trees and hedges all had to be brought back into check.

So wild and leggy were the shrubs that it's fair to assume they had not been pruned for decades!

Bags of litter that had accumulated within the thickets were cleared out and long forgotten roses emerged.

After months of hard work the team now had a solid base to build upon, and plans were afoot.

With the support of various rail agencies and sponsors two large raised planters with wraparound benches were installed on platforms one and two, perfect to sit on to await a London train.

New cottage border flower beds were added at each end of the same platform reminiscent of the style popular when the station was first built.

Seventeen new troughs have been added to bring even more colour to the station buildings and shelters.

But as all gardeners know, a garden is never finished! At our regular volunteer sessions plants are refreshed and updated for the seasons.

A sensory planting area has been added this year, and plans are in place for a woodland bed beneath the pines.

(Image: Beth Mateer) All the hard work brings great rewards as the All Aboarders were thrilled to be included in a number of Anglia in Bloom entries for Welwyn Hatfield.

The overall entry won Gold in 2023 allowing entrance for the prestigious Britain in Bloom 2024.

We were also judged as Outstanding Level 5 for the RHS ‘It’s your neighbourhood’ award, their highest accolade.

Over the past six years the All Aboarders have built a community of gardening volunteers, ardent supporters, local business sponsors and rail staff.

We welcome all who would be interested in finding out more, or lending a hand.

Anyone who would like to join All Aboarders or become a sponsor, please contact us via www.allaboarders.org.