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Special commemorative baton passes through Altrincham and Hale as part of Railway 200 celebrations

Altrincham and Hale played host to a special moment in the nationwide Railway 200 celebrations this week, when walkers carried a commemorative baton as part of a six-day relay along the Mid Cheshire Line – and we were delighted to be involved.

The relay walk, organised by the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership, is one of many events markings 200 years since the world’s first passenger railway opened in 1825.

On Wednesday 24th September the baton travelled through Navigation Road into Altrincham before continuing on to Hale, Ashley, Mobberley and Knutsford stations. The baton will progress on Thursday, Friday and Saturday all the way to Chester.

The Mayor of Trafford (Councillor Jane Brophy), Conner Rand MP, Altrincham Court Leet,  rail enthusiasts and business leaders including Murray Patt, the founder of Hale-based accountancy firm Alexander Knight & Co, joined in the celebrations.

Our friends at Altrincham Today covered the story extensively on social media, reaching thousands of local residents.

The local handover of the baton was particularly meaningful for Alexander Knight & Co because we sponsor Hale station and we are proud to support local community initiatives.

 Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, said:

“We are delighted to support Railway 200 and to be part of such an important celebration of our region’s railway heritage. The railway has connected communities, businesses and people for two centuries, and we’re proud to play a role in supporting the future of this vital network.

“Watching the baton being carried through Altrincham and on the doorstep of our local station at Hale, was a great reminder of how rail continues to bring people together.”

Railway 200 is a year-long, partnership-led campaign celebrating the bicentenary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway. It aims to showcase how rail has connected communities, supported economic growth and transformed daily life over two centuries, while also inspiring a new generation to explore careers in rail, engineering and transport.

THANK YOU TO THE ORGANISERS AND TO EVERYONE WHO TOOK PART IN THE CELEBRATIONS.

Altrincham and Hale accountants celebrate Railway 200

 

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Volunteering at Hale station

Back in May, we were delighted to be announced as the new official sponsor of Hale railway station. we’re excited to share some charitable initiatives we will be getting involved in through this new partnership.

As a proudly Hale-based accountancy practice (whose office sits directly above the railway line!), Alexander Knight & Co already has a close connection to the historic Hale station, which originally opened in 1862. Like the station, which serves as an important transport link between Cheshire and Manchester, we are proud to serve our North West clients, many of whom are located along the mid-Cheshire line.

Being part of the local community – and giving back to it – is something which means a lot to us, and that’s why we’re really excited about this new venture. And it’s a real source of pride to drive past and see the bright orange of our logo right there alongside the station sign!

Murray Patt, founder of Alexander Knight & Co, says:

“Hale station plays an essential role in both our daily lives and business operations – we rely on it for our team’s commute to the office and client visits, like many other companies and residents in the area. The chance to give back to the station in this way, demonstrating our commitment to the local Hale/Altrincham community we’re so proud to be a part of, is really special.”

Importantly for us, our sponsorship of Hale station goes beyond a financial contribution. Our team are keen to invest their time – and quite literally lend a hand – into preserving and improving the station, ensuring its future as an important local landmark which residents will enjoy using for years to come.

Our partnership will focus on:

  • Strengthening the station’s social and environmental impact Our team are excited to get involved in everything from restoration projects to regular station upkeep, where we hope to put our green fingers to good use in creating a more welcoming and sustainable space for the community.

 

  • Encouraging public commuting By enhancing the station experience, we aim to ensure that commuters are more inclined to use the railway, and in doing so, support the use of sustainable public transport – a goal which aligns with the ESG principles that guide our own practices, which you can read about here.

 

  • Connecting the local community We hope that this partnership between a local business and a key transport hub will inspire residents to support similar incentives across the area. By working together, we aim to foster a stronger sense of shared pride and identity within our neighbourhood.

We can’t wait to get stuck in – watch this space for photo updates as we roll up our sleeves!

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Alexander Knight & Co announced as official sponsor of Hale rail station

  • Proud to support Hale village

  • Historic rail station in Hale was originally opened in 1862

  • New sponsorship deal sees Alexander Knight & Co become official sponsor

We are proud to confirm today that Alexander Knight & Co has been unveiled as the new official sponsor of Hale rail station!

The historic Hale station, originally opened in 1862, has long served as a vital link in the Greater Manchester rail network. Nestled in the heart of the community, it connects residents to Manchester, Chester and beyond via the Mid Cheshire line.

With its head office located directly above the railway line on Hale Road in Hale, Alexander Knight & Co has a close connection to the station.

Its staff and clients regularly travel via the Mid Cheshire line and founder Murray Patt is a local resident.

As part of the sponsorship, Alexander Knight & Co staff will also play an active role in supporting the custodians of this cherished station, including assisting with community engagement and upkeep to enhance the station’s welcoming environment.

Alex Hornby, commercial and customer director for Northern, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Alexander Knight & Co as the new supporter of Hale station. Their support enables us to focus on improving the customer experience, and the local community will benefit from the company playing an active role in enhancing the station environment going forwards.”

Murray Patt, founder of Hale-based Alexander Knight & Co, said:

“We’re proud to be associated with Hale station which is a central part of our local community used daily by many of our clients and colleagues.

“Supporting local infrastructure is important to us. The prominent nature of the station means that our business will be seen by many residents, visitors to Hale and travellers on the rail line.

“Our team is also looking forward to getting hands-on by supporting the custodians of this historic station. This initiative makes sense for us both practically and symbolically and it’s been a pleasure working with Northern and our marketing agency Sugar PR to bring it to life.”

The sponsorship and branding updates are part of a broader initiative to enhance the visual identity and experience of local stations while deepening ties with local businesses and communities.

 

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