Local love story puts Shirley Station in the running for World Cup of Stations

Shirley station was the setting for Wendy Parker’s first dates with her husband, Ian Parker, over 50 years ago. The station is now nominated in the World Cup of Stations competition as Britain’s ‘Most Life-Changing’ after Wendy shared her story with the judges.

Wendy, now 80 years old, and Ian were married for more than 50 years before he passed away in 2021. Early in their relationship, they would meet at Shirley station for dates, making the platform a key setting to their romance.

Wendy Parker said: “It was the perfect place to meet because we both lived nearby. In the evenings it would be lit up with twinkling lights and it was always quiet, so we could sit together and get to know one another.

“We were very happily married for over fifty years, until he was taken from me by a fatal illness four years ago.  How I loved those romantic evenings, and I will always hold Shirley station as a very lovely memory.”

Jonny Wiseman, WMR customer experience director said: “We were delighted to hear Wendy’s beautiful story and for Shirley station to be recognised as one of the best in Britain. This year’s World Cup of Stations theme highlights how our railway platforms are more than the start and end point for our passenger journeys, they can also be a stage for some of life’s most meaningful moments.”

20 stations are going head-to-head for the title of ‘Most Life-Changing Station’ in the 2025 World Cup of Stations competition, hosted by Rail Delivery Group.

Members of the public are invited to pick their favourite before voting closes at 11:59pm on Friday 17 October by visiting www.raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations.