Moseley is a special place: The new station 'tops' it off
A colourful knitted post-box topper in the heart of Moseley is turning heads and warming hearts as local crafting group Moseley Knit and Natter celebrated the opening of Moseley Village railway station last month.
Naomi Green, a proud member of the group, shared the inspiration behind the topper and why it’s important to her and the wider Moseley community.
Positioned on the corner of Chantry Road and Alcester Road, the handmade installation is a special tribute to the new station and a joyful celebration of everything that makes Moseley unique.
“We wanted to celebrate the station opening — we’ve been planning and working on it for months,” Naomi explained.
“The topper also celebrates what makes Moseley a wonderful place to live, work and visit and the organisations that help make it that way.”
At the centre of the display is a lovingly recreated Class 196 train in West Midlands Railway colours, complete with “a little artistic licence.” Around it are dozens of tiny, handcrafted details representing the people, places and traditions that give Moseley its unique identity.
There are flowers inspired by Moseley in Bloom, recognising the volunteers who help keep the village vibrant all year round. A bee and hive honour the Moseley Hive community hub, while the greenery represents Moseley Park and Pool at the centre of village life.
Other details celebrate Moseley’s famous café culture, its award-winning farmers market, and even the area’s literary connections. Musical notes woven into the topper also pay tribute to the much-loved Moseley Folk and Jazz festivals.
“The hobbit house is for the area's associations with Tolkien and also the Ice House in the park, said to have inspired the hobbit houses,” Naomi explained.
And of course, the topper wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the passionate and talented group behind the creation: “There is a post box and topper to represent us, of course!”
For the members of Moseley Knit and Natter, the project is rooted in community spirit.
“All the toppers are a gift to our community and that’s why we do it – to bring joy to the people around us,” said Naomi.
“With the new station bringing new people to Moseley, we wanted to share with them what makes our community special and celebrate all the organisations and people that help make it that way.”
The opening of the new station is already having a meaningful impact on local residents, particularly those who benefit from improved accessibility and easier connections into the city.
“The train station has already made my life easier to get to town to see friends and go to the theatre,” Naomi shared. “I have mobility issues and it is closer to my house than the bus and very accessible. I’m looking forward to using it more.”
Naomi also spoke openly about the personal value of creativity and connection through crafting.
Opening up about what the group means to her, Naomi said: “Crochet has been an important creative hobby for me whilst living with chronic and mental health conditions.”
“I joined Moseley Knit and Natter because I wanted some company with people who had a common interest. It is a really supportive, friendly and inclusive group and is now the highlight of my week to see everyone."
As Moseley welcomes a new era of connectivity through its railway station, the topper captures something equally important: the warmth, creativity and neighbourliness that make the community thrive.
And there is more to come. The group is already planning future creations, including a possible display for Disability Pride Month in July.
“We want to let this train topper have its moment in the sun for a while yet though!”
Moseley Knit and Natter meet every Thursday from 1pm to 4pm at Coffee No.1 on Alcester Road, and they are keen to welcome new members: “Anyone is welcome to join us!”