Hello everyone. We hope, as always, that this bulletin finds you well.
Community Rail Development Fund & Small Grants Fund
We are hopeful of being able to launch the DfT’s Community Rail Development Fund (CRDF) and Small Grants Funds (SGF), pending internal government approvals, in early/mid July. We appreciate that many members are waiting on the funds opening to be able to move forward with planned projects, having expected (as we did) the funds to open in April as usual. We have been in regular liaison with our DfT contacts since April, making them aware of the impacts of the delay, and have been assured that everything possible is being done to move things forward, although there remain no firm guarantees. Please bear in mind that if and when funds become available, it is likely that due to demand caused by the delay, the turnaround for applications will be longer than usual. We will communicate with members as soon as we have news, and please do continue to liaise with your support & development team contact in the meantime for advice on accessing funding from us and wider sources.
Pre-election period
All political parties are now campaigning in preparation for the general election on Thursday 4 July. We encourage members to continue to develop relations with parliamentary candidates across the political spectrum so that post-election there is a strong awareness of community rail and the work you are doing. However, it is important to be especially mindful about ensuring that any communications or materials you’re using do not include logos or content from any of your funders/partners without their permission, as they may be following rules during the pre-election period of sensitivity.
Corporate fundraising webinar
Join our next webinar on Wednesday 17 July, 10am-12pm, for advice and insights into how community groups and non-profits can secure vital support from business and corporate partners. This session will offer a step-by-step approach to identifying companies whose values align with yours, and how to build strong, well-targeted relationships that attract financial and in-kind contributions. Book here.
Community Rail Awards
We’re delighted to announce that our 20th anniversary Community Rail Awards will take place on Thursday 13 March 2025 at Newcastle Civic Centre. This milestone Awards is closely supported by our headline partners Lumo & Hull Trains and will link in with Railway 200. More details will be revealed over the coming months in this bulletin and on our Awards webpage.
Community Rail Conference
Another date for your diary: our annual Community Rail Conference for CRPs, run with the Department for Transport, is scheduled to take place in Nottingham, Tuesday 8 October 2024, with a meal and networking the evening before. Further details to be confirmed soon.
Requesting volunteer support
Our corporate partners offer a variety of skill sets, knowledge and opportunities for members to access. If you are interested in accessing support from one of our corporate partners, please complete our new online form.
CRP chairs’ and officers’ networking
Our online networking sessions provide a chance for CRP chairs or officers to share experiences, discuss issues and get information and support. CRP chairs can choose between a daytime session (Thursday 4 July, 10am-12.15pm) or an evening session (Monday 8 July, 6.45-8.30pm). Our next CRP officers’ session is on Tuesday 9 July, 9.30am-12.45pm. Booking links have been sent via email; contact training@communityrail.org.uk with any queries.
If you have any news stories, please email our communications team on news@communityrail.org.uk. See here for guidance on submitting stories.
Your next bulletin is on 26 June. Keep up-to-date in between on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
Best wishes,
Jeremy and Jools
- Corporate partner spotlight: last chance to see how Revolution Very Light Rail can benefit your community rail lines
- Join in sustainable transport celebrations by entering scenic rail photo competition
- Northern launches service for visitors looking to explore the Yorkshire Dales
- Chiltern Railways unveils community-led refresh of Dorridge Station
- Support greener journeys and modal shift in your area this Great Big Green Week
- IPPR report explores people-focused pathways to fairer and greener transport
- Heart of Wales Line CRP marks National Walking Month with revamped website
- Interactive art installation at Hamilton Station promotes positive mental health
- Former wartime evacuees reunited at Lowestoft Station
- Adults with additional needs supported to Try the Train with Purbeck CRP and SWR
- Accessible bus service connects Appleby locals with railway station and the town
- ‘Paws on the Platform’ shares lived experience of barriers to train travel
- Community Rail Cumbria encourages adopters to enter ‘In Bloom’ awards
- New Heads of the Valleys CRP seeking community rail officer
- Marketing opportunity with Derwent Valley Line and High Peak & Hope Valley CRPs
- Heart of England CRP annual report celebrates 2023-24 initiatives and impact
Purbeck CRP unveiled a memorial plaque at Swanage Station where American soldiers embarked on their journey to Normandy. GIs from the 26th Infantry Regiment of the US Army’s First Infantry Division were stationed in Swanage while they trained for the Allied invasion in June 1944, and the Swanage Railway, now a heritage line, transported the troops and their equipment to and from the town.
Friends of Handforth Station engaged the community at a local event, sharing information about the RAF Maintenance Unit established in the village during the war and the role the local railway played in this momentous part of history.
