Hello everyone, and happy new year! We hope you had an enjoyable festive break.
Team updates
Bill Freeman started with us this week as interim chief executive, as Jools embarks on her parental leave this Friday 10 January.
Bill commented: “I’ve long been a fan of Community Rail Network and the work of its members, so I am delighted to be joining the team as interim chief executive. As a previous judge for the Community Rail Awards, I saw members leading the way with brilliant initiatives that showed their local communities our rail network belongs to them – an approach that should be integral to a transformed rail network.
“As we get deeper into the detail of the UK Government’s rail reforms, I look forward to working with the team, board and members to illustrate the unique and positive role community rail can play in future. I also know we mustn’t forget the here and now, so look forward to working with the team as we ensure our programme of support and activities continues to be responsive to the everyday needs and aspirations of members.”
Jools added: “This is such an exciting time for community rail, with the importance of our railways high on the political agenda, and a clear commitment towards a more people-orientated, joined-up approach to transport, with communities’ needs at the fore. I’m really pleased to be leaving Community Rail Network in such a strong position to champion community rail’s insights and its role into the future, and to seize on the opportunities of Railway 200. Bill is ideally placed to lead and work with our brilliant team and wonderful members through the months ahead. I look forward to seeing you all on the other side of my leave!”
We’re also pleased to welcome Colin Burcombe to the team, who will be supporting members in the Midlands and East of England. We’re sure you’ll join us in wishing him a warm welcome.
Advising on transport policy
In November, the government launched a ‘call for ideas’ regarding its forthcoming Integrated National Transport Strategy (see our response to the announcement here). We will be submitting a response, which we will make available soon. We are also consulting with the DfT on other potential ways we and our members can feed into local engagement around the Strategy’s development. We encourage members to consider responding to the call for ideas, especially if you have case studies or project reports showing how people-focused, inclusive, integrated transport can be achieved, and barriers to be overcome to accelerate progress. If you’d like advice on this, please contact Rob.
The Transport Select Committee has issued two inquiries, on buses connecting communities and rail investment pipelines: ending boom and bust. We are currently reviewing and considering responses sharing community rail’s insights and experiences.
Railway 200
The Railway 200 celebrations have finally arrived, and it was great to see members ‘waving in’ this landmark year across social media. Do continue to make use of the resources in our digital toolkit, share details of your activities for the Railway 200 map, and speak to our comms & policy team about your plans and for support.
Charitable status FAQs and AGM
At our online AGM on Tuesday 28 January, 2-3.30pm, there will be an important vote on Community Rail Network’s proposal to adopt charitable status, and we remain excited about the benefits it will bring. This won’t cause any changes to the support we provide, or affect members’ set-up and governance arrangements as independent organisations and groups. Read our members’ FAQs and book your place.
Send your stories to news@communityrail.org.uk and see our guidance on submitting stories.
Your next bulletin is on 22 January. Keep up-to-date in between on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky and X.
Best wishes,
Jeremy, Jools and Bill
Train operators share 2024 community rail highlights in latest reports
Funding
- Bring your Railway 200 projects to life with Great Western Railway community funding
- Empower your local rural communities with Royal Countryside Funding
- Boost wellbeing of ‘Onward Communities’ in north west England with grant funding
- Stations in Coventry region sought for Railway 200 schools visit
- Conwy Valley community celebrates ‘Memories of Flint’ with art project
- Schoolchildren bring festive cheer to Essex’s quietest station
- Lowestoft Station to host critically acclaimed Kindertransport exhibition
- Bishop Line CRP welcomes new chairperson
- Impact report reflects on inaugural year of delivery for Oxfordshire CRP
