Hello everyone. We hope that you are all keeping warm and well, and enjoying the lighter evenings that have started to appear.
Policy and profile-raising updates
The consultation on the UK Government’s Railways Bill was published on Tuesday. Please see our initial thoughts here. We will be responding to the consultation in due course, but please do speak with Rob if you would like support with your own response to the consultation.
In other policy and profile-raising news:
- A reminder that the deadline on the ‘call for ideas’ to support the development of an Integrated National Transport Strategy for England is 23:59 tomorrow, Thursday 20 February. See our draft response and reach out to Rob if you require support.
- There are still six roadshow events due to take place, to gather views on how the above strategy can achieve its aims and understand regional perspectives from key stakeholders. Several staff and members have already attended some of the roadshows, which was useful in terms of feeding in community rail insights on what the strategy should feature. Please note the application deadline for the remaining roadshows has passed, but you can still join the waiting list for a chance to be allocated a place. Find out more about the roadshows here.
- We are set to host a parliamentary reception at Westminster on Monday 7 July. We will share further details in due course.
- The February edition of Rail Professional magazine features a lengthy interview with Jools about all things community rail, with a focus on social value. Read the piece here, from pages 18-22.
Team updates
We’re delighted to welcome Sam Agnew to the team as our new director of member support & development. Sam brings over 20 years’ experience in the charitable sector, and a wealth of expertise in overseeing services that support communities to overcome barriers and stay connected. We’re sure you’ll join us in extending her a warm welcome and take the opportunity to meet her when we gather in Newcastle for the Awards next month.
Small Grants Fund update
Our Small Grants Fund for England has now closed and is scheduled to reopen in mid-April for the 2025-26 financial year. The small grants funds we administer on behalf of Transport for Greater Manchester and South Western Railway still remain open, as well as the Community Rail Development Fund. Find all funding information here and contact us with any questions.
Send your stories to news@communityrail.org.uk and see our guidance on submitting stories.
Your next bulletin is on 5 March. Keep up-to-date in between on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky and X.
Best wishes,
Jeremy and Bill
- Record attendance at ceremony to honour Best Kept Stations across Cheshire
- Green Alliance report outlines measures to improve rail and boost sustainable growth
- Promote greener days out on community rail lines during English Tourism Week
- Urban Transport Group highlights how transport devolution can deliver change
- Enjoy a free train ride on the Weardale Railway as part of Awards celebrations
- 3 Counties Connected CRP invites you to celebrate art, heritage and railways
- Rye Station hosts 174th birthday celebrations for Marshlink Line
- Award success blooms for Broadstairs Town Team
- Photographers invited to capture the spirit of the Settle-Carlisle Line
- Essex & South Suffolk CRP supports even more people to enjoy days out by rail
- Take part in the Oxfordshire CRP access and active travel map challenge
- Newly formed Friends of Abbey Station hold first volunteering session
- North Staffordshire CRP seeking community rail officer
CRP officer Thalia Rushmore said: “Greater Anglia staff including Raj and Jamie were fantastic at explaining the safety involved in rail travel, and how the station runs. They were funny and interesting, and the children loved it.”
