The Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership (CRP) has celebrated its 20th anniversary.
One of the initial six community rail partnerships, the Abbey Line CRP was formed as part of a pilot project back in 2005.
At the special event at the Abbey Theatre in St Albans on Monday 23 June, past and present team members and stakeholders gathered to reminisce and to look to the future.
The celebrations followed on from the Abbey Line CRP’s Annual General Meeting, where updates on key projects were presented. Highlights included progress on the wildlife-friendly community garden at Garston Station, the completion of the ‘Walkway Gallery’ at Watford Junction, the formation of the Abbey Station Friends volunteer group and the strategic decision to advocate for improved access at Abbey Line stations.
The event was also attended by St Albans’ Deputy Mayor Cllr Susan Griffith, and chief executive of Transport Focus Alex Robertson gave an enlightening talk on passenger wants and needs, and what the future may hold as the train industry transitions to Great British Railways.
At the AGM, Cllr Sandy Walkington stood down as chair of the partnership and handed over to Cllr Steve Cavinder.
Former chair Cllr Sandy Walkington said: “It has been a tremendous experience chairing the Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership for the last four years. It is all about putting community into railway and I leave a partnership which is firing on all cylinders with a host of projects up and down the line.
“I could not be leaving it in better hands than those of Cllr Steve Cavinder who has so many community connections up and down the line. Happy 20th birthday to the partnership, and happy 200th birthday to the railways!”
New chair Cllr Steve Cavinder said: “I’m delighted and honoured to have been elected as the chair of the Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership. The partnership plays a hugely important role in supporting and promoting the Abbey Line and my aim is to continue working with our partners to ensure that passengers on the Abbey Line have the best possible travelling experience.”
Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Abbey Line CRP via their website.
