The Bishop Line Community Rail Partnership (CRP) is delighted to announce Paul Winstone as its new chair.

Paul, an engineer with extensive experience of governance with charities in the region, was selected from a large group of strong candidates.

Paul will join the CRP on an interim basis to assist the partnership with ongoing tasks and complete a review of the organisation’s governance, policies and processes, to grow and diversify the CRP’s membership and ensure its operation is fitting for 2025 and beyond.

Paul Winstone said: “It’s an exciting time for me, during the preparations for Railway 200, to promote the benefits of the Bishop Line by engaging with the community whilst pursuing my love of riding on railway for business and leisure.”

Felicity Machnicki, officer for the Bishop Line CRP, said: “Our partnership has a track record of delivering engaging, impactful projects along the Bishop Line. With so many opportunities to deliver a wide variety of projects and activities which benefit the diverse communities along our line, we need governance which helps give our work meaningful direction.

“I look forward to working with Paul and the Steering Group to shape that vision and build a programme of work which delivers impact where it’s needed.”

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Bishop Line CRP via their website.

Photo from L-R: Joanne Roberts (Darlington Borough Council), Felicity Machnicki (CRP officer), Paul Winston (CRP chair), Charlie Walton (CRP vice chair) and Kenneth Hodgson (Shildon Station Adopter).