The Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership (CRP) has celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special event run in conjunction with its local train operator, key partner and core funder, Greater Anglia.
Friday 6 June saw guests enjoy a trip on all three Wherry Lines routes between Norwich and Great Yarmouth and Norwich and Lowestoft, on one of Greater Anglia’s state-of-the-art bi-mode trains, before a special reception with speeches and refreshments at Lowestoft Station.
The Wherry Lines CRP was originally formed in 2000 in a partnership between Norfolk County Council and Anglia Railways. Since then, it has gone on to play a valuable role in supporting the promotion and development of the railway between Norwich and Great Yarmouth and Norwich and Lowestoft, bringing the railway closer to the communities it serves, helping to deliver numerous station improvements, supporting better integrated transport links, promoting sustainable travel by rail within the Broads National Park, running numerous education initiatives, raising awareness of rail travel amongst groups who don’t usually use the train and providing additional support to Greater Anglia’s network of volunteer station adopters.
The Wherry Lines CRP has also collaborated closely with the Lowestoft Central Project team to play a pivotal role in the restoration and rejuvenation projects at Lowestoft Station, including the creation of a public exhibition and meeting space within the former parcels office, numerous station improvements and the opening and year-round operation of the station’s community rail shop and tourist information office.
Martin Halliday, community rail development officer for Community Rail Norfolk, said: “We were delighted to welcome so many friends to our celebration: those who work with us, our volunteers, those that helped form the original partnership and key stakeholders from within the community and rail industry.”
Describing the parcels office in which the celebration took place, he continued: “We are gathered here at a station and in a room which are both superb examples of what the community rail movement, working in collaboration with the rail industry, can achieve.”
Jonathan Denby, head of corporate affairs at Greater Anglia, said: “It is great to see the positive effects of the Wherry Lines CRP over the last 25 years, helping to promote the lines between Norwich and Great Yarmouth and Norwich and Lowestoft and support their development in line with local needs.
“There’s no doubt the CRP has played a valuable role in helping these lines thrive. It’s an excellent example of a CRP and a train operator working together to provide a railway that works for the community that it serves. Thank you to everyone who has been involved in its success and here’s to the next 25 years.”
Find out more about Greater Anglia’s work in the community here.
Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Wherry Lines CRP via their website.
