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Community Rail News – 18 February 2026

Hello everyone. We hope that you are well and enjoying the first signs of spring.

It has been another busy few weeks for transport events and policy. Jools attended the George Bradshaw Address last week, which saw Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander outline her vision for the future of Britain’s railway – a future where public interest is at the heart, decision-making is brought closer to communities, and rail becomes a powerful catalyst for socio-economic change. Read the address.

Jools was pleased to ask a question about how, through rail reform, we can ensure the railway is working to engage communities to break down barriers and ensure everyone can access the opportunities they want sustainably. It was encouraging to hear the Secretary of State and panellists acknowledge the challenges of affordability, complexity and accessibility, and express determination to open up rail to all, and to shift far more journeys and freight onto rail.

In other news, the Transport Select Committee has reported on its inquiry into the Railways Bill. The Committee has called for clearer timelines, changes to prevent undue political interference, and a stable, long-term strategy to deliver a more integrated, accountable network. Read the report. As reform moves forward, we are continuing to work hard to ensure community rail is understood, respected, supported and embedded in the new rail landscape.

At Community Rail Network, work continues on our new strategy, following our strategic review exercise and member and partner engagement. While we will remain committed to our vision and mission, our new strategy will include a refocused set of core objectives, to guide us through the coming years, and provide clarity on how we can seize the opportunities ahead and further develop community rail’s impact. The full strategy is due for completion next month; we’re looking forward to sharing more with you then, including how it translates into our plans for 2026-27.

Best wishes,
Jeremy and Jools

Community Rail Week 1-7 June

We’re proud to announce that this year’s Community Rail Week theme is ‘Journeys for All’. This theme will shine a spotlight on the vital role community rail plays in fostering inclusion, strengthening local connections, and breaking down barriers to ensure everyone can access and enjoy rail travel. We’ll be sharing more details and guidance on getting involved in March. In the meantime, you can speak to Alice for advice or to share your initial plans.

Community Rail Awards – one month to go!

Excitement is building for this year’s Awards, at Derby Arena on Thursday 19 March. If you’re attending, why not consider booking a few days in the region? Our headline partner East Midlands Railway and local CRPs are providing a programme of supporting activities surrounding the main event, showcasing community rail and visitor destinations. Browse what’s on offer and book your place here.

Corporate partner volunteering opportunities

Our corporate partners offer a range of support to our members. From assistance on station buildings, accountancy, marketing, video production to STEM activity, find out what each of our partners offer and submit your request .

CAF Rail Services is looking for ways to support members across Greater Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and London. If you have any activity in these areas, contact Tiff to find out more.

Send your stories to our Comms team and see our guidance on submitting stories.

Your next bulletin is on 4 March. Keep up-to-date in between on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky and X.

A new piece of artwork has been unveiled at Clitheroe Station on 9 February. During a railway family fun day at Clitheroe Castle Museum, supported by Community Rail Lancashire, families and young people created images showcasing the things they liked about the area and the Ribble Valley line. The images were then used by local artist, Gosha Gibek, to create the artwork now adorning the station, entitled ‘Along the Line to Clitheroe Castle’.

Ian Davis, community rail support officer at Community Rail Network, said: “It’s great to see schools, the community and local artists working together to create this artwork. Hopefully people will see it and be encouraged to visit the Clitheroe Castle Museum. We were very happy to support this project through the Community Rail Development Fund.”