Hello everyone. We hope this newsletter finds you all well.
As we went to press in our last newsletter, the PM had just announced the cancellation of HS2 to the North and the creation of Network North. Much has been written about the announcements since, and you can read our summary here of the policy paper for members. We will continue to liaise with the DfT as well as the Shadow Minister to feed in community rail’s insights.
Modal integration projects
Our Integrated Sustainable Transport Fund remains open to all our members, including station groups. Supported by DfT, these grants can fund initiatives to improve and develop connections between rail and other sustainable modes (buses, community transport, active travel and shared mobility schemes). Applications will be considered on a rolling basis up until 5pm Thursday 30 November, or until all funds are allocated. Find further details and examples of previous winners here or contact Gary on ISTF@communityrail.org.uk to discuss your interest.
Community Rail Development Fund
Our Community Rail Development Fund for accredited CRPs in England and Wales is now running low and will soon run out. Please submit any outstanding applications you have and make sure you speak to your usual support and development team contact to discuss your project before submitting a bid. We are interested to hear from new CRPs or those that have not yet bid into the fund this year. Download the application form and funding criteria here.
Members’ survey
Today all our members will have received a final reminder with the link to our all-important members’ survey, which closes at 5pm this Friday 20 October. We warmly encourage all members to respond: it should only take 10-15 minutes, and is crucial for us responding to the needs of our growing community rail movement. If you’ve not received your link or have questions, contact Rob.
Community Rail Week 2024
We’re pleased to announce that next year’s Community Rail Week will be Monday 20 to Sunday 26 May 2024. Please do put this date in your diary. More details about the theme and how you can get involved will be out before Christmas, but if you’d like to discuss any ideas in advance, please get in touch with our comms & policy team.
Railway 200
We’ve put together a short information sheet with the latest details and plans for this campaign celebrating 200 years of rail, with ideas on how you can be part of the Railway 200 story and legacy. Plans will continue to develop and we will keep you updated. Read it here.
If you have any news stories, please email our communications team on news@communityrail.org.uk. See here for guidance on submitting stories.
Your next bulletin is on 1 November. Keep up-to-date in between on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Best wishes,
Jeremy and Jools
- Audio drama accompanies walks from stations along the West Highland Line
- Guided walks and active travel map celebrates Gloucestershire’s Black History
- From railway history to a greener future: pupils go ‘full steam ahead’ with CRL
- Songs, poems and films kick off countdown to railway bicentenary
- ‘Suzy the Sheep’ project promotes safety on the Bentham Line for over five years
- Friends of Buxton Station launch innovative e-bike hire scheme
- Kent students enjoy first station adoption day
- Hounslow to Richmond Line now hosted by Southeast Communities Rail Partnership
- Volunteers’ team effort boosts biodiversity at Rochford Station
