Hello everyone. We hope you are enjoying the last few weeks of summer.
Chief executive update
Our chief executive Jools is scheduled to return from parental leave on Wednesday 3 September and will have a short time together with Bill before he finishes on 12 September.
We will of course keep you updated, and we’re sure you’ll join us in wishing her a warm welcome back.
Transport Select Committee – Buses Connecting Communities
The Transport Select Committee has published a report on its inquiry into Buses Connecting Communities. We provided evidence to the inquiry, highlighting the need for a strong focus on achieving a joined-up approach between sustainable and inclusive transport modes. You can read our input here.
Community Rail Awards 2026 – Entry Hub
A reminder that our new Awards Entry Hub is now live on the website, and entries open on Monday 1 September. Contact the Events team if you have any questions.
Upcoming in-person training sessions
We have two in-person training sessions planned for September, for Community Rail Network members only:
- Community engagement – this participative workshop will be held on Wednesday 10 September, 10.30am-3.15pm, in Smethwick, Birmingham, and will explore why and how community rail organisations engage with their local communities. Book your place.
- Co-production in community rail activities – this session will take place in central Birmingham, on Wednesday 24 September, 10am-4pm, and is being created in response to the needs of the Travelling with Confidence (TwC) programme, and our collective movement towards working in a way which truly empowers the people in our communities. Book your place.
Send your stories to news@communityrail.org.uk and see our guidance on submitting stories.
Your next bulletin is on 3 September. Keep up-to-date in between on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky and X.
Best wishes,
Jeremy and Bill
- Submit your World Cup of Stations nominations by this Friday 22 August
- Better walking environments for all: read Living Streets’ 2024-25 annual report
- Countdown is on to Stockton & Darlington Railway 200 celebrations in September
- Invisible barriers: NCAT explores how public attitudes affect inclusive travel
- Vibrant mural brightens underpass and welcomes Reading Festival attendees
- Everyday concerns: IPPR investigates what people want from transport
- Railway 200 exhibition train visit to Lowestoft is most successful to date
- South West Coast Path rail promotion launched at Penzance Station
- Take part in Mid Cheshire CRP’s Railway 200 baton relay walks
- Cub Scouts ‘get on board’ with community rail activities at Barnstaple Station
- Community Resilience Grant launched to support Conwy Valley communities
- Wellbeing walks map encourages green travel and connection in Tewkesbury
- Hampshire CRP’s ‘Stories from the Station’ explores how rail connects communities
- Penistone Line Partnership leads ‘Rail & Rivers Day’ for youth summer programme
- Kent CRP leads host of activities for Queenborough Station’s 165th birthday
- Danny Coope: SCRP profiles blue plaques consultant and ‘accidental historian’
- High Peak & Hope Valley CRP publishes 2024-25 annual report
Steven Booth, Purbeck CRP officer, said: “We hope to have improved the environment in this location and made a difference to the landscape and station approaches for passengers. This mural also compliments the newly installed Wool Information Board, designed by the same artist and located close by. We hope the new mural will receive a lot of attention and leaves a legacy as part of the Railway 200 centenary celebrations.”
