Hello everyone. We hope you are enjoying the last few weeks of summer.
Changing landscape of social media
As our towns and cities continue to recover from the violence and unrest of the past few weeks, we, like many organisations and individuals, have taken time to reflect on the role of social media, particularly Twitter (X), in spreading hate and disinformation. We understand that some of our members have taken the decision to leave Twitter and we are currently in discussions regarding Community Rail Network’s own use of the platform. We ardently believe in community rail’s power as a force for good in communities, and the value that comes with sharing this on social media, but we also recognise that, as the world changes, not all online spaces may be appropriate for us to have a presence on. We will update you on our intentions moving forward, but if you have any thoughts on the matter, please do share these with our comms team.
Board meeting at Bishopstone
The Community Rail Network board was delighted to hold its recent away day at Bishopstone Station, where we have supported the Friends of Bishopstone Station and Southeast Communities Rail Partnership to develop the station into a thriving community hub. Read more about our visit and the fantastic community rail activity at this station here.
‘Presenting with confidence’ training session
Would you like to develop your confidence when presenting community rail insights? Join our online training session on Wednesday 25 September, 9.30am-1pm, to learn more about identifying and refining key messages for different audiences and communicating these effectively. Members only. Book here.
Sustainable travel campaigns
There are several campaigns coming up in September that offer opportunities for you to shout about your work in community rail and partner with others to champion sustainable, inclusive travel. These include Catch the Bus Month, ACEVO Climate Week, European Mobility Week, Travel Wise Week, World Car Free Day and World Tourism Day. Speak to our comms team to share your plans or request further support.
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 4 September. Keep up-to-date in between on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
Best wishes,
Jeremy and Jools
- Watch video to discover how corporate partner TeamBA can support our members
- Apply now for Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund
- Resources and funding opportunities to help community-led green spaces thrive
- Brundall Gardens Station celebrates 100-year anniversary
- Students collaborate with volunteers to enhance Accrington Eco Station
- Volunteers set up ‘craft station’ to combat social isolation in Glazebrook
- Fishing for Change: a unique experience for families in Bristol this summer
- Revamped community garden opens at Broxbourne Station
- Promoting sustainable onward travel from Bempton Station to RSPB nature reserve
- Creative Railway 200 and White Ribbon opportunities for Midlands-based artists
- Poacher Line station adopters interviewed for BBC Radio 4’s ‘Strangers on a Train’
- Far North Line CRP seeking sustainable transport officer
Chair Tim Barkley said: “It’s amazing that the partnership has grown from such small beginnings to now serving a wider network of people and places, enhancing wellbeing, sustainability and community development. We could not have done this without the dedicated volunteers who give up their time to make stations welcoming spaces, nor without the support of our train operators, Network Rail and many other local organisations.”
