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Community Rail News – 21 September 2022

Hello everyone. So much has happened since our last newsletter. The sad death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September touched the nation and throughout the 10 days of national mourning many of us reflected on the Queen’s reign. As public life resumes, there is plenty to update you on.

Community Rail Awards

Following the announcement of industrial action across the rail network on Wednesday 5 October, we have had to make the decision to move the date of the Community Rail Awards to Thursday 6 October. All details of the event will remain as is, other than the date change. Our Events team have issued emails to all awards attendees and table hosts asking them to confirm attendance/notify us of any changes given the date change. If you still need to speak to a member of staff regarding the Awards, please email events@communityrail.org.uk.   

Please do have a look at the additional events and excursions taking place around the awards and to book your place on these subsidiary events.  

Rail transformation and Great British Railways briefing

We have prepared a short briefing about our work so far engaging with the Great British Railways Transition team and advising on rail transformation from a community rail perspective. If you have questions, please get in touch with your usual support and development contact.

Days Out by Rail campaign

Our Days Out campaign will now take place 17 October-6 November. This campaign will draw on local knowledge and insights from members, delivering inspiring ideas, focusing on family days out, short breaks and longer stays through our Scenic Rail Britain tourism website. For more information, visit our web page or contact Alice Mannion on alice@communityrail.org.uk.

Our AGM and board elections

Community Rail Network will hold its next Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday 1 November (14:00-15:30) on Zoom. Register for your place here

Ahead of the AGM, we are inviting applications for new board members to play a role in shaping the future direction of the organisation and community rail more broadly. See our information pack and nomination form for details. Applications must be received by 17:00, 12 October 2022.

Members’ survey

As a membership organisation, Community Rail Network really values the input and views we receive through our members’ survey, to ensure we are meeting your needs. All members have been sent a link. The deadline to complete the survey is Friday 30 September: please do make the time to fill yours in.

If you have any news stories, please email our communications team on news@communityrail.org.uk

Your next bulletin, a special edition showcasing all the highlights from the Community Rail Awards, is on 10 October. Keep up-to-date in between on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Best wishes
Jools