Hello everyone. As always, we hope this finds you well. As you will have seen, last week the Government announced which projects will receive Round 2 funding from the Levelling Up Fund. A number of rail projects have been given the green light as part of this: find out more. Chris Skidmore MP also launched his Net Zero review (which we fed into), underlining the importance of public transport, its accessibility and integration, even mentioning community rail. Read our summary.
Community Rail Conference
There’s not long to go until the 2023 Community Rail Conference, 27-28 March in Nottingham. The conference, run jointly with the DfT, is for CRP Chairs and Officers and will feature speakers and workshops to help you think strategically for the future, along with opportunities for networking and exchanging ideas and experiences with colleagues and friends. Registration is by invitation only so CRPs will have already received your invitation via email. Capacity is limited to two complimentary places per CRP membership (one each for the Chair and Officer). See the draft agenda.
Station buildings guidance
We have published a short guidance sheet on key considerations if you are thinking of embarking on a station buildings project. If you have any further questions or would like an initial chat about any potential projects or ideas, contact your support and development team member.
Communicating in challenging times
A reminder that our Comms team are on hand every Thursday 4-6pm to chat about any comms ideas or queries you may have, especially as we continue to operate in challenging times. You can drop in any time between 4-6pm using this Zoom link.
Social media skill-share
On Tuesday 7 February 10am-12pm, we will be hosting an online session for members on social media. This will allow you to find out how others are using social media, share tips and get ideas, especially as social media platforms, how they are used and by who, continues to evolve. Book your place here.
Community Rail News
We are keen to ensure that we continue to receive a good range of stories from across the network, so our Comms & Policy team has put together this handy guidance on what to include when you submit stories to us. We hope you find it helpful.
Community Rail Week, 22-28 May
As you know, Community Rail Week returns 22-28 May. We are in discussion with our sponsors, Rail Delivery Group, about using this year’s campaign as an opportunity to highlight your initiatives engaging and empowering communities, bringing people together. We are looking to focus on the inspiring projects you deliver and benefits these bring to local people. We hope to be able to provide you with a confirmed theme and suggestions of how you can get involved in February.
If you have any news stories, please email our communications team on news@communityrail.org.uk
Your next bulletin is on 8 February. Keep up-to-date in between on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Best wishes,
Jeremy and Jools
- Community rail invited to celebrate World Hijab Day
- Students ‘try the train’ from Appleby to Settle as part of new art project
- Local artist transforms cycle hub at Yatton Station
- Bradford mums take the driving seat with Community Rail Lancashire project
- Your Colourful Journey starts at Three Bridges Station
- Hollingbourne Station introduces new community hub
- Funding from Conwy Valley & North West Wales Coast CRP leads to showstopping performance
- Community-led artwork showcases ‘Your Uttoxeter’
- Chelmsford Station to receive wildlife boost thanks to volunteers
- Update from the Community Rail Education Network
