Hello everyone. We hope you are enjoying some summer sunshine in between the stormy weather.
Government and policy updates
We met with the Department for Transport last week for our quarterly review. With the UK Government’s response to the Railways Bill consultation expected later in the year it’s unlikely there will be any major announcements on the development of Great British Railways before then, however we are working with DfT to dedicate time at our Conference in October for members to discuss the rail reforms.
Simon Lightwood MP confirmed that Great British Railways is expected to be established within 12 months of the Railways Bill receiving Royal Assent – read more. We’ve requested a meeting with the Minister for Local Transport and will keep members informed.
The Transport Select Committee is seeking evidence for its inquiry into joined-up journeys and transport integration. Rob Lowson will coordinate our response – please contact him if you would like to contribute or need support with your own response.
Community Rail Awards 2026 – Entry Hub
Our new Awards Entry Hub is now live on the website. This page replaces our traditional pdf entry booklet and is the one-stop-shop for everything you need to guide you through the Community Rail Awards entry process. Have an explore of the page and familiarise yourself with all the information ahead of entries opening on Monday 1 September. Please contact the Events team if you have any questions.
Upcoming in-person training sessions
We have two in-person training sessions planned for September, which are 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. The session will look at community engagement theories and models, and you will have the chance to consider how they could be applied in your local settings. Lunch will be provided, and travel bursaries are available. Book your place.
- Co-production in community rail activities – this session will be held on Wednesday 24 September, 10am-4pm in central Birmingham, 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 20 August. Keep up-to-date in between on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky and X.
Best wishes,
Jeremy and Bill
- Submit your nominations for Railway 200-inspired World Cup of Stations
- Property company to transform disused rail estate into vibrant communities
- Book your tickets: ‘Inspiration’ is coming to Norwich, Lowestoft and Darlington
- Bus Users UK appoints new CEO to drive change in transport accessibility
- UTG explores why the Devolution Bill matters for local transport
- 165th birthday celebrations abound at Axminster and Honiton stations
- Brampton’s railway heritage introduces schoolchildren to new skills through song
- Southeast CRP unveils full suite of 200 ‘blue plaques’ for Railway 200
- Furness Line chair publishes biography of Britain’s oldest working steam locomotive
- Iconic railway artefact finds new home in Suffolk
- Rail 74 CRP seeking community-minded individuals to join Board of Trustees
- Matt Turmaine MP learns about community rail initiatives along the Abbey Line
- Heart of Wales Line CRP launches ‘Make & Trade: Goods Along the Line’ brochure
- Visit Bolton Station exhibition to immerse yourself in a ‘picturesque railway journey’
- Friends of Wemyss Bay Station revive blooms of the past with Amberol
- Around Town magazine profiles events and initiatives along the Penistone Line (p. 40-43)
- Passengers and residents welcomed to explore Hockley Station’s transformation
- Conwy Valley & North Wales Coast CRP publishes 2024-25 annual report
In a Facebook post following the visit, Adam Dance MP said: “A huge thank you to the Friends of Crewkerne Station for showing me around last week. Their care and commitment to keeping the station vibrant, green and welcoming is truly inspiring. I was so impressed, I’ve proudly signed up as their latest member. It’s fantastic to see local volunteers making such a big difference in our community.”
Sue Mellor, FoBS secretary who judged the challenge, said: “All the entries were great, with so many varied styles to choose from. I found it too difficult to choose just one winner, so called it a draw! Congratulations to our joint winners Barbara Durham (left) and Ruth James (right) and thank you to everyone who took part.”
