Hello everyone. We hope this bulletin finds you well.
Fascist rioting
We’ve been deeply shocked and saddened about the hateful, racist violence of the past week, and the tragic events in Southport that preceded the riots. We are starting to get reports from member CRPs and groups whose activities, staff, volunteers and community partners are being affected by the spread of fear. Please see our statement here, making clear our solidarity with marginalised and diverse communities, and which directs to sources of help and advice if you are being affected.
Updates from the new government
Whilst Parliament went into recess last week, the new government continues to move at pace, setting out its legislative programme. The Chancellor has made clear the tight budgetary constraints government departments are operating under and commissioned an internal review of the Department for Transport’s capital spending. The review will support the development of a new long-term strategy for transport, which is something we will look to feed community rail insights into.
Other recent notable updates include the cancellation of the Restoring our Railway scheme, the Passenger Railway Services Bill passing its second reading, and the launch of a consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework, which may be of interest to members. We are currently reviewing to consider a response.
Community Rail Conference 2024
All invites for our 2024 Community Rail Conference, run with the DfT, have now been sent to our community rail partnership members and eligible partners. Priority places must be booked by end of Friday 16 August. Any invites not taken up by then will be offered to our waiting list. If you have questions or difficulties accessing the email, contact events@communityrail.org.uk.
Accessing support from our corporate partners
As part of their relationship with Community Rail Network, our corporate partners offer a range of volunteer support to our members. If you would like assistance in areas such as gardening, station buildings, graphic design or STEM activity, find out what each of our corporate partners offer and submit your request for support.
Our next online ‘meet our corporate partners’ networking session is on Tuesday 17 September, 10am-12pm, where members can learn how the organisations we partner with can support and collaborate with you. Further details to follow.
Community Rail Awards 2025
Now is a great time to be thinking about your entries for the 2025 Community Rail Awards. The online entry system opens at 9am on Monday 2 September, and closes at 5pm on Monday 30 September. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the categories and criteria to help you prepare entries that clearly demonstrate impact. All details and milestone dates are on our awards webpage.
Days Out by Rail
We’re holding this year’s Days Out by Rail tourism and leisure campaign from Monday 14 October to Sunday 3 November, delivered through Scenic Rail Britain. The campaign enables members to promote greener days out, short breaks and longer stays using your community rail lines and stations. Find out more about getting involved.
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 21 August. Keep up-to-date in between on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
Best wishes,
Jeremy and Jools
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