Hello everyone and happy International Women’s Day! We know many of you will be marking this important day, and you might be interested to read these views from senior women in transport, including Jools, in an article by our new corporate partner, CMAC.
Our new director of support & development
We’re delighted to say we have recruited our new director of support and development, replacing Brian Barnsley who retires at the end of March after 17 years in post. Our new director is Dan Coles, who brings a wealth of experience supporting community rail, and knowledge of the rail industry and how it can engage successfully with communities. We’re pleased he will be known to many of you already, having been the community rail lead for Network Rail North West & Central, and he’s really excited about re-engaging with you all and stepping into such an important role for community rail. Dan starts in post on 11 April.
Rail Scotland conference
Scotland’s community rail partnerships, supported by Community Rail Network and Paths for All, used the Rail Scotland Conference to launch their ‘Let’s go for 1 in 5’ campaign, supporting the Scottish Government’s commitment to cutting car use by 20% by 2030. They used the conference to explore how the rail industry can play a key role, working with communities, to support sustainable journeys that work for everyone and protect our climate.
Project management and outcomes session
This one-day online course, on Monday 24 April, 9.45am-3.15pm, will provide an overview of some project management tools and techniques, and the chance to consider how to put them into practice. You will be able to share experiences with other participants and learn from each other. This workshop is aimed at CRP officers, but other members are welcome. Book your place here.
Community Rail Week: announcing our 2023 theme
With just 11 weeks until Community Rail Week, 22-28 May, we’re pleased to confirm that our theme for this year is ‘Connecting communities by rail’. This will help us showcase the inspiring work that goes on in community rail bringing people together and creating more inclusive communities and mobility, as well as the wider socio-economic benefit that the railways deliver. Find more details and ideas on how to get involved here. As always, our team are on hand to provide guidance and support.
New corporate partnership
We’re pleased to announce SLC Rail and SLC Property have joined our corporate partnership scheme, supporting our work and bringing a wealth of expertise to help members transform disused station buildings into community hubs. We look forward to working with them to help community rail to increase its impact. Find out more.
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 22 March. Keep up-to-date in between on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Best wishes,
Jeremy and Jools
- Funding available to projects that connect urban communities with the natural world
- DfT pledges to reopen Northumberland Line next summer
- Biodiversity flourishing across Wales & Borders thanks to TfW scheme
- South Western Railway upgrades waiting rooms across its network
- Students collaborate to tackle rail trespass through Backtrack
- Heart of England CRP helps refugee families increase rail confidence
- Immersive storytelling experience on the Cambrian Line
- New officer for Conwy Valley & North West Wales Coast Line
- Exhibition celebrating Lancashire’s railway history launched by CRL
- Making memories along the Settle-Carlisle Railway
- In memory of Eric Pass, a founding member of Friends of Glossop Station
- Southeast Communities Rail Partnership brings new life to Upper Warlingham Station
