Train Times New life for local lines

News, views and features from the world of Community Rail

No.60 Spring 2011

In this issue: The ‘Big Society’ and Community Rail Station Adoption Partnership Profile FGW and Community Rail Arrivals and Departures Digging Deep - Tidying up at Styal Full story inside...

This issue of Train Times has been kindly sponsored by:

1 This issue of Train Times has kindly been sponsored by First In this issue… Hello and Welcome... Page 2 Hello and Welcome I’d like to start this issue of Train Page 3 Sponsor’s Spotlight Times with a special thank you to Pages 4-7 Regional Round-Up First Great Western for their Page 7 Community Rail Awards 2011 generous sponsorship of Train Page 8 ‘The Big Society’ Times, which will pave the way for Page 9 Station Adoption Seminar the sponsorship of future editions Pages 10-11 Partnership Profile – and help secure the future of this The Bishop Line important window on the world Pages 12-13 First Great Western and of Community Rail. Community Rail To add to that, we also have the excellent news that Minister of State for Transport Page 14 Arrivals and Departures Theresa Villiers has announced a three-year funding Page 15 Community Rail Partnerships package for ACoRP. This alone is rewarding given the Page 16 Community Rail Diary current financial climate and it means that ACoRP can continue supporting and developing Community Rail Principal Funders and throughout England and Wales. What is even more impressive however is that the agreement also allows for Sponsors increases in the Designated Community Rail Delegated Fund to £100,000 per annum and the English Small Association of Train Operating Companies Grants fund to £20,000 per annum. Add to this the DfT Rail annual £21,000 provided by the Welsh Assembly Gov- ernment for CRPs in Wales and we have an amazing Welsh Assembly Government £141,000 available to develop Community Rail! This indicates an unprecedented level of support for Commu- nity Rail from both administrations and should provide Corporate Sponsors ample evidence for you to argue the case for continued Abellio funding at a local level. Angel Trains Ltd As if this wasn’t enough, our earlier ‘Big Society’ Co conference in Lewes elicited similar support from Under Secretary of State for Transport Norman Baker. Both he Greater ITA and Nick Starkey, Strategic Policy Manager at the Office Kilbride Community Rail for Civil Society, clearly recognised that Community Kirklees Metropolitan District Council Rail was the Big Society and were happy to champion our County Council cause. I know this doesn’t resolve your immediate financial worries but this support at a very high govern- ment level should give you sufficient ammunition to Passenger Focus argue your case and I hope, shows that ACoRP has been working hard on your behalf. First TransPennine Express Despite this excellent news, we’re not in a position * We welcome additional corporate sponsorship from the to rest on our laurels. There’s still a great deal to do and I railway industry. Please contact our General Manager Neil believe that within the industry there’s a new willingness Buxton if you are interested in sponsoring us. to look at different ways of maintaining – and yes, perhaps even operating – our rural and local lines. The Contributors increased grant funding is there to help you do that! Before I close, I would like to make a final plea. I This edition of Train Times was edited by Nigel Barber know it’s difficult for you all at the moment and that ([email protected]) and designed by Philip Jenkinson ([email protected]). both time and money are a scarce resource. However, our seminars and conferences are there to provide you with Special thanks go to Lucy Tennyson and all of our contributors for their ongoing hard work and support. the wherewithal to fight back and to thrive and survive. We make every effort to make them affordable and are happy Front cover picture – Hard at work at Styal Station on to look at other ways of enabling you to attend if it proves the Crewe to line, as part of the national difficult. So please, do try and join your colleagues whenever ‘Big Tidy Up’ event possible – remember, there’s strength in numbers! Neil Buxton, General Manager 2 Sponsor’s Spotlight Why Community Rail matters

Mark Hopwood - Managing Director of this issue’s sponsor, First Great Western.

First Great Western operates over impressive growth in recent years. 1,500 services a day across 270 We work closely with the stations. Our 4,000 employees partnerships in our region on a work together to ensure our 89 day-to-day basis and we are ex- million passengers get where they tremely proud of all that we have need to be going. Impressive achieved together. In late 2010, this numbers - however the aspect of excellent progress was recognised our business that I’m probably when we were awarded ‘Outstand- most proud of is our strong link ing Delivery ofhe Community Rail with Community Rail. Strategy’ at the Community Rail We support four Commu- Awards, organised by the Associa- nity Rail Partnerships (CRPs), tion of Community Rail Partner- including the award winning ships (ACoRP). four years ago, when we had lots of Severnside, Devon and Cornwall Seven top prizes were criticism about the management and Heart of Wessex CRPs. awarded to First Great Western and service provision of our local While each of these organisa- and our partners at the ceremony, lines. Now we are clearly the tions is specific to the communi- which celebrates outstanding industry leader in Community ties they serve, they have proved achievement in Community Rail Rail, which is something we should invaluable in championing and development. These awards are all be very proud of. supporting new services in areas testament to all the hard work we A big part of this success is where local commitment has been do with our partners to offer our down to the dedication of First essential in building a business support and encourage local Great Western colleagues includ- case. Our local branch lines are communities to use our services. ing our Regional Manager - West really important to our business This is an amazing turna- of England, Julian Crow, who and have shown some of the most round compared to where we were works tirelessly with our partners and local authorities to make local services more welcoming and popular. But my strongest tribute must go to the volunteers and staff of the Community Rail Partner- ships, many of whom balance other careers and family commit- ments with getting the best service for their local community. These strong relationships with local rail groups are key to delivering the best possible service for our customers and I’m looking forward to building on this even further. Community Rail is about partnership and together we can and will continue to go from strength to strength in the future.

3 Regional Round-Up What’s going on in your neck of the woods

Royal visit for Cromford Restoration work at Cromford Station on the Valley Line (Matlock to Derby) received official recog- nition when HRH the Prince of Wales paid a visit. Prince Charles praised the project, which has been led by the Arkwright Society and which has seen the main station building repaired and converted to office space, with private owners restoring the waiting room on the other side of the line into holiday accommodation. Commented Sarah McLeod, Chief Executive of the Arkwright Society: “The visit was a real boost for the Society. It was wonderful that the Prince took the time to talk to the people who worked on the project, many of whom are volunteers, as it’s important that they get the recognition they deserve.” The two projects were jointly awarded the Railway Heritage Trust Conservation Award in the National Railway Heritage Awards 2009. Joining the Prince for the visit was Derbyshire Prince Charles meets Alastair Morley of the Derwent Valley CRP Dales MP Patrick McLoughlin, along with councillors, (far right) and Councillor Lewis Rose, Leader of Derbyshire Dales heritage bosses, volunteers and local residents. District Council.

Accrington Eco Station open for business Accrington Eco Station has officially opened, leading the way for the future design of sustainable stations across the UK and Europe. Led by Lancashire County Council, the project has been successful in attracting support via the SusStations (Sustainable Stations) arm of the European Regional Development Fund’s Interreg IVB pro- gramme. The project has also been awarded a BREEAM* Excellent rating for its holisitic approach towards the design, construction and operation of the station. Owned by Lancashire County Coun- Accrington Eco Station cil and operated by Northern Rail, Accrington Eco Station also incorporates a Community Resource Centre, projects that have taken place along the East Lancashire known affectionately as the ‘bunker’ and operated by the line and is supported by web based information that can East Lancashire CRP. be accessed at www.communityraillancashire.co.uk/ The ‘bunker’ will be used by local schools wanting learning-zone. to know more about eco technologies, with a comple- mentary DVD launched in March. Called ‘Greening the *BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) is the leading and most widely used environmental assessment method for ,’ the DVD looks at a range of eco buildings.

4 Regional Round-Up Mid Cheshire stations rewarded Longton gets a lift… The Mid Cheshire Line’s Northwich and Greenbank stations made their mark at the Cheshire Best Kept Art students at Sandon Business and Enterprise College Station awards. have teamed up with an award-winning North Stafford- At this year’s event, Northwich Station received the shire artist to help improve Longton station. ACoRP Award for its creative partnership working, The students, currently studying for a BTEC in whilst Greenbank took the Big Society Award, which Art, have been working with artist and sculptor Anthony recognises communities that make a positive change at Hammond to develop a series of colourful and intricate their local railway station. posters for display in new poster cases on the underpass Commented Sally Buttifant, the Mid Cheshire walls at Longton station. CRP’s Rail Officer: “This is fantastic news for all those The artwork focuses on local tourist attractions that that have supported the station, especially the small can be accessed using the Crewe-Stoke-Derby route and team of committed volunteers who make things happen. was created using a variety of paints, materials, recycled I would like to thank in particular Chris Ingham, North- used rail tickets and printed rail timetables. ern Rail’s Station Manager, who has been so supportive Instigated by North Staffordshire Community Rail of our projects.” Partnership (CRP), the project was jointly funded by At Greenbank, community co-operation helped local train operator Trains and the secure the ‘Big Society’ prize, with collective support Designated Community Rail Development Fund from the local church, council, police, Community Safety (DCRDF). Wardens, caretakers from the Weaver Vale Housing Said artist Anthony Hammond: “This project was a Trust, the Vale Royal Environment Network and young great opportunity for all parties involved to work in people from the nearby estate. partnership for the community. The students came up Also receiving recognition at the awards was the with some really exciting and innovative ideas and have North Cheshire line’s Helsby station, which has won a translated these into fascinating designs.” prize every year since the competition began in 2003. Students with their artwork at Longton Station.

Fright night on the Marston Vale Line

(L-R) Michael Trevor-Barnston with Alderman Ron Carey, Sally Buttifant, station adopter Mike Lenz, Northern’s Station Manager Chris Ingham and the Mayor of Northwich Cllr Mrs Alison Gerrard.

Pupil power at Sheerness Pupil power has helped to brighten up North Kent’s Sheerness Station, with an amazing photographic mural. Children at the Isle of Sheppey Academy, St Edwards Catholic Primary School and Richmond First School provided 2,600 photographs for the mosaic, which have been cleverly arranged into a welcome sign and an outline of the Isle of Sheppey. Commissioned by the Kent Community Rail Partnership, this new piece of artwork replaces an earlier map of the island, which was removed due to its poor condition after almost 30 years in situ. The project was funded by a grant from the Kent County Council Local Engagement Forum Scheme and from the Small Stations Project Fund of ACoRP, with additional support provided by Swale Borough St Edwards Primary School’s mural at Sheppey Council and train operator Southeastern. 5 Regional Round-Up

Spring clean for Blythe Bridge ‘Big Tidy Up’ for Handforth and Styal Staff from left their desks behind and donned their gardening gloves to help brighten up Blythe Bridge Station in March. A task force featuring eight members of EMT’s Customer Relations Department, Faye Lambert from the North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership and three volunteers from the local station adoption group set to work improving the overall station environment, including weeding and litter picking. The team also planted up two new half-barrel planters, kindly donated by Forsbrook Parish Council. Nara Burne, EMT’s Customer Relations Manager said: “This was a great opportunity for some of our employees to get away from the day job and contribute directly towards making improvements to one of the communities that we serve.” Passengers using Blythe Bridge station, which lies Cleaning up at Handforth… on the Crewe to Derby line, have benefited from some significant station improvements over the last two years, Handforth Station’s annual ‘spring clean’ has been hailed including new customer information screens, anti-vandal as the biggest and best yet. shelters and the introduction of CCTV. Over 30 volunteers were present as The Friends of The Blythe Bridge station adoption team has also Handforth Station group joined forces with 1st Handforth played a significant role with the creation of their new Brownies and Guides, Rotary, the British Trust for flower displays and the station was recently named ‘Best Conservation Volunteers (BTCV), Northern Rail and Small Station’ in the East Midlands Trains’ Best Sta- members of the local community for Keep Britain Tidy’s tions Awards. national “Big Tidy Up” event on 12th March. Whilst Rotary members gave their station garden a spruce-up, the Brownies and Guides made a start on clearing ground for their own garden near to the station steps, also constructing nesting boxes to attract more birdlife to the station. Elsewhere, volunteers collected twenty bags of rubbish and erected new station signs. Hot on Handforth’s heels was Styal Station, where a team comprising of Northern Rail, National Trust and local residents helped uncover the location of the award winning 1940s-1960s station garden. 91 year-old Harry Jackson, stationmaster in 1959-1966, also called by to inspect progress. Work starts later in the year at the station to reinstate The East Midlands’ led ‘task force’ at Blythe Bridge… the large white ‘Styal’ lettering on the embankment.

Identity Crisis on the Poacher Line! There’s an Identity Crisis on the Poacher Line’s popular Future music trains are as follows: music trains – at least there will be when the band of z Friday 29 April - band to be confirmed the same name appears in May. z Thursday 26 May - Identity Crisis (electro/ Organised by the Nottingham to Skegness CRP, acoustic duo) the Music Trains provide an unusual venue for a variety z Thursday 30 June - Merlin’s Keep (Celtic folk/ of live music acts, with time for a stop at Batemans rock band) Brewery in Wainfleet, where passengers are offered a For further information, visit warm welcome and refreshments at their Windmill Bar. www.poacherline.org.uk. 6 Regional Round-Up

NEWS IN BRIEF Big cut backs for Oban rail travellers Before…(left) …and (below) Passengers travelling north of the border after at Loch Awe. on the Oban to Glasgow rail line now have new wonderful views over Loch Awe thanks to the Friends of the West Highland Lines Society. Network Rail and its contractors QTS Rail worked around the clock to remove around half a mile of trees and bushes from the banks of the loch, opening up splendid views of historic Kilchurn Castle.

Staying in the north, the Friends of the West Highland Lines will be holding their A.G.M. in the Moorings Hotel, Banavie, at Neptune’s Staircase near Fort William on Saturday 21st May at 12:30pm, with lunch at 1:30 p.m. The cost is £10.00. Guest speaker will be John Duncan, Public Affairs Manager for Network Rail. Visitors are welcome.

Footpath link for Kirkby Stephen TRAIN STAY SAVE Smart art on the Cambrian SAVE 10% AT SELECTED ACCOMMODATION ON THE RAILWAYS OF MID WALES The final phase of creating an all-weather UNRIVALLED COUNTRY AND COASTAL VIEWS Abersoch artist Neil S.Hopkins is helping route for pedestrians and cyclists from promote rail tourism in Mid Wales, with his Kirkby Stephen Station (on the Settle- work taking centre stage in a new marketing Carlisle line) to the town centre has now campaign. started. Commissioned by the Cambrian Railways Funded by Cumbria County Council, the Partnership, Neil’s work shows an Arriva project began last year, with a pavement Trains Wales 158 train at Harlech station created alongside the busy A685, over the and forms part of the TRAIN STAY SAVE former Stainmore Railway at the site of promotion. Kirkby Stephen East station to Victoria Postcards and posters featuring the artwork Park. are also available at train stations and TRÊN AROS ARBED Now the construction of the link across ARBEDWCH 10% AR LETY DETHOL AR REILFFYRDD CANOLBARTH CYMRU Tourist Information Centres on the Cambrian the fields from Halfpenny House to the GOLYGFEYDD ARFORDIROL A CHEFN GWLAD DIHAFAL Rail network. Proceeds will be donated to FOR MORE INFORMATION www.visitmidwales.co.uk AM RAGOR O WYBODAETH station approach road is set to start, giving NATIONAL RAIL ENQUIRIES 08457 484950 GWASANAETH CYMRAEG 08456 040500 local good causes including the Wales Air www.nationalrail.co.uk www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk www.thecambrianline.co.uk www.leinycambrian.co.uk

Cambrian Partneriaeth visitors by rail a safe and direct access to Railways Rheilffyrdd Ambulance, British Red Cross and Save Partnership y Cambrian the town centre. From an original painting by / O darlunwaith gwreiddiol gan Neil S Hopkins Machynlleth Clock appeal. Community Rail Awards 2011

Gala Dinner & Presentation evening We will also be mailing out hard Friday 23rd September copies of the awards brochure to mem- bers and supporters on our database. City Hall, Sheffield If entering the awards, please ensure that you get ACoRP’s ever-popular Community Rail Awards will be your applications in early, with the closing date for heading to Yorkshire in September, with Sheffield entries set at Friday 24th June. playing host to the event. The gala dinner and presentation evening will be This time around there will be 15 categories open to held at Sheffield’s City Hall on Friday 23rd September - a entry, with full details contained within the Community fabulous venue in a wonderfully vibrant city! Again, Rail Awards 2011 brochure, which is available to please book your place early to avoid disappointment. download from the ACoRP website. Nomination forms For advice about entering any of the categories or and gala dinner booking forms are also available to any other queries please contact ACoRP Events Organ- download from the website or can be requested from the iser Hazel Bonner at [email protected] or on 01484 office. 848671. 7 Community Rail conferences make an impact Highlights from ACoRP’s recent Big Society and Designated Lines events… with the CRPs offering extraordinar- ily good value for money and collec- tively demonstrating their ability to carefully manage costs. This was seen as particularly important at a time when the railways overall were viewed as still too expensive and that, for the sake of both taxpayers and fare payers, it was imperative to reduce costs. Ms Villiers was also confident that in the years to come, the ideas, innovation and enthusiasm gener- ated by Community Rail Partner- ACoRP Chair Peter Roberts and General Manager Neil Buxton with Transport Minister Theresa Villiers at Bristol. ships around the country would provide invaluable input into this Community Rail has a future! That highlighting the comparisons great challenge for the railways. was the clear message from ACoRP’s between the Big Society’s aspirations Backing up this supportive Big Society and Designated Lines and the work that CRPs already did, statement, Ms Villiers went on to seminars. whilst Rebecca Catterall from the announce that the Designated Held in Lewes in February, the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partner- Community Rail Development Fund Big Society event saw Keynote ship showed how people with available for many Community Rail speaker Norman Baker, Under disabilities could easily be involved lines would be increased to a record Secretary of State for Transport, in CR volunteering – emphasised by £100,000 for the year 2011-12. recognise the work that CRPs had the inspirational ‘VInspired’ project Furthermore, the Department for been doing with local communities at Plymouth. Dr Paul Salveson, Transport had agreed a three year for over 10 years, establishing that ACoRP’s founder member, then funding package for ACoRP. This Community Rail IS the Big Society. concluded the event with a radical agreement, running until 2014, Whilst recognising that CRPs view of where CRPs might be in the would include an increase to provide real value for money, Mr years to come, including local £20,000 per annum in the Small Baker was also aware of potential control – perhaps even ownership – Grants fund, which is available to all challenges the CRPs might be facing using the co-operative model. ACoRP members. with regards to local authority (LA) The Community Rail move- Said Ms Villiers: “You are funding, but suggested that the time ment received a further significant making a real difference to your was right for them to be talking to boost at March’s Designated Line communities…and you are making the LAs now, in the light of govern- Seminar in Bristol, attended by life better for your fellow citizens. ment’s recently launched Local Theresa Villiers, Minister of State for For that, I applaud and thank you. Sustainable Transport Fund. He Transport. Having experienced local The Community Rail sector has emphasised that the government CRP work first hand by travelling on amply demonstrated its ability to remained committed to Community the Severn Beach line in the morning, think differently. Over the years to Rail (CR), as illustrated in the recent she arrived to give delegates an enthu- come, I’m confident the ideas, White Paper, ‘Creating Growth, siastically supportive keynote speech. innovation and enthusiasm gener- Cutting Carbon.’ Like her colleague Norman ated by Community Rail Partner- Additional speakers included Baker, she recognised that there were ships around the country will ACoRP General Manager Neil already strong links between Com- provide invaluable input into this Buxton who gave a presentation munity Rail and the Big Society, great challenge for our railways.” 8 Conference NewsStation Adoption Seminar

Pre-Seminar event sponsored Station Adoption Seminar by We are delighted that Merseyrail will st be hosting a special pre-seminar event Thursday 21 July 2011, Liverpool on Wednesday evening, 20th July, with Sponsored by Merseytravel & Merseyrail an open top bus ride to ‘The Beatles Story,’ where we will have a buffet supper and complete the evening with an open top bus tour of the city. Due to popular demand, we will be staging a Station Adoption Seminar and pre- In order to make this accessible to seminar event in the cultural city of Liverpool this July. everybody, we have negotiated a very Station Adoption is an ideal way of transforming stations, bringing them into the good B&B deal, which means we can heart of the community and encouraging greater use of environmentally friendly offer an excellent 24-hour package for public transport. It brings significant benefits both to local communities and to the those delegates wishing to take part. However, there are a limited number rail industry, providing a much-improved gateway to towns and villages. The of these places available, so please station effectively becomes a part of the community, something which local make sure you book yours quickly. people can take pride in, with the benefits there for all to see – increased usage at adopted stations, a drop in vandalism and, in many cases, third party funded improvements. Key themes z Station Adoption and the Big The ‘adoption’ concept actually manifests itself as ‘Friends of Stations’ or ‘Station Society Partnerships’ groups - voluntary organisations which undertake a wide variety of z Station Adoption - the Train activities, ranging from the provision of station enhancements such as gardens/ Operators’ view planters and cycle racks, through to art work and signage and regular input for z Station Adoption - Best Practice ongoing improvements. z Network Rail’s Community The seminar is ideal for those associated with Station Adoption, such as Scheme volunteers with Station Adoption groups, representatives from train operating z Insurance and other legalities companies, CRPs and any other interested parties within the rail industry. z Community Stations Initiative

Costs Thanks to Merseytravel, who are sponsoring the Station Adoption Seminar, we are able to keep costs as low as possible, making the event accessible to all! Costs are as follows: 24 hour package, £70 (inc VAT) – This offers brilliant value for money. It includes attendance at the Merseyrail event on Wednesday evening (see above), B&B accommodation at the Lord Nelson Hotel, attendance at the seminar (all refreshments during the day included) and a trip along a Merseyrail line to visit an adopted station at the end of the event z Day Delegate Rate, £36 (inc VAT) z Bursary - FREE (Day attendance only – overnight accommodation not included). These places are sponsored by Merseyrail, are limited in number and must be pre-arranged with ACoRP’s Events Organiser Hazel Bonner.

How to Book: In order to book on to this or any future ACoRP event, you will need to do one of the following: 1. Request an electronic or paper booking form by email [email protected] 2. Download a booking form from our website www.acorp.uk.com 3. Request a paper booking form to be sent to you by post. Telephone the ACoRP office on 01484 848671

* To request a bursary place, or for any other enquiry relating to this seminar, please contact Events Organiser Hazel Bonner at [email protected] or on 01484 848671.

9 Partnership Profile Lucy Tennyson finds out more about the newly designated ‘Bishop Line,’ which runs from to .

Officer 18 months ago. Bob is based at Darlington Bor- Bishop Auckland Station ough Council, with the other partners in the CRP being Durham County Council, Northern Rail and ACoRP. With a small budget and part-time hours, commu- nity involvement is key in implementing change and one of Bob’s first successes has been in setting up station adoption schemes. Reinstating an hourly service along the single track Bishop Auckland – Darlington line remains a longer term aim, in line with boosting passenger numbers. Footfall is now rising steadily year-on-year, reaching 2,385,978 in 2009/10, with the trend continuing this year. However, while many might think that railway heritage would have been a major selling point, Bob has found that they are having to distance the line from its In 1825, built ‘Locomotion’ for the history in order to move forward. Its original name ‘the Stockton and Darlington Railway - the first public steam Heritage Line’ was leading to confusion with the line in Britain. Railway, a privately run heritage line which This signalled the beginning of the railway age and had originally closed to passengers in 1953, operating soon a network of lines were transporting coal from nearby on the extension from Bishop Auckland to hundreds of coalfields across the North East, down to Weardale. (The now runs a timetabled the docks on the coast. service throughout the year, linking with the mainline Most of these lines and the pits they served are now service at Bishop Auckland.) long gone, with commuters and students rather than coal As such, the route was renamed the Bishop Line and freight travelling between Bishop Auckland and last year as part of a rebranding exercise, with a poll of Darlington - the section that remains on the original users helping to determine the title. “We want to get route of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. across the message that we are a modern railway,” ex- Today, the route – known as the Bishop Line (and plains Bob. formerly referred to as the Heritage Line) - has six Below: ‘Locomotion’, the engine first placed on the tracks at stations in total and a two-hourly service in the day, with Heighington in 1825, lends its name to the pub by the level hourly trains at peak times. This diminished service crossing and the original station building follows years of decline in the second half of the 20thth century, when its Victorian stations were demolished or sold. However, it is now undergoing a revival and once again the railway is seen as a focus for economic growth, with money in the pipeline to refurbish its stations and facilities. The Bishop Line was officially designated as a Community Rail service in January this year and ap- pointed Bob Whitehouse as its first Community Rail 10 Helping to drive home this message is a new website, new logo and image, along with train operator Northern Rail ‘s new credit card sized timetables and the first line guide being produced in conjunction with the Saltburn Line User Group. Bob brings a lifetime’s worth of experience as a lawyer to the post, having worked for 38 years in magis- trates courts – invaluable when it comes to dealing with the ups and downs of local politics. But the railway is also a part of his heritage, with his father a signalman and his grandfather also working on the railways in the Midlands. Bob is also a firm believer in the value of marketing, enlisting the help of a professional marketing company Above: Bob Whitehouse to survey both rail users and non- with the mural at users to find out what people actu- Shildon Station ally wanted from the line. Left: The original North This produced some interest- Road Station, which is ing – and in some cases unexpected now the ‘’ Museum. - results. Most journeys were for work, education or shopping; rela- Below: A Class 142 Unit pulling into tively few used it to visit local attrac- Shildon Station. tions. Explains Bob: “We discovered that a lot of young mums go one or two stops from the estates to the shops and back and use the train rather than the bus as they as they don’t have to fold their buggies. Looking ahead, Bob is confi- revamp of Bishop Auckland and Among non-users, the perception dent that the Bishop line will play a Darlington Borough Council has was that the line was expensive – growing role in helping to stimulate similar plans for Darlington North and of course some thought we were the local economy. Durham County Road. a steam railway.” Council is already planning a major The area also attracts EU funding and new investment is being made, with Hitachi announc- ing in March that they are to build train carriages at a new plant in Newton Aycliffe adjacent to the line. New developments aside, Bob believes that heritage will always have a role to play and he is already planning to market the Bishop Line as a gateway to the railway museums at Darlington and Shildon, and the Weardale Railway. email [email protected] website: www.bishopline.org * Our thanks go to Cross Country Trains for supporting Lucy Tennyson’s trip to Darlington by direct train from Oxford. 11 First Great Western and Community Rail Guest contributor Julian Crow, First Great Western’s Regional Manager for the West of England, looks at their award winning work with Community Rail… A strong partnership acts as a link between the train Pupils at Redland Green Secondary School tackled operator and the local community, helping ensure an even larger project at Clifton Down Station, aimed at community needs are being met with each line contrib- creating a link between the station and Bristol Zoo, uting to the local economy of the areas that we serve. encouraging more visitors to travel by train to the zoo. Last year’s Community Rail Awards threw the Following in-depth research to establish what spotlight on First Great Western’s Community Rail artwork customers would like to see at the station, the Partnerships (CRPs) and provided an opportunity to students have created a spectacular piece of artwork, with highlight some of the remarkable people and projects the link between the zoo and the station now unmistakable. happening along our lines. These partnerships are as Heart of Wessex follows: Severnside Severnside CRP was formed in Summer 2004, with the aim of encouraging the use of local trains on routes out of Bristol, providing easy access to local stations and ensur- ing that stations offer a safe and welcoming environment. The partnership covers the network of routes radiating from Bristol, bounded by Gloucester, Bath/ Freshford, Weston-super-Mare, Taunton, and the Severn Estuary - this includes the branch line to Severn Beach. Its emphasis is on working with partners and local Left: The station gardens at Bradford on Avon, expanded and communities to deliver quick wins and small-scale developed by the Station Friends. initiatives, making local rail services more attractive. Last year’s Community Rail Awards saw the Between 2003 and 2010, use on this route has tripled, partnership secure first prize in the Community Art thanks largely to the work of the Heart of Wessex CRP. Schemes category for projects at Redland and Clifton A unique feature of this particular partnership is its Down. At Redland, students from Fairfield High School ‘Community Rail Working Party,’ comprising a substan- worked with artist Scott Walker to paint murals at the tial group of community and volunteer supporters, all station, which have had a huge impact on the station and active in developing projects at their local stations along have helped to reduce graffiti. the length of the line. In recognition of all that has been achieved by the Working Party, First Great Western also contributed £100k from its station improvement budget for alloca- tion to projects along the line, chosen and prioritised by the Working Party - a clear indication of our faith in their knowledge of what would work best, as demonstrated by their award winning success at the small Dorset halt of Thornford, an integration project which received national recognition for ‘Best Practice.’ The CRP also works closely with First Great Western to ensure that timetables work for the local community, undertaking train counts - enormously valuable in planning future timetables. Redland Green School’s award winning artwork at Clifton Down Station on the Severnside network. 12 Three Rivers The Three Rivers Rail Partnership is a group of local authorities, local people and the rail industry, working to promote and improve train and rail link bus services in the Romsey area. A recent highlight was the modifications to Romsey Station, with the old stationmaster’s garden transformed into a car park and the area outside the entrance changed into a turning area for small buses and a drop-off point for passengers. The installation of a new ramp The Friends of Bruton Station with their visitor information board at the station exit. The group has also launched its own website including simplified train timetables for all also means that, for the first time, services from Bruton and Castle Cary. disabled customers have access to the station from both sides and Devon and Cornwall stands as an excellent example of the The Devon and Cornwall Rail importance of collaboration with the Partnership is the largest and one of local community. the longest running CRPs in the Local MP Caroline Nokes was UK, having formed in 1991 to pro- very supportive of the partnerships mote the use of local lines in Devon work, commenting: “This is an and Cornwall. excellent example of collaborative One of the projects the group working between First Great West- has pioneered has been the ern, Network Rail, Hampshire County Council, Test Valley Bor- ‘Vinspired’ initiative, which has The Bicester Link launch, with a Town Crier been running since October 2009. travelling on the specially decorated train to ough Council, The Department for Under the scheme, disabled student Bicester, announcing each station en-route Transport and the Three Rivers Rail David Fraser was able to volunteer to as well as the train’s arrival. The scheme Partnership.” was awarded Best Community Rail Event at Through the efforts of all of our support his local station, thanks to ACoRP’s 2010 Community Rail Awards. the provision of specially adapted Community Rail Partnerships, we have seen impressive growth in the equipment, with funding for tools, The peer training of buddys number of customers using these kneelers and protective clothing has been key to the success of the routes. The work that our Partner- accessed through the National project, breaking down barriers ships do to promote, publicise and Centre for Public Engagement. Part of towards students with disabilities improve these valuable lines is often the funding also covered training of and enabling student volunteers to in stark contrast to the way in which other students to become ‘buddys’. pass on this knowledge to other they have been managed in previous community partners. In 2008/2009, decades and is a huge tribute to the of the 836 students who volunteered, energy, enthusiasm and commit- three were registered disabled. The ment of all those involved. following year, this figure has risen to 40. Students with a range of disabilities, from one student who is totally blind to others with autism, have taken part in a wide range of projects, including two projects at Sandplace and Crediton.

Left: University of Plymouth student volunteers painting the old signalbox at Bere Alston on the Tamar Valley Line (Plymouth – Gunnislake). Right: Handing out the ‘goodies’ on the Heart of Wessex food train. 13 Arrivals and Departures

David Hibbs has left the ATOC’s Access Manager Alex Veitch is currently on a Department for Transport after secondment in Paris to UITP (the International Associa- five years heading up its Com- tion of Public Transport), with Conrad Haigh taking on munity Rail team. his role. Continuing the DfT’s Back to the CRPs and Heather Cullimore has been work on Community Rail will appointed as new Officer at Severnside; Jim Trotman, be Kulvinder Bassi and Simon formerly at Leeds - Morecambe, takes on the CRO’s role Hankin, whilst Sharon for the Lakes and Furness Lines (Oxenholme to Winder- Goodsell and Mike Biskup will mere and Carnforth to Barrow); Jane Sumner joins provide support on stations, end-to-end journeys, Essex County Council as Infrastructure Development passenger rights and cycle/rail integration, sponsorship Manager; Ian Dinmore has departed as Rail Partnership of Passenger Focus and the Rail Heritage Committee. Officer at Norfolk County Council and Rowena In the meantime, David’s work with sustainable Chantler is to take maternity leave from her post at transport continues, as he sets up a new bicycle shop and South Pennines. business – Blue Door Bicycles. For more information, visit www.bluedoorbicycles.com. Over in Wales, the Cambrian Railways Partnership has appointed Rhydian Mason (right) as its new Rail Devel- opment Officer, following the departure of Gerwyn Jones, who has taken up a secondment with Gwynedd Council’s new Integrated Transport Unit. Rhydian, who took up his post at the end of January and has over 14 years’ experience in marketing and public relations, is looking forward to the challenges of promoting and developing initiatives linked with the Cambrian Lines, which run from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and Pwllheli. Rhydian can be contacted on [email protected].

Keeping track of Train Times What is ACoRP? How to ensure your stories find their way The Association of Community Rail Partnerships is a federation into Train Times. of rail partnerships and rail promotion groups. We are an organisation of ‘do-ers’, focused on practical initiatives which Guidelines for contributors add up to a better, more sustainable railway. Improved station facilities, better train services and improved integration with To ensure consistency and assist the editorial process, all other forms of transport are central to the work of ACoRP and its written material submitted for Train Times should be sent as members. a word document, using Arial as the font in point 12 text. All grammar should be checked before submission. What ACoRP does Images z Works with decision-makers at local, regional and national Photographs/images should be sent either as high level to ensure that local rail’s rôle is fully recognised; resolution JPEG files at 300 dpi. Where this is not possible, z Helps identify innovative solutions for local railways; please send hard copies (which can be scanned) to the Editor disseminates examples of good practice; at 12 Woodland Avenue, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 6HE. z Works with local stakeholders to develop new partnerships; If you require the images back, please include a z Supports its membership with conferences and training stamped addressed envelope. sessions; z Maintains a lively, user-friendly website and encourages And finally… people to think outside their trains! Please send your contributions for Train Times to the editor Become an ACoRP Associate at: [email protected]. To ensure inclusion, please submit your material before the deadline. Anyone can become an ACoRP Associate and in return for an annual subscription receive Train Times and any other Thank you to all those who contribute material to Train Times. publications we produce, as well as being able to claim discounts on attending our events. See our website or contact the office. 14