Train Times No. 66 - Autumn 2012

News, views & features from the world of Community Rail

The 2012 ACoRP Community Rail Awards (See inside for the full story)

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: • Regional Round-Up • Community Rail Festival • CRPs profiled • Arrivals and Departures Hello and Welcome... Regional Round-Up In this issue… As I write this, an issue is What’s going on in your neck of the woods Page 2 Hello and Welcome developing over the award of the Pages 3/6 Regional Round-Up West Coast franchise and it’s “Welcome to the Lakes” Pages 7/11 Community Rail Awards worrying that such flaws can

Page 11 Community Rail Festival appear in the franchise process. Oxenholme Station is the recipient of a new 12 metre Pages 12/13 Partnership Profile – Lancashire CRPs However, ACoRP and Community long sign, welcoming visitors to Southern Lakeland. Page 14 Arrivals and Departures Rail in general are fortunate enough to be on the periphery, so Page 15 Community Rail Partnerships Project managed by Lakes Line Community Rail we feel it’s best to stand clear of Page 16 Community Rail Diary Partnership Officer Jim Trotman, the sign is a carefully any falling debris. merged picture showing many of the iconic images of

the Lake District. Notwithstanding this, it’s been

gratifying to see how many bidders for this and other franchises With design by Lavahouse, a Kendal based design have willingly approached us for advice on Community Rail and Principal Funders and Sponsors company which often works with Cumbria Tourism, the how they might interact with the sector in the future. Each sign was made and fitted by Rydon Signs and is spot-lit, Invitation to Tender includes a requirement for bidders to work Association of Train Operating Companies making it equally visible at night and all year round, with and support Community Rail Partnerships, which is DfT Rail whatever the Cumbrian weather. encouraging enough. However, I’ve also been impressed by the East Coast Main Line Co innovation and enthusiasm shown by many of the bidders and Network Rail Funding for the impressive new sign was supplied by this gives me cause for some optimism. Of course, ACoRP will ACoRP, the GoLakes Programme administered by Welsh Government always champion the cause of our CRPs, but we can only do Cumbria Tourism and the Lakes Line CRP, with that at a strategic level – it’s up to you to put meat on the bones The new sign at Oxenholme additional support from Network Rail and Virgin Trains. with realistic and deliverable proposals that bidders consider will

strengthen their case and will therefore want to support. The sign, which is already proving popular with Lonsdale MP, Tim Farron, in June 2011. This has now

Corporate Sponsors passengers, complements the Oxenholme station art been joined by art on Windermere station at the other Another piece of breaking news is that ACoRP’s water tower project that was launched by Westmorland and end of the Lakes Line. Abellio project is almost finished. We’re still going through the ‘snagging’ process and the IT and phone systems need to be Angel Trains Ltd installed, but we’re broadly there! We hope to move into our First TransPennine Express new home during w/c 12th November and plan to have a formal New murals for Alsager Grand Central Railway Company Limited launch in March 2013. Obviously the move is going to be a major Kirklees Metropolitan District Council task for the ACoRP staff, so we may not be easily available during A stunning new station Alsager was in the news again when it took top Merseytravel this period. Can I therefore ask your forbearance whilst we go mural celebrating Alsager’s spot in the Community Partnership category at Northern Rail through the turmoil of moving office? rail history has been the East Midands Trains Best Station Awards. Transport for Greater created by North The water tower itself is part of a much larger project called Staffordshire Community The winning station was praised for the active * We welcome additional corporate sponsorship from CAP’EM, funded through the EU’s Interreg programme. The Rail Partnership. involvement and sense of ownership by North the railway industry. Please contact our General principal aim of this project is to investigate and exhibit Staffordshire CRP, working alongside East Manager Neil Buxton if you are interested in alternative building materials and methods that are ‘green’ and The intricate design Midlands Trains and the local community. sponsoring us. which contribute to reductions in energy use and CO2 emissions. features views of the Part of the building will therefore include displays of these station past and present, The judges also commented on the work materials, together with explanations of the techniques and reflecting the vibrancy of completed to transform the station environment, processes involved in their use. The exterior of the building the town and its people, stating that ‘the station was the epitome of meanwhile has been returned to its original condition, with through views of the community engagement.’ Contributors extensive help from the Railway Heritage Trust. The next issue of Mere, Milton Park and Train Times will have a larger feature on this. the busy market, all set This edition of Train Times was edited by against a countryside Nigel Barber ([email protected].) Finally, I have to mention our annual Community Rail Awards background illustrating which, if our inboxes are anything to go by, seem to have been the town’s rural location. Special thanks go to Lucy Tennyson and all of our the best so far! It’s genuinely a treat for me to host this event contributors for their ongoing hard work and and standing on the stage looking at all the expectant faces Painted by professional local artist Anthony Hammond, who support. makes the rest of my year worthwhile. As always, the entries has worked with the CRP on a number of station art pro- were excellent, the winners deserving and the company jects, the colourful mural has helped transform the external wonderful, if occasionally riotous! Thank you to everyone who plain brick wall of the waiting shelter on Platform 1. helped make this happen – the ACoRP staff, the sponsors, the awards entrants and of course, everyone who turned up. We North Staffordshire CRP Officer Faye Lambert said: “The look forward to making the 2013 event in Llandudno better still! idea for the mural came from our great team of station volunteers, all Alsager residents, who wanted to create a Neil Buxton real welcome to the station for passengers in this Jubilee and Olympic year.” General Manager Added Jonny Wiseman, Route Manager for East Midlands Trains: “This is an excellent initiative which we are delighted to support. The mural makes a big difference to the station and we hope all of our valuable station volunteers will enjoy seeing the mural officially unveiled.”

2 3 Regional Round-Up Regional Round-Up Exploring Norfolk and Suffolk by rail NEWS IN BRIEF Dovercourt station garden takes A new guide to enjoying Norfolk and Suffolk by rail has been featured in the guide. The guide includes helpful town maps for shape launched by the Norfolk Community Rail Partnerships. key stops along the routes, details of bus links and information Music trains return to the Poacher Line about special guided walks which are free to all rail ticket Greater Anglia’s Dovercourt station garden has been The new guide to the Bittern Line and Wherry Lines railways – holders and have been scheduled to fit in with train times from The popular music trains are making a return to the transformed, thanks to funding from the Essex and South which run from Norwich to Cromer & Sheringham and Norwich Norwich. Nottingham to Skegness line. Suffolk CRP and ACoRP. to Great Yarmouth & Lowestoft respectively – provides day trippers with information about places to go and things to see The guide can also be accessed using the new Bittern and The trains, which make a special stop at Batemans Brewery in Station adopter Cheryl Thompson came forward with a along the lines and includes details of special events, free guided Wherry Lines app for iPhones and Android. The app is the first Wainfleet, play host to the following artists over the coming striking garden design, following an appeal in the local press, walks and discounts. such product from a CRP and was funded by the Department months: with Sergeant Gavin White then leading a team from the for Transport, Network Rail, ACoRP, Broadland District Council, local barracks to help prepare the garden area. Available at staffed stations along the Bittern Line and Wherry North Norfolk District Council and Norfolk County Council. • Thursday 25 October - Keller Kapella Lines routes, the guide was officially ‘unveiled’ at Norwich • Thursday 29 November - Hairy Mikers A working party organised by train operator Greater Anglia station on 29th August by Chair of the Bittern Line CRP Ted Said Community Rail Norfolk’s Chris Wood: “The Bittern and • Thursday 20 December and including volunteers from contractors Spence and Gadsden, Chair of the Wherry Lines CRP Ian Dinmore and Chris Wherry Lines guide has so much to offer for those looking for – Christmas Carols with the Sleaford Concert Band Community Rail Officer Lucy Ainger then got to work in Wood of Community Rail Norfolk, which produced the guide. a great day out. From beautiful walks along the National Trust’s September to transform the garden into the new design. Cromer Ridge or discovering RSPB reserves, exploring our Normal scheduled service trains are used for the music train Providing colourful accompaniment were dancers from the fascinating market towns and picturesque villages to a fun events between Sleaford and Wainfleet. There is no The team at Dovercourt Pavillion Theatre at Cromer Pier - one of the many destinations family day out at the seaside, there is something for everyone.” additional charge above the current train fare to join a Music Train event.

Essex and South Sussex greater use of all five of the branch lines Station bookshop raises over included in the partnership. £75,000 for charity get back to nature Explained Paul Haworth,Station Adopter Members of Essex and South Suffolk for South Woodham Ferrers: “A good Pitlochry Station bookshop has raised an incredible Community Rail Partnership got back to number of those visiting our stand also £75,000 plus for charity. nature when they visited Essex Wildlife displayed strong awareness of eco issues, Trust’s nature reserve. revealing a sound grasp of the case for The shop - opened in 2005 under ScotRail’s Adopt a using and developing public transport. Station scheme – sells second hand books, with the Members of the ESSCRP team took part Many were ramblers and we were greatly proceeds going to six charities including the Children’s in the Blue House Farm Open Day - an encouraged to see how the high quality Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) and Scotland’s annual event offering a wide range of of publications such as the Gainsborough Charity Air Ambulance. activities for all age groups at the 600 Line Walks immediately caught their acre site, situated along the north bank attention.” Ken Nichol, chairman of the Pitlochry Station Bookshop, of the River Crouch and a short walk Members of the ESSCRP team said: “We simply opened the shop to give customers the from North Fambridge station. at Blue House Farm. The event also provided the team with chance to buy a book for their train journey and hand the ideal opportunity to promote their it back on return to re-sell. Now we are open six days a ESSCRP’s gazebo proved popular, with many visitors already latest offers, including Groupsave, 2 for 1 visitor offers and the week and are so grateful to ScotRail for its continuing familiar with at least part of the Greater Anglia network, Travelwise Bitecard which gives an instant 20% reduction on support, without which we would not have raised so providing the team a wonderful opportunity to encourage purchases at a wide range of on-station catering outlets. much money, which benefits a number of charities.”

Wedded bliss by rail… NEWS IN BRIEF It was definitely a case of ‘I Do’ when Essex and South Suffolk CRP teamed up with Greater Anglia to host a wedding train Kidsgrove station set on the Mayflower Line. for TV stardom Aisha Allarakhia and Ben Michael Portillo was given a warm welcome when he Howells from Mistley boarded Taking poetry to the passenger stopped by at Kidsgrove station to film an episode of his the 12.00 Manningtree to popular ‘Great British Railway Journeys’ programme. Harwich service, marrying Largs-based poetry group ‘Poems and Pints’ took to the at the Electric Palace cinema train to present to passengers on National Poetry Day – Members of the North Staffordshire CRP, station before returning as Mr and 4th October. volunteers and local operator East Midlands Trains Mrs Howells on the 14.26. turned out to welcome Mr Portillo, who was filmed The group, featuring Alison Green, Evie Corkill, Bill interviewing the volunteers about how they had And the happy couple Davidson, Bill Douglas and Jack Muir boarded four transformed the station gardens. The episode will be celebrated in style, with CRP ScotRail trains to give passengers a taste of their poetry. televised by the BBC in January. officers specially decorating one carriage of the train for The group’s monthly poem, which is displayed at Largs them and their guests. station, has already become an established feature. Michael Portillo and friends at Kidsgrove station. Ben and Aisha board the wedding express

4 5 Regional Round-Up Community Rail Awards 2012

NEWS IN BRIEF Annette’s efforts lift station Lucy Tennyson reports back from the highlight of the

Station adopter Annette Day has helped bring a touch of Community Rail calendar… Afternoon tea colour to Darsham Station on the Ipswich to Lowestoft line,

as part of train operator Greater Anglia’s ‘adopt-a-station’ Now in its eighth year, ACoRP found Tea and cakes were order of the day when West Runton initiative. a spectacular venue for its 2012 station adopters staged their annual tea party on 25th Community Rail Awards, with August. Thanks to Annette’s efforts and the generosity of Darsham Swindon’s ‘Steam’ Museum

Nurseries, the station now boasts attractive tubs and playing host to the event on Friday Visitors to the scenic Norfolk station enjoyed traditional window boxes, built by members of Woodcraft Folk who 28th September. afternoon tea, including buttered scones, jam and help run the Darsham Country Centre which is based in the homemade cakes, as well as a range of stalls selling local old station house. The venue’s Great Western Hall looked produce and second-hand goods. outstanding. Decorated in chocolate and The Adopt-A-Station initiative, now in its ninth year, has cream, it was packed with 285 guests The Bittern Lines CRP was also on hand to provide support resulted in over 100 volunteers around the Greater Anglia who enjoyed a three course dinner with a stall at the popular family event. network adopting their local stations. The scheme is aimed before the presentations, made this year at improving lines of communication between the train by award’s regular Mark Hopwood, operator and railway station users, promoting and Managing Director of First Great encouraging feedback about the station buildings and Western. facilities to help ensure that they meet the high standards expected by those who use them. The evening began fittingly with a toast to Tom Clift, the former Managing the national rail awards and Cabinet high large station garden to reflect local Annette Day tending to the plants at Darsham Station Director of Grand Central who sadly died in September. flier Theresa Villiers’ recent fact-finding heritage and promote wildlife. mission to Cornwall, where she travelled Then, as the audience has now come to on the Maritime Line. Community Rail Lancashire’s Simon Clarke expect, there was the announcement of also proved he was a dab hand with a a new Community Rail designation, this “Our rail lines continue to demonstrate lens when his photograph of time concerning the Avocet Line between their value. Community Rail is growing schoolchildren at the launch of the ‘My Exeter and Exmouth and made by and will keep growing,” proclaimed Neil. Mill Hill’ project won the Community Rail transport secretary Norman Baker. Image award (see Partnership Profile on Although the Awards were well spread pages 12/13.) Tea-time at West Runton ACoRP General Manager Neil Buxton also geographically, ultimately it was Northern told of two new developments - firstly that Rail’s night, with the operator named But as is usually the case, perhaps the largest cheer of the evening was reserved Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown overall winner for its ‘Outstanding was “mindful” to provide the funds for for the overall winner’s award, accepted Delivery of the Community Rail expansion into Scotland in early 2013 and on behalf of Northern Rail by Directors Hat-trick for West Highland Line Development Strategy.’ that ACoRP itself would soon be moving Steve Butcher and Jonathan Stewart.

station ‘adopter’ into new offices in the converted water tower at Huddersfield Station. The Derwent Valley’s Alastair Morley also Said Steve Butcher: “We are proud to West Highland woman Sonia Cameron has become the made his mark with three awards, whilst be working with ACoRP and our local the Arun Valley’s newly appointed CRP first person in Scotland to single handedly adopt three Books for Burnham Making a return to his old ‘stomping communities.” His words were echoed by stations. ground’ in Swindon, where he built a officer Pene Mather had reason to FGW’s, Mark Hopwood, who said he was thriving dial-a-ride operation in the 1980s, celebrate when the Acorn Project was Burnham-on-Crouch station is home to a new, mini lending pleased to see the mantle move from the The dedicated adopter has installed six half-barrel planters Neil then gave an up-beat judged best station adoption group. library, thanks to Essex and South Suffolk CRP. south west to the north. “This evening at Morar, adding to the floral displays she plants and summary of a successful year for has highlighted the flair and innovation maintains at Arisaig and Mallaig, where her planters and Community Rail, including CRPs ranking Urban stations did particularly well this Set up in the waiting room of the Essex station, the scheme in Community Rail. We value it, and I hanging baskets helped the station win gold in 6 out of 10 top local lines, Barnstaple year, including Oldfield Park near Bristol, follows a similar project at Greater Anglia’s Braintree applaud everyone here for the hard work accreditation in last year’s Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Tidy ranking among the stations of the year in where volunteers created an unusually station, where customers can borrow, swap or donate a they have put in,” said Mark. Station Standards Awards. book.

Said Sonia: “I like to think that the improved appearance Jackie Gibbs, Greater Anglia’s Head of Customer Service ACoRP 2012 Community Rail Awards of these stations heightens the sense of anticipation for South-East said: “Having books in the station waiting room passengers as is a great idea and I hope many of our customers will be – Winners they approach encouraged to their journey’s participate.” end on West Overall Winner Highland Line.” – Sponsored by Abellio

Greater Anglia’s Northern Rail Station Adopter Linda Campion supreme Sonia and Burnham- This year’s Overall winner has been around Community Rail for many years and has led This year’s host, First Great Western’s Cameron on-Crouch station the way with a wide variety of initiatives including Station Partnerships, cost effective CIS, Mark Hopwood (left), presents Steve adopter Una rural stations and the Community Ambassadors scheme. It also has more CRPs than any Butcher (centre) and Jonathan Norman. other train operator – a major challenge, but one it rises to time and again. Stewart of Northern Rail with the Overall Winner’s prize. 6 7 Community Rail Awards 2012 Community Rail Awards 2012

Involving Young People – Sponsored and organisations in the local community, train service and a dilapidated railway Parkway station provides an excellent Developed in conjunction with East by Network Rail 16 panels of artwork were sponsored and station, largely ignored by rail companies service to its customers, walkers and many Midlands Trains and the 21 attractions fea- children from three local schools were and the local community - indeed many of the 236,000 passengers who use the tured in the two guides, they have been Winner Cambrian Railways Partnership involved in working with a local residents didn’t even know it existed! station each year. Open seven days a produced in electronic format, with each for the ‘First Class Safety’ Schools DVD community artist, which resulted in a huge Since then, hard work by volunteers has week, the Signal Box Café makes excellent version emailed to approximately 200 attendance of over 200 at the unveiling restored and extended the station garden use of a small space, offering hot and schools along the line of each route. The The Cambrian Railways Partnership ceremony on 25th May 2012. Within just to create an attractive oasis which is cold drinks, a wide range of sandwiches, promotional guides have been produced decided to fill a gap in its rail safety 10 months of inception, the multi-talented widely regarded as a welcoming gateway paninis and baps, plus usually five at no cost with in-kind design by resources by creating a professionally group demonstrated incredible attributes of which the town and local community different cakes. This cafe is everything Derbyshire County Council and will made short safety film where pupils who of engagement with the local community, are justifiably proud. The area has been a station cafe should be - welcoming, continue to be updated in this manner in use the train daily to get to and from two whilst leaving a wonderful exhibit for enhanced by the installation of a rustic friendly and with great food, including an the future. local schools would be the stars. Aimed at station users to enjoy for the future. bench and a splendidly restored coal awesome bread pudding - worth a special the 10 year-old age group, the film’s trip to Cornwall to sample! The Easter Eggspress pays off for intention was to make sure that children Local Transport Integration Best Community Rail Event winners get to know how they should conduct – Sponsored by Lancashire Station Development – Sponsored by Stephen Sleight, Neil Burrows and themselves on a typical train journey. County Council Railway Heritage Trust John Webster from Marston Vale CRP. Safety and behavioral issues are covered such as standing back from the yellow Winner Southern - Station Winner Northern Rail, Network Rail, High assist passengers and provide an at-seat line on platforms and keeping feet off the Travel Plan Initiatives Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail refreshment service, including the seats! Partnership, Friends of Glossop Station renowned Bedfordshire clanger! And Embracing Southern’s vision of and the Railway Heritage Trust for Glossop an on-train survey provided positive ‘Making Every Journey Better,’ Station development. feedback, such as: ‘This is the first time I the aim was to ensure that the have been on this train for an event and experience starts before my three children were very excited and passengers even arrive at the Alastair Morley from Derwent Valley impressed’ station. Southern’s aim was to CRP with the Small Projects Awards make it easier for its Outstanding Volunteer Contribution – passengers to join its network, Sponsored by Network Rail Best Marketing Publication helping them to choose the – Sponsored by First Great Western train as their preferred mode Gifted gardeners Peter and Jill Winner Councillor June Player – the ‘On

of travel. The 30 Station Travel Plans Hayward from the Friends of Board Group’, Oldfield Park Winner Cambrian Railways Partnership produced have helped shape the Dronfield Station are presented with for ‘Wales by Rails – for Families’ operator’s approach, from extra car and their award for Best Station Garden June Player’s tremendous success in

cycle parking to walking surgeries, bus or Floral Display engaging the local community in Cambrian Railways Partnership sought to interchanges, real time information and improving Oldfield Park Station made her Collecting the Involving Young People produce a new kind of leaflet that car sharing. Where access to stations is the worthy recipient of this award. award, the Cambrian Railways the crucial factor in the decision to take mining ‘pit tub’ and floral display, this year provided ‘inspiration not information’, Partnership’s Rhydian Mason (right) the train, Southern has demonstrated that in patriotic colours! A second area, the The Glossop gang with their Station breaking the mould for the traditional and Philip Caldween (left) Development award. type of ‘on a plate’ information for June’s role in the transformation of the making this easier is leading to an increase ‘Triangle’, is actually a section of Network station and surrounding area has earned from Arriva Trains Wales. in passenger numbers network wide. Rail controlled land, cleared and planted holidaymakers, who themselves want an alternative kind of short break by train. her Mayor of Baths’ Citizen Status. When to create an award-winning wild flower History has come alive at Glossop with an What they have created is a self contained she took her passion to the polls and was Community Art Schemes – Sponsored meadow. imaginative and empathetic scheme that idea for a low cost two night break, that elected an Independent Councillor for the by ScotRail has provided much improved passenger will demonstrate to those that pick it up ward, she rejoiced as only June could – by Best Station or Train Retail Outlet – facilities. Derelict parts of the station have that a great little holiday is up for grabs organising a celebratory community litter Winner Friends of Heaton Chapel Station Sponsored by ACoRP been brought back into use after last ‘for those that are willing to give their car pick around the station! for the ‘Running Man’ Art Project seeing the light of day 50 years ago. A a break and jump on the train Winner Signal Box Café - Bodmin true partnership scheme, heavily to take the Cambrian line.’ Parkway influenced by the Friends of Glossop

Station and with funding provided by High Best Community Rail Event Owned by the Bodmin and Wenford Peak and Hope Valley CRP and Northern – Sponsored by Go-Ahead Railway, the Signal Box Café at Bodmin Rail. Not to be outdone, Network Rail

made a huge contribution by renewing Winner Marston Vale CRP the canopy, roof lights and platform for the Easter Eggspress surface. The station is now a gateway of

Southern’s Feras Alshaker accepts the which the community can be proud. Visitors to the Marston Vale the Local Transport Integration award. Line were assured an Small Projects Award – Sponsored by ‘eggciting’ time when the ATOC and East Coast Best Station Garden or Floral Display – Easter Eggspress rolled into

Sponsored by Network Rail town, complete with special Community Art Schemes winners the Winner Derwent Valley Line CRP for ‘Get guest the Easter Bunny! The Friends of Heaton Chapel Station for on Track for Great School Trips’ Winner Friends of Dronfield Station for CRP created the ultimate their ‘Running Man’ art project. Dronfield Station Garden seasonable experience, with Entitled ‘Get on track for great school trips the train suitably decorated, Kevin Turner, Tim Shervington and along the Derwent Valley Line and Robin Inspired by the 2012 Olympics, the group The Friends of Dronfield Station in a few the Easter Bunny busy distributing Easter Tony Hughes of the Acorn Centre Hood Line,’ these electronic line guides completed the Running Man art project short years totally transformed the station Richard Jones, Managing Director, eggs to children and a local face painter collect their prize for Best Station have been produced to encourage off within three months, all sourced from and its immediate surrounding area. In Bodmin and Wenford Railway accepts and balloon modeller joining in the fun. A Adoption Group. peak train travel by schools at discounted local suppliers. Supported by businesses 2006, Dronfield suffered from a skeleton the award for Best Station Outlet team of eight volunteers were on hand to group rates. 8 9 Community Rail Awards 2012 Community Rail Festival

Best Station Adoption Group Outstanding Teamwork – Sponsored Passengers Matter – Sponsored by – Sponsored by Northern Rail by Network Rail Abellio ACoRP’s Brian Barnsley reports from this year’s festival…

Winner The Acorn Centre for its Multi Winner Mid CRP, Volunteers and Winner Southern for ‘Eyewitness on the Station Adoption Project Partners for the ‘North West in Bloom’ Arun Valley’ project The Acorn Centre ‘Adopt a Station’ A Passenger Focus report in 2010 showed scheme, run in partnership with Southern anti-social behaviour such as feet on seats Railway, empowers volunteers with and loud music top of passenger learning disabilities to develop skills and grievances, closely followed by fare grow in confidence by being involved evasion and vandalism. To tackle this, in this very worthwhile project, which is ‘Eyewitness on the Arun Valley’ is a making a real difference in the community. reporting system which is helping to drive Since its inception in 2006, the down low-level crime. Launched to initiative has grown from just three passengers on the Arun Valley in 2011, it stations to 26 and still growing. The has been instrumental in tackling incidents project has expanded in other ways too, of anti-social behaviour, with its success including the involvement of eight new leading to roll out elsewhere on the community partners. Whilst providing network. As crime is falling, so is the colourful hanging baskets and planters for Mid Cheshire CRP’s Sally Buttefant perception of crime. NPS results show that each station, this innovative project and Julie Collins take top spot for ‘your personal security when using the provides far more than that for its Outstanding Teamwork. station’ improved to 66% in the most volunteers. recent survey. Mid Cheshire Community Rail Officer Sally Buttifant Best Community Rail Image Sponsored thought big when she by Northern Rail entered the entire Mid Cheshire Line (with 12 Winner Simon Clarke for Schoolchildren intermediate stations) for at the launch of the ‘My Mill Hill’ artwork the North West in Bloom project. (See the award winning picture on Awards. This ambitious page 13.) project to co-ordinate volunteers and organisations in gardening projects along the line was all about The incredible Clifton Suspension Bridge. delivering the CRP’s priorities of encouraging volunteers, bringing in new Following on from this year’s Community Rail Awards in Stands on the station included representation from our Sitting down to dine.... partners, raising the profile of the line and making stations more Swindon, First Great Western and Severnside Community Rail colleagues from the Wales, Devon and Cornwall Rail attractive. A huge amount of community Partnership organised a small festival at Bristol Temple Meads Partnerships. First Great Western and a joint RNLI/FGW staff Outstanding Railway Staff effort impressed the judges as they toured on Saturday 29th September. stand that kept us fuelled with cupcakes and tea all day. Contribution – Sponsored by Apparently there are no calories in these when the money is for the line by train, meeting volunteers at Karen Shearing, conductor and Colin Merseyrail and Merseytravel A true community event, the centrepiece of the festival was a charity! each station. And the outcome was Green, security manager for series of five special trains in operation around the Bristol area, successful, with a category 4 ‘Thriving’ Southern, collect the award for Winner Jason Townsend – Northern Rail running on lines not normally used by passenger Award - a great achievement by all. Eyewitness on the Arun Valley. trains, but that will eventually form part of the Jason is an outstanding team member Greater Bristol Metro. who possesses an excellent knowledge, is extremely dedicated and eager to please The trains ran around the Henbury loop, and always goes the extra mile to assist returning to Bristol via the Seven Beach line his customers and local community. He is and down the freight-only line to Portbury and a keen volunteer with clear aims in mind into the docks! This line runs under the Clifton - promoting the railway, engaging with Suspension Bridge - one of the many wonders diverse cultures and enhancing customer Brunel designed, although it was not finished service. Always happy to assist with local until after his death. The plan for this line is to charity events, Jason was also greatly re-open to Portishead, the trackbed for which is involved in recent station improvement owned by North Somerset Council. work at Blackburn, where he is based, with the station running more effectively During the festival, it was free to ride on the with his help and input. Loved by all, his special trains, which unsurprisingly all filled customers always ask for him when they up very quickly, with the last one having to be need help. strengthened to five cars! It was great to see so many local people taking the opportunity to try the train and listening to them, it was clear there is very real support for the Metro concept. Guests enjoy the wonderful surroundings of Swindon’s ‘Steam’ museum. 10 11 Partnership Profile Partnership Profile Value for money again from Partnership Profile, with five CRPs in the The ‘Lancashire’ lads – (l-r) frame as Lucy Tennyson investigates Community Rail in Lancashire. Simon Clarke, Brian Haworth and Richard Watts.

Community Rail Lancashire is one of the stalwarts of the role in overseeing the five CRPs, supported by Community Rail Community Rail movement. One major factor behind its Development Officers Brian Haworth and Simon Clarke. The collective success has been reliable sources of funding, enabling trio, who have worked together for over five years, are based in its five Community Rail Partnerships to plan long term and a well-equipped Education Resource Centre, known respond to the needs of local communities. The five partnerships affectionately as the ‘bunker’ and located beneath Accrington are: Eco Station on the East Lancashire line.

• Clitheroe Line The line links Preston (at the junction with the West Coat Main • East Lancashire Line) with Colne, via Blackburn, Accrington and Burnley. • Leeds to Lancaster and Morecambe Accrington was once famous for making the hardest bricks in (The Bentham Line) the world (used to build the Empire State Building) and is now Promoting the Clitheroe Line. • South Fylde the home to the UK’s first truly “green” station. Simon Clarke’s Community Rail Awards • West of Lancashire winning picture of the ‘My Mill Hill’ project. Opening in December 2010, it is built from recycled stone, has Lancashire’s rail routes themselves are inter-connected and PV and solar hot water panels on the roof and harvests criss-cross the county, the remainder of a more intensive rainwater for the toilets. Part funded by the European Union owned by Lancashire County Council and is leased to local • Develop a new model for the future of management of the network, once linking thriving mill and manufacturing towns. through the Interreg IVB programme, the building itself is operator Northern Rail which runs the booking office. CRPs to better position them to meet future challenges. Although there is some tourism, the lines are mostly used for travel to work, school, further and higher education and leisure/ Beneath is the teaching space for local schools, where Richard On the East Lancashire line, the route is playing a vital role in shopping, with regeneration one of the major drivers, Going green at Accrington Eco Station. and team were quick to spot the possibility of converting part of turning round the fortunes of local towns such as Burnley, with particularly in East Lancashire. a large storeroom into their own base. Here, children not only the biggest development in the pipeline the introduction of a learn about green technologies in a well-equipped classroom, new service from Blackburn to Manchester, via Accrington and Community Rail in Lancashire is embedded in the County but also the history of the railways and how to travel safely - a refurbished Burnley Manchester Road, where plans for a new Council’s public transport structure, receiving annual funding many have never actually been on a train before. station building have just been approved. of around £120,000, of which the county budgets around £40,000, with the rest made up by partners and grants. These But perhaps most importantly, Community Rail is regarded as New signalling and infrastructure features the restoration of the include Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, a firm playing a vital role in the regeneration of former mill and cotton ‘Todmorden West Curve’ (a 500 metre stretch of track removed supporter of Community Rail. “Our council sees the CRP as towns. In the last five years, there has been a 26% increase in the 1970s), facilitating the introduction of a new hourly playing a vital role in regeneration activities within the borough in passengers in East Lancashire, with 16% at stations on the service to Manchester from Accrington and Burnley Manchester and across Lancashire and we have supported it politically and adjacent Clitheroe Line. Road. Other projects include platform lengthening on the financially since the outset” says James Syson, Transport Policy Clitheroe Line and platform refurbishment, with a new canopy, Team Leader. The impressive Whalley viaduct. shelters and CCTV at Blackburn - packages designed to make stations attractive and welcoming to travellers. The County Council’s Rail Projects Manager Richard Watts, who has worked in rail for the authority since 1990, takes a strategic The ‘My Mill Hill’ project, launched in January 2012, is designed to target anti-social behaviour at a vandalism prone station on the outskirts of Blackburn. The art-based project involves schools, senior citizens and local artist Alastair Nicholson, whose work will include a large banner to adorn the station fence.

In more scenic areas of the county on the Clitheroe line, an A4 education pack complete with CD has been produced, describ- “The current perception is that the existing hourly two-car ing a journey along the route. service is inadequate for the size of the community,” explains Richard. As such, stations and platforms are being renewed and In the attractive village of Whalley, nestling in the heart of the operator Northern has introduced new class 150s and 142s. Ribble Valley, local primary school children have designed a ‘QR Consultant (and ACoRP founding father) Paul Salveson was code’ walk, taking in 29 places of interest. Brian Haworth, who commissioned to carry out a ‘health check’ on the East specialises in schoolwork, ensures that their work is aligned to Lancashire and Clitheroe lines, charting progress to date and the national curriculum, starting at Key Stage 2 and progressing steering a way forward at what is a pivotal time for Community to college students. Rail, with the many challenges ahead including the Government’s devolution agenda for the north and the 2014 Many more projects take place across all five partnerships, renewal of the Northern Rail franchise, with negotiations already involving the participation and support of many volunteers and underway. line user groups, which, along with consistent branding and marketing, have led to a steady increase in passenger numbers. Whalley Primary School’s art work on show at the station. Paul’s findings included the need to: “At the end of the day, teamwork is key,” says Richard. “If a job • Continue to develop work with young people through the needs doing, we’ll do it, whether it’s a sign that needs putting Community Ambassadors scheme; up, or lobbying for a new service.” • Engage with hard-to-reach communities; • Continue to work with station groups to make local stations For further information on the work of the Lancashire more central to their community; CRPs, visit www.communityraillancashire.co.uk

12 13 Arrivals and Departures Community Rail Partnerships

We start with the sad news of the death in September of Tom Abbey Line CRP: Janet Tyndale T: 01377 217283 E: [email protected] Clift, aged 56, former Managing Director of open access Hertfordshire County Council (Transport, Access & Safety), CHN101, (Malton - Scarborough, Hull – Bridlington - Scarborough, Hull operator Grand Central Railways. Keeping track of County Hall, Pegs Lane, HERTFORD SG13 8TJ – Goole - Doncaster, Hull – Selby – York, Barton – Cleethorpes,

M: 07770 993162 E: [email protected] Cleethorpes - Grimsby – Scunthorpe, Cleethorpes – Brigg - Mr Clift first joined the rail industry in 1972, taking on a number (Watford Jn - St Albans Abbey) of operational roles in British Rail, followed by a management Train Times Gainsborough) role at Arriva Trains Wales and later, Managing Director of Valley How to ensure your stories find Bishop Line: Robert Whitehouse + Barry Appleby (Yorkshire Coast CRP) E: [email protected] Lines. T: 01325 388883 E: [email protected] Isle of Wight CRP: Bobby Lock their way into Train Times. (Darlington - Bishop Auckland & Middlesbrough – Sunderland) M: 0776 208765 E: [email protected] Mr Clift helped launch Grand Central Railways, which started Borderlands Line Rail Partnership: Jamie Sant Kent CRP: Ian Paterson running services on the East Coast Main Line between Guidelines for contributors T: 01352 704537 E: [email protected] M: 07917 841005 E: [email protected] Sunderland, Hartlepool, Eaglescliffe, Northallerton, Thirsk, York (Wrexham Central - Bidston) Carol Sullivan M: 07772 300235 To ensure consistency and assist the editorial process, all and London in December 2007. Cambrian Rail Partnership: Rhydian Mason (Sittingbourne - Sheerness, Strood - Paddock Wood) written material submitted for Train Times should be sent T: 07795 644412 E: [email protected] Lancashire County Council: In the recent cabinet reshuffle, the Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin as a word document, using Arial as the font in point 12 (Shrewsbury - Aberystwyth & Dovey Junction - Pwllheli) Brian Haworth T: 01772 533196 E: [email protected] MP has replaced Justine Greening as Secretary of State for text. All grammar should be checked before submission. Campaign for Borders Rail: Maureen Anton Simon Clarke T: 01772 530144 E: [email protected] Transport. E: [email protected] Clitheroe Line CRP (Manchester – Clitheroe); East Lancashire CRP Images (Edinburgh – Galashiels) (Colne-Preston); Leeds – Lancaster – Morecambe CRP; South Fylde Chester - Shrewsbury Rail Partnership: Sheila Dee CRP (Preston – Blackpool South); West Lancashire CRP (Preston – The Rt Hon Theresa Villiers has also changed roles, with a Photographs/images should be sent either as high promotion from Minister of State for Transport to Secretary of T: 01691 772784 E: [email protected] Ormskirk, (Manchester) – Wigan – Southport and Wigan – Kirkby) resolution JPEG files at 300 dpi. Where this is not possible, State for Northern Ireland. (Chester - Wrexham - Shrewsbury) Lymington – Brockenhurst CRP: Bobby Lock T: 0777 999844 please send hard copies (which can be scanned) to the Community Rail Norfolk: Chris Wood Marston Vale CRP: Stephen Sleight As part of the changes, Norman Editor at 12 Woodland Avenue, Crewe, Cheshire, T: 07707 223 099 E: [email protected] T: 01234 832645 E: [email protected] Baker MP, Parliamentary Under CW1 6HE. (Norwich - Sheringham/Great Yarmouth/Lowestoft) (Bedford - Bletchley) Secretary-of-State for Transport, Conwy Valley Rail Initiative: Larry Davies Mid Cheshire CRP: Sally Buttifant sees his portfolio now include If you require the images back, please include a M: 07733 012818 E: [email protected] T: 01244 976788 E: [email protected] responsibility for Community Rail. stamped addressed envelope. (Llandudno - Blaenau Ffestiniog) (Manchester - Northwich - Chester) Cotswold Line Promotion Group: Derek Potter North Cheshire Rail Users Group: Cedric Green In Wales, Mark Price has left his role And finally… T: 01386 750628 E: [email protected] T: 0151 625 8017 E: [email protected] as a member of the Welsh (Oxford - Worcester – Hereford) (Chester - ) Please send your contributions for Train Times to the editor Assembly’s Rail Team. Crewe-Manchester CRP: John Kenny North Staffordshire CRP: Faye Lambert at: [email protected]. To ensure inclusion, please T: 0161 218 1515 E: [email protected] T: 01782 232272 E: [email protected] submit your material before the deadline. Cumbrian Coast CRP: Laurence Hilland (Derby - Stoke - Crewe & other North Staffs routes) New Secretary of State for T: 07596 920801 E: [email protected] Nottingham - Skegness CRP: Jayne Wingad Transport, the Rt Hon Patrick Thank you to all those who contribute material to (Carlisle - Barrow) T: 01522 553097 E: [email protected] McLoughlin MP Train Times. + Jim Trotman T: 07795 507263 E: [email protected] Penistone Line Partnership: Rowena Chantler (Oxenholme – Windermere and Carnforth - Barrow) M: 07912 753817 E: [email protected] The late Tom Clift Derwent Valley Line CRP: Alastair Morley (Huddersfield – Sheffield) What is ACoRP? T: 01629 538681 E: [email protected] Purbeck CRP: Mick Stone (Matlock – Derby – Nottingham) T: 07956 023197 E: [email protected] The Association of Community Rail Partnerships is a Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership: Richard Burningham (Wareham - Swanage) federation of rail partnerships and rail promotion groups. T: 01752 233094 E: [email protected] SAYLSA (Stranraer to Ayr Line Support Association): We are an organisation of ‘do-ers’, focused on practical (Exeter - Barnstaple, Exeter - Exmouth, Plymouth - Gunnislake, Richard Carr initiatives, which add up to a better, more sustainable Liskeard - Looe, Par - Newquay, Truro - Falmouth and St Erth - St Ives) M: 07977 139447 E: [email protected] railway. Improved station facilities, better train services and East Suffolk Lines CRP: Tim Ward Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Co: Marion Armstrong improved integration with other forms of transport are E: [email protected] T: 01729 825888 E: [email protected] central to the work of ACoRP and its members. (Ipswich - Lowestoft; Ipswich - Felixstowe) (Skipton - Settle – Carlisle) Esk Valley Railway Development Co: Angie Thirkill Severnside CRP: Heather Cullimore T: 07740 047 812 E: [email protected] What ACoRP does T: 01947 601987 E: [email protected] (Middlesbrough – Whitby) (Bristol - Gloucester, Bristol - Pilning, Bristol - Freshfield, Bristol • Works with decision-makers at local, regional and Essex & South Suffolk Rail Partnership: Jayne Sumner (Rail - Severn Beach & Bristol - Weston-super-Mare – Taunton) national level to ensure that local rail’s role is fully Officer) South East Manchester CRP: David Huber recognised; E3, Essex County Council , County Hall, Market Road, Chelmsford, T: 0161 218 1511 E: [email protected] • Helps identify innovative solutions for local railways; Essex, CM1 1QH T: 01245 435772 M: 07769 164277 E: jsumner@ (Manchester - Strines, both routes; Manchester - Broadbottom) disseminates examples of good practice; essexcc.gov.uk W: www.esscrp.org.uk Sussex Community Rail Partnership: Sam Bryant • Works with local stakeholders to develop new + Lynda Stone M: 07920 466936 E: [email protected] M: 07891 556 897 E: [email protected] partnerships; + Lucy Ainger T: 01206 397061 E: [email protected] (Lewes- Seaford/Eastbourne, Ashford - Hastings, Oxted - • Supports its membership with conferences and training (Manningtree - Harwich, Marks Tey - Sudbury, Colchester Town - Uckfield lines) + Pene Mather: M: 07852 221274 E: [email protected] sessions; Walton/Clacton, Southminster – Wickford) Ffestiniog Railway/Welsh Highland Railway: Clare Britton (Chichester/Littlehampton/Bognor Regis - Gatwick) • Maintains a lively, user-friendly website and T: 01766 516023 E: [email protected] Three Rivers CRP: Mark Miller encourages people to think outside their trains! Heart of Wales Line Forum: David Edwards T: 02380 270818 E: [email protected] T: 01554 820586 E: [email protected] (Salisbury - Romsey - Southampton) Become an ACoRP Associate (Shrewsbury - Llandrindod Wells - Swansea) Tyne Valley CRP: John Gillott Anyone can become an ACoRP Associate and in Heart of Wessex Rail Partnership: Catherine Phillips T: 01434 607216 E: [email protected] return for an annual subscription receive Train Times M: 07971 111816 E: [email protected] (Newcastle - Carlisle) and any other publications we produce, as well as (Bristol - Bath - Westbury - Dorchester - Weymouth) Weardale Railways CIC: Kevin Busath being able to claim discounts on attending our High Peak & Hope Valley CRP: Mike Rose T: 01312 348 6086 E: [email protected] T: 01629 538093 E: [email protected] (Bishop Auckland - Stanhope) events. For further information, please visit our (New Mills - Sheffield, Manchester - Buxton & Glossop) The Rt Hon website at www.acorp.uk.com or call the ACoRP Norman Baker MP Humber Region Rail Development Co Ltd: David Walford Theresa Villiers MP office on 01484 847790. 14 15 Community Rail Diary

• Realising the Potential of Small Stations Conference, Guild Hall, Worcester 7th November 2012 (sponsored by First Great Western and London Midland)

• Community Rail Awards, Venue Cymru, Llandudno 27th September 2013

Staff Neil Buxton General Manager Brian Barnsley Operations Manager Dawn Wolrich Office Manager Philip Jenkinson Company Secretary ([email protected]) Hazel Bonner Events Organiser Susan Miles Stations Project Officer Peter Roberts Chair ([email protected])

* The Association of Community Rail Partnerships The Old Water Tower Huddersfield Railway Station St. Georges Square Huddersfield HD1 1JF e-mail: [email protected]. Website: www.acorp.uk.com. Staff: [email protected]

* Please note the new ACoRP address, which goes live from the 12th November 2012.