Train Times No.59 - Winter 2010/11

News, views and features from the world of Community Rail

FRIGHT NIGHT! Halloween hijinx on the Mid Cheshire Line…

New life for local lines

1 ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Regional Round-Up ACoRP Community Rail Awards Conference News Comprehensive Spending Review Community Rail in Scotland

tt59.pdf 1 12/8/2010 2:50:07 PM In this issue… Hello and Welcome... Page 2 Hello and Welcome Hello and welcome back to Train Pages 3/6 Regional Round-Up Times! Many of our readers will Page 7/8 Community Rail Awards already be aware of circumstances Page 9 Conference News – The ‘Big Society’ since the spring edition, but for Page 10 Comprehensive Spending Review those who weren’t, here’s a brief Pages 11/13 Partnership Profile – summary. Community Rail in Scotland After the election of the new Page 14 Arrivals and Departures Coalition Government, a blanket ban was imposed on all government Page 15 Community Rail Partnerships publications and unfortunately Train Page 16 Community Rail Diary Times was included. This wasn’t as damaging as it first appeared, as it still left our staffing budget intact. However, it put us in a quandary as regards Principal Funders and funding future editions of Train Times. Whilst the production of Train On Line continued, we temporarily plugged the gap left Sponsors by Train Times with an electronic version, though we remained Association of Train Operating Companies concerned about the urgent need to communicate the growing backlog of information with our members and other key DfT Rail stakeholders. This edition of Train Times is of necessity a little spartan Welsh Assembly Government compared with our previous editions, but at least we have one! We’ve been working hard on reducing the costs, hence you receiving one copy. In addition, to help keep print costs down, Corporate Sponsors a PDF version will also be available on the website, enabling circulation to a wider audience. We are also seeking potential Abellio sponsors for Train Times and hope to have something in place in Angel Trains Ltd time for the Spring 2011 edition. Co The Big Society is still the hot topic for the Community Rail (CR) sector and although it’s relatively unclear as to what Greater Manchester ITA the government will ultimately propose, we believe that as a Kilbride Community Rail movement, we have been doing it for 10 years or more, which Kirklees Metropolitan District Council puts us in quite a strong position. I’ve made that clear to both Lancashire County Council Theresa Villiers MP, Minister of State for Transport and Norman Baker MP, Under Secretary of State for Transport, both Merseytravel of whom support this view. To that end, we’re planning a Northern Rail conference on 11 February 2011 entitled Community Rail = Big Passenger Focus Society which I urge you all to attend. The venue is Lewes, East Sussex and we’ve been fortunate enough to get Norman Baker First TransPennine Express as our keynote speaker. * We welcome additional corporate sponsorship from the Whilst I appreciate some of you are nervous about your railway industry. Please contact our General Manager Neil positions as local authority cuts begin to bite, I assure you that Buxton if you are interested in sponsoring us. ACoRP is not taking a back seat and is working hard to estab- lish CRPs as key proponents of the Big Society – especially with the Department of Communities & Local Government, Contributors with whom we’re seeking to develop better links. But as men- tioned before, be ready to answer the simple local authority This edition of Train Times was edited by Nigel Barber ([email protected]) and designed by Philip question: “What exactly can you offer us and is it value for Jenkinson ([email protected]). money?” The answer is ‘yes’ and without much of the work that CRPs do, rural communities would be poorer for it. The Big Special thanks go to Lucy Tennyson and all of our contributors for their ongoing hard work and support. Society is a good concept but there are large gaps still to be filled and Community Rail is ideally placed to fill them! On a brighter final note, from all of us here at ACoRP, Front cover picture – Passengers travelling on Mid may I wish you season’s greetings and good fortune in the Cheshire CRP’s Halloween Special get into the coming year and thank you all for your continued help and spirit of things. support during 2010. Neil Buxton General Manager 2

tt59.pdf 2 12/8/2010 2:50:07 PM Regional Round-Up What’s going on in your neck of the woods

Cambrian launches ‘TRAIN STAY SAVE’ Shotton Station officially re-opened Visitors travelling to Mid Wales by train could get a 10% Passengers using Shotton Station will reap the rewards discount on their accommodation thanks to a new of a major new refurbishment scheme. initiative launched by Mid Wales Tourism (MWT) and Forming part of the ATOC Station Travel Plans the Cambrian Railways Partnership (CRP). scheme (and the only station in Wales actually to be The new ‘TRAIN STAY SAVE’ scheme was involved), the project has been made possible thanks to partnership working from Flintshire County Council, launched at the MWT’s Marketing in Partnership Borderlands Line Steering Group, Arriva Trains Wales, Conference held at Y Plas, Machynlleth in November. Arriva North West and Wales, Taith, Network Rail and Speaking at the launch, Val Hawkins from MWT Sustrans. Improvements to the station include a depar- said: “Accommodation providers will benefit through a ture information screen in the ticket office, cycle facili- new free marketing opportunity to reach a considerable ties, improved pedestrian access between the high and number of potential customers, supporting the Mid low level platforms and Hawarden Bridge and the instal- Wales area’s sustainable tourism credentials. Discounted lation of automatic ticket vending machines. New direc- accommodation rates will also add to the attractiveness tional signs on the approach roads also make it easier for of train travel for visitors and potential visitors.” people to access the station, with an electronic passenger Attractive promotional leaflets, posters and post- Information screen showing connecting bus services cards featuring new artwork by Abersoch artist Neil S. outside the Shotton station entrance and improved Hopkins have been produced by the CRP, with the information at bus stops adjacent to the station. materials also referring to an on-line list of participating A new PLUSBUS integrated ticketing and market- establishments, which is available to view at ing leaflet, ‘Travel to Shotton,’ has also been launched, www.visitmidwales.co.uk. promoting the various travel opportunities. It is hoped that the new scheme will develop and continue to be promoted on an on-going basis, with almost 30 accommodation providers already signed up to take part.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR INFORMATION ON

To qualify for the discount customers must display a valid RAIL TRAVEL IN MID WALES: TRAIN STAY SAVE rail ticket when settling their accommodation bill. Terms and conditions apply – please contact the individual accommodation Enquiries www.nationalrail.co.uk SAVE 10% AT SELECTED ACCOMMODATION provider for further information on these. Booking in advance or 08457 484950 ON THE RAILWAYS OF MID WALES is recommended and the discount is not offered in conjunction Arriva Trains Wales www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk with any other promotion. The accommodation provider’s Cambrian Railways www.thecambrianline.co.uk UNRIVALLED COUNTRY AND COASTAL VIEWS decision is final. Heart of Wales Line www.heart-of-wales.co.uk Scenic Wales by Rail www.scenicwales.co.uk DISCLAIMER PARTICIPATING ACCOMMODATION PROVIDERS AS WELL AS The Cambrian Railways Partnership and Heart of Wales Line THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN MID WALES: Forum do not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions contained in this publication, nor is any warranty www.visitmidwales.co.uk or 0870 080 3436 given to the establishments listed. The discount is afforded in agreement between the accommodation provider and guest(s). ONWARD TRAVEL FROM THE RAILWAY STATION TO THE ACCOMMODATION: Front cover artwork from an original painting by Neil S Hopkins. By public transport - see Traveline Cymru logo below By taxi - For taxi information and contact details relevant to the stations on the Cambrian network consult the information posters at the station, or in advance visit: www.traintaxi.co.uk or www.nationalrail.co.uk/passenger_services/traintaxi.html By foot or bike - A detailed map is provided at every railway station of the immediate locality. Re-opening the newly refurbished Shotton Station. AM WYBODAETH AR

TEITHIO AR REILFFYRDD CANOLBARTH CYMRU: Ymholiadau Rheilffyrdd Cenedlaetholwww.nationalrail.co.uk neu 08456 040500 Trenau Arriva Cymru www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk TERMAU AC AMODAU Rheilffyrdd y Cambrian www.leinycambrian.co.uk Er mwyn derbyn y disgownt mae angen i gwsmeriaid ddangos Rheilffordd Calon Cymru www.heart-of-wales.co.uk Sing-a-long-a Settle tocyn trên dilys pan yn talu am ei llety. Mae termau ac amodau Cymru Golygfaol ar y Trên www.scenicwales.co.uk ar waith a bydd angen cysylltu â’r darparwr llety priodol am DARPARWYR LLETY SY’N CYMRYD RHAN YN OGYSTAL Â ragor o wybodaeth ar rhain. Mae bwcio o flaen llaw yn cael ei PHETHAU I’W GWELD A GWNEUD: argymell ac nid yw’r disgownt yma yn cael ei gynnig ar y cyd gydag unrhyw hyrwyddiad arall. Mae penderfyniad y darparwr www.visitmidwales.co.uk neu 0870 080 3436 llety yn derfynol. Settle and Ribblehead stations on the famous Settle- TEITHIO YN EICH BLAEN O’R ORSAF I’R LLETY: YMWADIAD Drwy gludiant cyhoeddus - gweler logo Traveline Cymru uchod Nid yw Partneriaeth Rheilffyrdd y Cambrian na Fforwm Drwy dacsi - Am wybodaeth a manylion cyswllt cwmnïau TRÊN AROS ARBED Rheilffordd Calon Cymru yn derbyn unrhyw gyfrifoldeb nac tacsi sy’n berthnasol i bob gorsaf ar rwydwaith y Cambrian Carlisle Railway hosted special Christmas events this atebolrwydd am unrhyw wybodaeth anghywir neu a’i hepgor ymgynghorwch gyda’r posteri gwybodaeth yn y gorsafoedd, ARBEDWCH 10% AR LETY DETHOL o’r cyhoeddiad yma, nac ychwaith yn waranti’r sefydliadau a neu o flaen llaw ymwelwch â: www.traintaxi.co.uk or AR REILFFYRDD CANOLBARTH CYMRU restrir. Mae’r disgownt yn cael ei gynnig drwy gytundeb rhwng y www.nationalrail.co.uk/passenger_services/traintaxi.html cwsmer a’r darparpwr llety. Ar droed neu ar feic - Darperir map manwl o’r cyffuniau cyfagos GOLYGFEYDD ARFORDIROL Gwaith celf ar y clawr o lun gwreiddiol gan Neil S Hopkins. ym mhob gorsaf. A CHEFN GWLAD DIHAFAL year, with visitors encouraged to join in the festivities. High in the hills, Ribblehead Station staged a carol Cambrian Railways Partnership Partneriaeth Rheilffyrdd y Cambrian service, whilst Settle Railway Station staged its annual ‘Open Day,’ with both waiting rooms colourfully deco- For further information on the TRAIN STAY rated and visitors being treated to sherry, wine, soft SAVE initiative or to discuss the scheme, please contact drinks and mince pies. ‘Settle Voices’ led the way in Gerwyn Jones on 07920 592 363/ traditional carol singing and the preserved signal box [email protected] or Val Hawkins on was also open to visitors. 01654 702653/[email protected]. Pat Rand, Trading Manager for the Friends of the The TRAIN STAY SAVE initiative has benefited Settle Carlisle Line said: from support provided by Tourism Partnership Mid “Christmas is always a special time full of nostalgia Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government, through a and where better to get into the spirit of it than at one of scheme administered by ACoRP. our splendid Victorian railway stations?” 3

tt59.pdf 3 12/8/2010 2:50:07 PM Regional Round-Up Spooky Fun at Mid Cheshire and Marston Vale Halloween hijinx took hold on the Mid Cheshire and Marston Vale lines, as special Halloween trains proved popular with the local ghosts and ghouls! Families travelling on the Mid Cheshire route between Stockport and Chester were entertained by local ghost stories and poems relating to places along the line, told by one of the Chester Ghost Tour guides and a local poet. There were also sweets and chocolate and face painting for children and adults! Once in Chester, passengers accompanied the ghostly guide on a spine tingling walk around the haunted city, learning more about Chester’s ghosts and apparitions. Sally Buttifant, Mid Cheshire Community Rail Officer said: “It was good to see so many families enjoy- ing themselves and we hope to organise similar events in the future to encourage people to use their local train for a car free day or evening out.” Meanwhile at Marston Vale (Bedford - Bletchley), the annual ghost train was overrun by junior ‘frighten- ers,’ wearing their creepiest costumes. All children in fancy dress were given a special goody bag, with entertainment provided by a local face painter and balloon modeller. A team of nine volunteers were also on hand to assist passengers, distribute infor- mation and sell refreshments. Stephen Sleight, Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership Officer, said: “The Ghost Train has been one of our most successful events to date, with many families Fright night on the taking the opportunity to travel on the Marston Vale Line for the first time.”

Strings attached for world’s first puppet train Pinocchio would have been proud when the Cambrian Coast Line played host to the world’s first Puppet Train! Passengers travelling between Machynlleth and Pwllheli were entertained by a variety of colourful characters, with brave knight Sir Lupin and his down- trodden serfs meeting and greeting on the station platforms. The Puppet Train was the brainchild of Clare Williams, former Director of Theatr Harlech and now Director of Cauldrons and Furnaces, who delights in surprising first time audiences in unusual settings. Said Clare: “The idea was planted in my head last year whilst travelling in South America. On the train Puppetry power at Barmouth Station from Acquacaliente to Cusco, the travellers were entertained by a fashion show by the railway staff - the Besides the shenanigans on the trains and plat- carriage aisles becoming makeshift catwalks. It was a forms, the puppet train stopped at four theatres en- bizarre and hugely entertaining journey.” route, where audiences disembarked to see some of It struck Clare that this could be a brilliant way of Europe’s greatest puppetry shows. attracting a new audience to puppetry, with the scale of For more information on the Cambrian Railways the puppets being perfectly suited to confined spaces. visit www.thecambrianline.co.uk. 4

tt59.pdf 4 12/8/2010 2:50:08 PM Regional Round-Up NEWS IN BRIEF Semaphore signals for Wateringbury School Blythe Bridge is a winner! Wateringbury Junior School has become home to two Blythe Bridge on the North Staffordshire line has been redundant semaphore signals from the village station. awarded Best Small Station of 2010 by East Midlands The signals were donated after headteacher Richard Trains (EMT). Arnold heard that they were being replaced by new The event was the first of its kind for EMT and Faye coloured light versions and approached Network Rail to Lambert of the North Staffordshire CRP and members of request them for the school. the local station adoption group were on hand to accept the Supporting the move were David Mitchelmore, award on behalf of the unstaffed station. promoter of the Wateringbury Station Partnership, and members of the Medway Valley CRP, who attended the official installation of the signals in the school grounds. Said David, who is also a governor at the school: “The pupils have been working on designs for a station mural and often use the local train service for school education trips, so the relocation of the signals to the school grounds was very appropriate and also establishes a link with the station’s past.”

Faye Lambert (second left) and station adopters Austin Hannaby and Christine Snape collect the award from EMT’s Commercial Director David Horne. A Christmas Chorus Line! Christmas came to the Poacher Line on 16th December, when it ran a special carol train. The event, which forms part of the Nottingham to Skegness CRP’s ongoing Autumn/Winter Music Train programme, will feature music from the Sleaford Concert Band. th One of the semaphore signals in place at Wateringbury School. Future events include on Friday 18 February, Treehouse and on Friday 25th March, Northern Monkey. Centenary Memorial Service for Rail Tragedy Full timetable details and passenger fares can be found at East Midlands Trains’ website, The Settle-Carlisle line played host to a special com- th www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk, or by calling 08457 memoration on Sunday 5 December, held to remember 125678. For Poacher Line information visit the victims of a tragic rail accident which took place a www.poacherline.org.uk or contact Community Rail century ago. Officer Jayne Wingad on 01522 782070. The incident happened near to Hawes Junction on Christmas Eve 1910, when the line was owned and A merit for Una operated by the and was a key link in Community Rail awards runner-up Una Norman has their main line from to Glasgow. been honoured again with an Award of Merit in the On that fateful evening, the signalman at Hawes Sunday Telegraph ‘Gardening against the odds’ competition. Junction (now Garsdale station) forgot about two Una took third place in the ‘Outstanding Volun- locomotives standing at one of his signals waiting to teer Contribution’ category at this year’s Community return to Carlisle. Instead he set the signals to clear for Rail Awards for her work as a station adopter at the following northbound express, which rapidly caught Burnham-on-Crouch. up with the ‘light’ locos a mile down the line near Commenting on Una’s success, Lynda Stone of Moorcock Tunnel. The impact caused several carriages to Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership derail and their wooden construction and gas lighting led said: “We are all very proud of what Una has achieved to a fire that caused 12 fatalities. over the years at Burnham Station and these awards are The crash led to improvements in signalling prac- very well deserved.” tices and safer carriages. 5

tt59.pdf 5 12/8/2010 2:50:08 PM 2010 Community Rail Awards

ACoRPs 6th Annual Community Rail Awards were once again a focus for celebration, highlighting the very best that Community Rail has to offer. Held at Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, the event featured 17 catego- ries, with winners ranging from partnership officers and train opera- tors to volunteer station adopters and university students – all sharing a passion and commitment to local railways. ‘Value for money’ was a key message on the night, with ACoRP General Manager Neil Buxton seeing Community Rail as a model for the wider industry. Said Neil: Overall winners First Great Western and Devon and Cornwall, Severnside and Wessex CRPs. “We are not expensive to run. For In a surprise addition to the every £1 invested in a well-run CRP, achieve so much thanks to the programme, a Special Recognition you could expect a return of £4.60.” support of First Great Western.” Award was also made to Scotrail’s Top prize of the evening went But the night really belonged to External Relations Manager John to First Great Western and the three the volunteers and Community Rail Yellowlees and Mike Franklin, CRPs in the South West - Devon workers, many of whom had trav- Community Rail Executive with and Cornwall, Severnside and Heart elled hundreds of miles for their Network Rail. of Wessex – for ‘contributing the most On receiving his award, John to Community Rail Development.’ said: “It’s a great honour to receive Commented Richard this recognition on behalf of the Burningham from Devon and Corn- terrific communities who have wall CRP: “It’s been a great night for engaged with us throughout Scot- all of us, especially Sarah Collins at land during the five years since we Severnside. We have been able to launched our adopt-a-station policy.”

moment of glory at the awards ceremony. Among them were Sheila Sinclair, Vic Jones and Dorothy Baker from North Berwick in Bloom, highly commended in the Best Station Garden Award, along with Mary Law and April Sheldrick, who travelled by overnight sleeper from Cupar in Fife to represent Cupar in Bloom - runners-up for their edible planter ‘Eat as You Go.’

Left: Carol Woolley of the Friends of North Berwick in Bloom receive their award Poulton-Le-Fylde Station. from Chris Austin. 6

tt59.pdf 6 12/8/2010 2:50:08 PM 2010 Community Rail Awards

The full list of winners is as follows: Best Community Rail Event – Sponsored by Go-Ahead Oxfordshire County Council/First Great Western for the Involving Young People - Sponsored by Network Rail Bicester Link Launch. Devon and Cornwall CRP in conjunction with the University of Plymouth Station Development - Sponsored by Network Rail and the Railway Heritage Trust Community Art Schemes – Sponsored by Grand Central Lancashire County Council for Ormskirk Station Severnside CRP for two community arts projects at Regeneration. Redland and Clifton Down stations Local Station Environment Award (Network) - Local Transport Integration - Sponsored by Network Rail and Devon County Council Sponsored by Lancashire County Council North Berwick in Bloom for North Berwick Station Project. Devon and Cornwall CRP for the Morwellham Quay Bus Link, set up with the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project Local Station Environment Award (Community Rail) – Sponsored by Network Rail and Devon County Council Best Station Garden or Floral Display – Sponsored by Network Rail Severnside CRP for the Eastside Roots Garden Centre at Friends of Poulton-le-Fylde Station for Poulton-le-Fylde Stapleton Road Station Station garden. Passengers Matter - Sponsored by the Department for Best Station/Train Retail Outlet - Transport Sponsored by First TransPennine Express Kirsty Monk for the Southern Railway Priority Seat Project Wrexham & Shropshire Railways On-train Buffet Themed Photo Competition – Outstanding Volunteer Contribution – Sponsored by Bittern and Wherry Line CRPs Sponsored by First Great Western ‘You’d be a fool not to get on the train’ by Andrew Griffiths Ben Williams – Wrexham & Shropshire Railways of Imagerail. Outstanding Railway Staff Contribution – International Award - Sponsored by Abellio Sponsored by Network Rail Greenisland Realway Adopt-a-Station Project in Northern Simon Cullen, Southern Railway Ireland. Best Station Adoption Group – Overall Winner - Sponsored by the Sponsored by Northern Rail Association of Train Operating Companies Friends of Wemyss Bay Station First Great Western and Devon and Cornwall, Severnside Best Marketing Publication – and Heart of Wessex CRPs for ‘contributing the most to Sponsored by First Great Western Community Rail Development’ ‘Days Out by Train’ leaflets, produced by Devon and Cornwall CRP for the Exe Rail Partnership. All of the winners at this year’s Community Rail Awards.

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tt59.pdf 7 12/8/2010 2:50:08 PM 2010 Community Rail Awards

Nancy Cameron receives the award for Best Station Adoption Group on behalf of the Friends of Wemyss Bay Station from Chris Austin and is seen (left) ‘at home’ in the splendour of the station itself.

Outstanding Volunteer Ben Williams picks up his award

Above, right: The guests assemble for dinner (top); one of the table centre-pieces (below); and Andrew Griffiths’ winning photograph “You’d be a Fool not to take the Train” (right) 8

tt59.pdf 8 12/8/2010 2:50:09 PM Conference News

ACoRP Big Society = Community Rail A one-day conference Friday 11th February 2011 White Hart Hotel, Lewes

Hutton Cranswick Photo Courtesy Gina Simpson

Overview Speakers: Confirmed The Coalition Government’s ‘Big Society’ idea is not new to Community Rail! Many of the ideas suggested have their Norman Baker MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of roots in Community Rail and the transport sector. State for Transport – Keynote Address But just what is the ‘Big Society?’ This conference aims to Neil Buxton – ACoRP discuss what the concept means, how Community Rail and Dr Paul Salveson MBE – The Railway Doctor other partnerships can integrate into the projects, where it Ewan Jones – Community Transport Association may take Community Rail in the coming months and years Keith Walton – Severnside CRP and how Community Rail can lead in delivering the vision. Invited This could be one of the most valuable conferences you will Lord Wei – Special Advisor to the Government on ‘Big attend this year! Society’

Costs Key Themes The conference fee for non-members is £200 plus VAT. This What is the ‘Big Society’ concept and how will it be taken forward? includes conference packs, lunch and refreshments during the day. Also included in the price is a place on our pre-conference How does the ‘Big Society’ fit into DfT planning/policy? social event on Thursday evening, but this must be pre-booked Community Rail = ‘Big Society’ on the conference booking form. ‘Big Society’ on the ground – Can we do more? ACoRP members and ‘Friends of ACoRP’ (subscribers) pay £160 How does ‘Big Society’ affect other transport operators and what plus VAT. We have a special reduced rate of £100 plus VAT for are they doing? voluntary groups and students who are ‘Friends of ACoRP’ (contact us for details if you want to befriend us!) Community Rail Action Plan for ‘Big Society’ We would like to extend special thanks to Southern whose “The Feeling’s Mutual?” - Radical approaches to Rail and Big generous support has enabled us to provide some bursary places Society’ for our members at £30 plus VAT. The usual conditions apply and all bursaries must be agreed in advance with ACoRP’s Events Eve of conference social - Thursday 10th February (Details to be Organiser Hazel Bonner before making your booking (see below confirmed) for details of how to book).

How To Book: In order to book on to this conference you will need to do one of the following: 1. Request an electronic or paper booking form by email from [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 conference, please call our Events Organiser, Hazel Bonner on 01484 848671.

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tt59.pdf 9 12/8/2010 2:50:09 PM Rail and the Comprehensive Spending Review Guest writer Chris Austin OBE assesses the impact of the recent Government cuts on the rail industry…

The railway has emerged in reasonably good shape schemes include extensions to Nottingham’s tram from the Coalition Government’s Comprehensive network and upgrades to the Tyne & Wear and Spending Review in October, with most of the Midlands Metro systems. investment programme surviving the huge cutback Safeguarding investment and service levels in public expenditure - it could certainly have been comes at the expense of higher real fares increases, a lot worse. but not until January 2012. From that date, regu- The current regulatory and contractual frame- lated fares will be permitted to rise for three con- work has helped to avoid the sort of short-term cuts secutive years by 3% above inflation, rather than the in services and investment that were a regular fea- RPI+1 figure currently in operation. ture for . The Government has sensibly In a statement on 25th November, the Secretary built on this with a policy that puts a priority on of State for Transport Philip Hammond also an- investment in transport infrastructure to handle and nounced plans for new rolling stock for Thameslink, encourage future economic growth. and other new trains for growth. There is no indication that train services will be The cascade of existing Thameslink trains and cut at the Government’s request, although efficiency Crossrail are also the trigger for extending electrifi- savings of £185m are to be made by Network Rail cation on the following routes: over the next four years and savings of £100m are to Great Western Main line to Oxford and come from the efficiencies anticipated by the De- Newbury partment for Transport from new and longer term Manchester – Preston – Blackpool franchises. Liverpool – Manchester via Rainhill Most of the investment in Control Period 4 Huyton - Wigan (2009-14) remains intact, including the major – /South Wales is not included projects at Reading, Birmingham New Street and at this stage, although more work will be undertaken Gatwick Airport, as well as completing the rebuild- with the Welsh Assembly Government to establish ing of Kings Cross. Additional items added after the a business case for extending the wires further west. settlement, however, are not protected and schemes Additional work is also to be done on the Inter- like – Kemble redoubling will now have to city Express Programme prior to deciding on the compete with other projects for inclusion in Control replacement strategy for HSTs, Class 91s and Mark Period 5. Work also continues on the development IV sets. of , as does Crossrail, with the scope of Other outstanding issues are the new policy on the project untouched, though its completion will be franchising and the outputs from the McNulty a year later in 2018. inquiry into rail costs (ACoRP has submitted ideas The full Thameslink project continues; however on both.) The new franchise policy should be avail- the timescale for the complex and costly rebuilding able in the New Year, whilst McNulty is expected to of London Bridge is extended by two years. En- publish his report in March/April of 2011. hancements on the Midland and East Coast Main The rolling stock plans are complex and we will Lines will continue, as will gauge enhancement for be combing through these to see how they and the freight on the Southampton – West Midlands and rest of the investment programme might affect Felixstowe – Nuneaton corridors. Surviving light rail Community Rail lines over the next few weeks – watch this space! 10

tt59.pdf 10 12/8/2010 2:50:09 PM Partnership Profile Our roving reporter Lucy Tennyson goes north of the border to look at Community Rail in Scotland…

The mural at Invergordon on the Far North Line

The Scottish rail system differs from that of England and moted by its External Relations Manager John Wales in several respects and as a result, Community Yellowlees. Rail hasn’t developed in the same way as it has south of Its ‘Adopt a Station’ scheme ‘seeks to put stations the border. The old British Rail region remains, but as the at the heart of their communities by encouraging local network was drastically stripped back to its bare bones in individuals or groups to put forward proposals on uses the 1960s, in the rural areas only the main lines radiating for vacant accommodation or through the introduction of out of Glasgow and Edinburgh are left. floral displays, beds and planters.’ Those that survived largely did so because they ACoRP is also strongly supportive of station served the ferry ports on the coast. Under current EU adoption in Scotland, with Operations Manager Brian transport policy, they are all categorised as TENS – Barnsley keeping an active watching brief, despite there Trans European Network - and so are not eligible for being no funding to work there. Community Rail designation. Around 95% of the net- “We see station adoption as a good way forward for work comes under one operator, First ScotRail, which Community Rail in Scotland as, at the moment, there means a unified approach is taken across Scotland. isn’t the political will for Community Rail,” says Brian. The remaining rural lines, however, do share charac- Since the launch of ‘Adopt a Station’ in 2005, over teristics now associated with Community Rail, with 100 out of 343 stations in Scotland have been adopted, many closed/neglected station buildings offering great with initiatives including murals, coffee shops, book- potential for enhancement and community involvement. shops, a toy library and community meeting rooms. But whilst Community Rail hasn’t emerged in the An inspiring example is Wemyss Bay Station, 30 same way as it has in England, Scotland has instead seen miles west of Glasgow and named as the Best Adopted the rise of a strong station adoption movement during Station in Scotland by Passenger Focus - the independ- the last five years, backed by ScotRail and keenly pro- ent passenger watchdog - within a year of the formation 11

tt59.pdf 11 12/8/2010 2:50:09 PM Another traveller north is Richard Carr, former Essex County Council Rail Development Manager. Having established the Essex Community Rail Partner- ship in 1998, he saw potential in the 60-mile long Ayr to Stranraer line in 2003. The impending move of ferry operator Stena to a new port seven miles from Stranraer with no rail connec- tion had threatened to push the town’s economy into renewed decline, with particular concern over its impact on the rail line, as around three quarters of passengers use it to access the ferry to Northern Ireland. However, Richard had already seen the immense potential of the Community Rail approach from his time in Essex and with support from the local communities, he was instrumental in setting up SAYLSA (the Stranraer Ayr Line Support Association) in September 2007 as a Community Rail Partnership, acquiring charity status a year later. Its members include Commu- nity Councils served by the line, individuals, businesses and representatives from South Ayrshire Council and ScotRail. “In Scotland, Community Rail as adopted by the Department for Transport is not recognised. We take a more pragmatic approach and see the Settle - Carlisle SAYLSA’s Richard Carr (centre) with station adopter colleagues. Railway Development Company as a role model. We have a strong vision, but so far funding has been our biggest of the local Friends group. And as if any further evidence problem,” he says. Although financial support from were needed, the Friends were named as Best Station South Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway Councils Adoption Group at this year’s Community Rail Awards. has not been forthcoming, ScotRail offered the group the The group has over 250 members and has transformed use of empty station buildings at Girvan. three empty station rooms into a bookshop and art “We never thought a public partnership financially gallery, ploughing money raised into station refurbish- viable” says Richard. “The way forward for us is social ment. enterprise and partnership working with the local au- They persuaded Network Rail to embark on the thorities on a project by project basis. We welcome the restoration of the spectacular grade A listed station and station adoption approach and we aim to work with reintroduced the floral displays that made the station ScotRail to promote the line.” famous in Edwardian times, when thousands of visitors The Girvan station shop is staffed by volunteers used to pour off the train onto the boats to Bute. “We are and was re-opened after a 20-year gap in December 2007. very proud of our station,” said Nancy Cameron, Chair of This, together with a series of road shows at various the Friends. “It was so sad to see the building become community events where the line is marketed, brings in neglected and empty.” around £3,000 a year. SAYLSA has adopted all the One spur to the development of Community Rail stations south of Ayr and there are plans to open its in Scotland has been a movement north of the border by office and a visitors centre at Girvan. Richard believes railway enthusiasts from England. Sonia Cameron this grassroots community support is having an impact, moved to Mallaig 18 years ago and now grows all the plants from seed for the dozens of baskets that adorn Mallaig and Arisaig stations. “The station was very bare and unwelcoming. Now we have hanging baskets, barrels and a garden. Scotrail’s John Yellowlees encouraged us to get it going and he feels as passionately about the station as we all do” said Sonia. The Glenfinnan Station Museum Trust ‘adopted’ its station in 1991. Its current projects, with Heritage Lottery Fund and Railway Heritage Trust funding, include the completion of an interpreted viaduct trail between the station and the famous Glenfinnan viaduct. Girvan station on the Stranraer line 12

tt59.pdf 12 12/8/2010 2:50:09 PM One feature unique to Scotland is its regional transport authorities, which can take a strategic approach to rail planning. Frank Roach, an- other Englishman who set up the Friends of the Far North Line 16 years ago, has overseen the integra- tion of the organisation into the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS) where he is now the rail officer. Recent projects include the reopening and refurbishment of stations and upgrading of carriages, with HITRANS winning an award for improved cycle provision on the North Highland Class 158s and at stations around Inverness. with a 2.5% increase in passenger numbers at the station As Frank explains, the transport authority is able to helping to arrest a downward trend elsewhere along the do ‘the big stuff,’ such as making the business case for line. running more trains (services have doubled at one rural Currently, the service is geared towards ferry station, Ardgay), and, working closely with Scotrail and sailings, although Richard hopes that when Stena leaves, Network Rail, bringing additional early morning com- a more user focused service pattern will emerge. SAYLSA muter services to small stations such as Arrochar, Kyle, has already produced a line guide and website and future Lairg and Blair Atholl. “I want to see trains reaching as plans include marketing, a role in economic regeneration many people as possible,” said Frank. and the promotion of heritage. Volunteers June Stewart at Pitlochry bookshop on the Highland Another Scottish railway, the Highland Main Line, Line (top left) and Sonia Cameron (above) at Mallaig. is acknowledged as one of the most scenic routes in the Below: Allan Cairnduff at Stonehaven watering newly planted country, tracking 180 miles from Glasgow to Inverness begonias with the special water carrier he has adapted for the work. across the Cairngorms. The Far North Line then goes on for a further scenic 161 miles to Wick. Passenger num- bers have been rising in recent years and a growing number of station adoption groups have been making the stops more welcoming to visitors. Local resident Priscilla Lorimer has campaigned on behalf of Pitlochry Station since the 1990s and the Passenger Liaison Group remains active today. The volunteer-run bookshop, set up seven years ago, opens daily, serving coffee and acting as a hub of community life. It trades six days a week and in four years has raised over £27,000 for five charities.

The East Coast line, too, has its growing band of adopters, including the Horizon group at Stonehaven just south of Aberdeen, where the local adoption group has not only adorned the station with planters, but also fills hanging baskets and maintains gardens across the town. The final word goes to hugely enthusiastic Convenor Allan Cairnduff, who commented: “I’ve just filled 98 baskets this morning. We used to get a lot of complaints about the station, but now it’s something the town can be rightly proud of.” Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the railway reaching Girvan, with young dancers in traditional dress also joining in the celebrations. 13

tt59.pdf 13 12/8/2010 2:50:09 PM Arrivals and Departures

One of Community Severnside CRP also bids farewell to Partnership Officer Rail’s true unsung Sarah Collins, who is leaving to take up a new role as heroes, Gerwyn Jones, clerk to Stoke Gifford Parish Council in South Glouces- has left his post as tershire. Officer for the Sarah has made a major impact during her time at Cambrian Railways the Partnership, which this year won several prizes at the Partnership to take up a ACoRP Community Rail Awards, including the overall secondment within winners’ spot alongside First Great Western and Devon Gwynedd Council’s and Cornwall and Heart of Wessex CRPs for ‘contribut- new Integrated Trans- ing the most to Community Rail Development.’ port Unit. Gerwyn’s new role is initially for a 12- month period and started at the end of November. Said Gerwyn: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in Community Rail for all their sup- port and encouragement whilst I have been in the Rail Development Officer’s role. “I have really enjoyed it, especially the wide range of work involved and the people I’ve met along the way over what has been almost five years. I am sure that in my new role there will be need for and opportunity for me to maintain contact with many of my Community Rail colleagues.” Gerwyn’s new e-mail address is [email protected] and his mobile telephone number will remain as 07920 592 363.

Keeping track of Train Times What is ACoRP? How to ensure your stories find their way into Train Times. The Association of Community Rail Partnerships is a federation 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 To ensure consistency and assist the editorial process, all facilities, better train services and improved integration with written material submitted for Train Times should be sent as other forms of transport are central to the work of ACoRP and its members. a word document, using Arial as the font in point 12 text. All grammar should be checked before submission. What ACoRP does Images 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, 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. works with local stakeholders to develop new partnerships; If you require the images back, please include a supports its membership with conferences and training stamped addressed envelope. sessions; And finally… maintains a lively, user-friendly website and encourages people to think outside their trains! Please send your contributions for Train Times to the editor at: [email protected]. To ensure Become an ACoRP Associate inclusion, please submit your material before the deadline. Anyone can become an ACoRP Associate and in return for an Thank you to all those who contribute material to Train Times. annual subscription receive Train Times and any other publications we produce, as well as being able to claim discounts on attending our events. See our website or contact the office. 14

tt59.pdf 14 12/8/2010 2:50:09 PM Community Rail Partnerships

Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership: Christian Hoskins Isle of Wight Community Rail Partnership: Bobby Lock M: 07770 993162 E: [email protected] M: 0776 208765 E: [email protected] (Watford Jn - St Albans Abbey) Kent Community Rail Partnership: Ian Paterson Bittern Line Partnership: Jeremy Wiggin M: 07917 841005 E: [email protected] T: 01603 223117 E: [email protected] (Sittingbourne - Sheerness, Strood - Paddock Wood) (Norwich - Sheringham) Lancashire County Council: Borderlands Line Rail Partnership: Jamie Sant Brian Haworth T: 01772 533196 E: [email protected] T: 01352 704537 E: [email protected] Simon Clarke T: 01772 530144 E: [email protected] (Wrexham Central - Bidston) East Lancashire CRP (Colne-Preston) Cambrian Rail Partnership: tbc Clitheroe Line CRP (Manchester – Clitheroe) (Shrewsbury - Aberystwyth & Dovey Junction - Pwllheli) West Lancashire CRP (Preston – Ormskirk, (Manchester) – Wigan – Campaign for Borders Rail: Ian Bell Southport and Wigan – Kirkby) T: 01450 375787 E: [email protected] South Fylde CRP (Preston – Blackpool South) (Edinburgh – Galashiels) Leeds – Lancaster – Morecambe CRP Chester - Shrewsbury Rail Partnership: Sheila Dee Lymington – Brockenhurst CRP: Bobby Lock T: 0777 999844 T: 01691 772784 E: [email protected] Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership: Stephen Sleight (Chester - Wrexham - Shrewsbury) T: 01234 832645 E: [email protected] Community Rail Humber: (Bedford - Bletchley) Sally Baird T: 01377 232138 E: [email protected] Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership: Sally Buttifant (Malton - Scarborough, Hull –Scarborough, Hull – Goole - T: 01244 976788 E: [email protected] Doncaster, Hull – Selby - York) (Manchester - Northwich - Chester) Gill Simpson M: 07740 609992 E: [email protected] North Cheshire Rail Users Group: Cedric Green (Barton – Cleethorpes, Cleethorpes - Grimsby – Scunthorpe, T: 0151 625 8017 E: [email protected] Cleethorpes – Brigg - Gainsborough) (Chester - Warrington) Conwy Valley Rail Initiative: Larry Davies North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership: Faye Lambert M: 07733 012818 E: [email protected] T: 01782 232272 E: [email protected] (Llandudno - Blaenau Ffestiniog) (Derby - Stoke - Crewe & other North Staffs routes) Promotion Group: Derek Potter Moors Railway Trust: Phil Bustard T: 01386 750628 E: [email protected] T: 01751 473799 E: [email protected] (Oxford - Worcester – Hereford) (Grosmont – Pickering) Crewe-Manchester CRP: Nik Matuszczak Nottingham - Skegness CRP: Jayne Wingad T: 0161 218 1515 E: [email protected] T: 01522 553097 E: [email protected] Cumbrian Coast CRP: Laurence Hilland Purbeck Community Rail Partnership: Mick Stone T: 07596 920801 E: [email protected] T: 07956 023197 E: [email protected] (Carlisle - Barrow) (Wareham - Swanage) Jim Trotman T: 07795 507263 E: [email protected] SAYLSA (Stranraer to Ayr Line Support Association): Richard Carr (Oxenhope – Windermere and Carnforth - Barrow) M: 07977 139447 E: [email protected] Derwent Valley Line CRP: Alastair Morley Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Co: Marion Armstrong T: 01629 538681 E: [email protected] T: 01729 825888 E: [email protected] (Matlock – Derby – Nottingham) (Skipton - Settle – Carlisle) Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership: Richard Burningham Severnside Community Rail Partnership: c/o Keith Walton T: 01752 233094 E: [email protected] T: 07740 047 812 E: [email protected] (Exeter - Barnstaple, Exeter - Exmouth, Plymouth - Gunnislake, (Bristol - Gloucester, Bristol - Pilning, Bristol - Freshfield, Bristol - Liskeard - Looe, Par - Newquay, Truro - Falmouth and St Erth - St Ives) Severn Beach & Bristol - Weston-super-Mare – Taunton) Heritage Line/Bishop Line: Robert Whitehouse South Pennines Community Rail Partnership: Rowena Chantler T: 01325 388883 E: [email protected] M: 07912 753817 E: [email protected] (Darlington - Bishop Auckland & Middlesbrough – ) (Huddersfield – Sheffield; Manchester Victoria - Halifax/Huddersfield) East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership: Barry Woodgett South West Wales C R P (All Points West): Alex Owen T: 01473 265035 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Ipswich – Lowestoft; Ipswich - Felixstowe) (Swansea - Carmarthen - Pembroke/Milford Haven/Fishguard) Esk Valley Railway Development Co: Angie Thirkill Sussex Community Rail Partnership: Sam Bryant T: 01947 601987 E: [email protected] M: 07891 556 897 E: [email protected] (Middlesbrough – Whitby) (Lewes- Seaford/Eastbourne, Ashford - Hastings, Oxted - Uckfield lines) Essex & South Suffolk Rail Partnership: Amy Owen M: 07852 221274 E: [email protected] Lynda Stone M: 07920 466936 E: [email protected] (Three Bridges – Littlehampton) Lucy Ainger T: 01206 397061E: [email protected] Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership: Mark Miller (Manningtree - Harwich, Marks Tey - Sudbury, Colchester Town - T: 02380 270818 E: [email protected] Walton/Clacton, Southminster – Wickford) (Salisbury - Romsey - Southampton) Ffestiniog Railway/Welsh Highland Railway: Clare Britton Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership: John Gillott T: 01766 516023 E: [email protected] T: 01434 607216 E: [email protected] Heart of Wales Line Forum: David Edwards (Newcastle - Carlisle) T: 01554 820586 E: [email protected] Weardale Railways CIC: Kevin Busath (Shrewsbury - Llandrindod Wells - Swansea) T: 01312 348 6086 E: [email protected] Heart of Wessex Rail Partnership: Catherine Phillips (Bishop Auckland - Stanhope) M: 07971 111816 E: [email protected] Plc: Ian Sesnan (Bristol - Bath - Westbury - Dorchester - Weymouth) T: 0797 152 8207 E: [email protected] High Peak & Hope Valley C R Pp: Martin Smith/Mike Rose (Northallerton - Leyburn - Hawes – Garsdale) T: 01629 585093 E: [email protected] Wherry Lines Community-Rail Partnership: c/o Peter Lawrence (Manchester - Sheffield, Manchester - Buxton & Manchester – T: 01603 627217 E: [email protected] Glossop) (Norwich - Great Yarmouth: both routes) 15

tt59.pdf 15 12/8/2010 2:50:09 PM Community Rail Diary Community Rail and the Big Society – Lewes 11 February 2011 Designated Lines Seminar – Bristol 3/4 March 2011 ACoRP Members’ Seminar (North) – Venue TBC 17 May 2011 ACoRP Members’ Seminar (Midlands) – Shrewsbury 18 May 2011 ACoRP Members’ Seminar (South) – London 19 May 2011 Community Rail Awards - Sheffield 23 September 2011 Community Rail Festival - Penistone line/Huddersfield 24 September 2011

ACoRP Association of Community Rail Partnerships Rail and River Centre Civic Hall Canal Side Slaithwaite Huddersfield HD7 5AB Tel: 01484 847790 e-mail: [email protected]. Website: www.acorp.uk.com. Staff: [email protected] 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 (0771 355 0377) 22 Deira Close, Quarrington, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 8UR ([email protected]) 16

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