East Midlands Trains marks a successful year of Community Rail support

With the help of station adopters and volunteers from across the business, local councils and other railway companies, East Midlands Trains has helped make a real difference across the network in 2018, and the train company is looking forward to supporting many more community projects in 2019.

Being involved in community rail encourages people to become more social, whilst giving something back to their community at the same time. This is beneficial for many reasons, not only is it great for wellbeing, it can help volunteers keep fit and healthy and also helps volunteers develop a sense of pride and place within a community.

East Midlands Trains has shared some of the many achievements and projects in a new community rail brochure. Events included a War Memorial being placed at Syston station to mark one hundred years since the end of the First World War and fundraising events on the Poacher Line raised over £1000 for the RAF100 Appeal.

East Midlands Trains has also paid tribute to its Community Partnership Officers; Kaye Robinson, Community Rail Partnership Officer for the Poacher Line Community Rail Partnership (Nottingham to Skegness), Alastair Morley, Community Rail Partnership Officer for the Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Parnership (Derby to Matlock) and Claire Sandys, Community Rail Partnership Officer for the North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership (Derby to Crewe).

Donna Adams, Community Rail and Stakeholder Manager for East Midlands Trains said: “During 2018, we continued to see the rise of community rail activity. We saw an increase in station adopters and lots of activity along our community rail partnerships.

“Our community rail strategy enables us to work in partnership with the local communities of which our railway operates, alongside key stakeholders including four community rail partnerships. This can help to tackle loneliness, promotes physical health and mental wellbeing, as well as improving stations for our passengers. Our ultimate aim is to make a difference and enhance the lives of all those that encounter the railway in their lives.

“Our 2018 community rail brochure showcases just some of the activity that happened throughout a busy and exciting year.”

Kaye Robinson, Community Rail Partnership Officer for the Poacher Line Community Rail Partnership said: “2018 saw the Poacher Line go from strength to strength with a successful marketing campaign partnering with the RAF and a substantial increase in adopters making significant improvements to key stations along the line.

“This year, we have several partnership projects with the ‘Bee Friendly Trust’ and local secondary schools to enhance Bottesford and Skegness stations, as well as engaging the local community in Boston to give the whole station a makeover and encouraging more potential passengers to visit all the great tourist attractions the Poacher Line offers”.

Alastair Morley, Community Rail Partnership Officer for Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Parnership said: “In 2018, community action days have helped deliver numerous station improvements on the Derwent Valley Line, including Duffield’s impressive platform landscaping project.   

“During the summer when the line was closed for the Derby Station Resignalling work, we made the most of the opportunity to carry out numerous community led improvements at local stations including on the disused platform at Whatstandwell.

“We are grateful to the support from our station adopters and staff from East Midlands Trains and Network Rail for their commitment to the Derwent Valley Line.

“The Partnership has also gained considerable funding towards projects in 2019, including for the Whistlestop Café at Matlock Bath Station”.

Claire Sandys, Community Rail Partnership Officer for North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership said: “I was delighted to join the Partnership in May 2018 and have really enjoyed building relationships with adopters and partners since then. 

“We have colourful new school posters at Longton and Alsager stations and installed exquisite artwork created by siblings of Donna Louise hospice patients at Crewe and at Tutbury and Hatton stations. Our first event on a train in October – a heritage/art themed Fun Palace – was very successful. 

“In 2019 we look forward to seeing major improvements at Kidsgrove and Longton stations and delivering our first Community Rail in the City event at Crewe Station.  We’ll also be working with Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College on a range of exciting projects.  Many thanks go our wonderful volunteers and to East Midlands Trains, Network Rail and ACoRP for their invaluable support.”

For the brochure, please visit https://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/information/sustainability/supporting-our-community/Community-Rail-at-East-Midlands-Trains/ 

For details on becoming a station adopter, please visit https://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/stationadoption 

For more information about ACoRP, visit https://communityrail.org.uk/

ENDS