Celebrating Community Rail Week
The launch of the Community Rail Partnership (CRP) at Haltwhistle Train Station on Monday, 19 May, wasn't just a launch, it was a powerful celebration of the transformative impact of community rail across the North, highlighting the incredible work of three key partnerships: Tyne Valley, the Bishop Line, and Community Rail Cumbria.
The event kicked off with Fiona Forsythe providing a compelling introduction to the vital work of the Tyne Valley CRP. She then seamlessly handed over to representatives from Community Rail Cumbria and Felicity Machnicki of the Bishop Line CRP. Felicity, in turn, introduced two captivating speakers from the Auckland Project and the Weardale Railway, underscoring the broad reach and collaborative spirit of these initiatives. This insightful session took place in the station's beautifully appointed waiting room, where superb displays showcased Haltwhistle's rich history and its unique proximity to the iconic Hadrian's Wall.
Across the platform, another waiting-room buzzed with creative energy. Here, Zig Zag, an arts partnership company, presented a remarkable exhibition of their work. We heard inspiring talks from their leader and from Dave, whose powerful personal account vividly illustrated how rail partnerships can be a lifeline for individuals facing isolation. This poignant segment was followed by Warren Birch of Community Rail Cumbria, who eloquently detailed the profound positive effects of the CRP and its crucial support for those recovering from drug dependencies.
Stepping onto the platform, we were treated to a captivating presentation by Queer Cumbria, who showcased their stunning collaborative poster art. Their work powerfully championed the incredible diversity thriving within their community, a testament to the inclusive spirit fostered by these partnerships.
Our final stop was the historic old booking hall, famously associated with Thomas Edmondson, inventor of the train ticket. Here, the Bishop Line CRP shared their impressive work with numerous local schools situated within 1.5 miles of the line. Jess Young and Felicity Machnicki concluded this segment by unveiling a compelling video. This film offered a fascinating glimpse into how young people are gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities and diverse career opportunities within the railway industry, extending far beyond the traditional role of an engine driver.
The event culminated with a captivating performance by singer-songwriter and community arts facilitator, Sam Slatcher, who delivered superb renditions from the Storylines Project, offering a chance to purchase a CD (also available online from the Friends of SDR).
This was a truly exceptional event, and I seized the opportunity to connect with key figures, including the dedicated team from the Bishop Line, Michelle Gorman from Visit County Durham, Sam Slatcher, Bill Freeman – Chair of the Community Rail Network, and Mike Lamport, an advisor to the Railways200 project. Moving forward, I am eager to follow up on these invaluable connections. My thanks to Jackie Clare, President of the Institute of Tourist Guiding, and Alice Mannion, Campaigns & Leisure Promotions Coordinator at Community Rail Network, for facilitating my attendance at this event. My thanks also go to Visit England and the Railway200 team for promoting the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway and inviting qualified guides to collaborate in this national celebration.
Crucially, the event highlighted for me how qualified Blue Badge Tourist Guides are uniquely positioned to be instrumental in this endeavour. Our rigorous training, which is regionally focused, equips us with an unparalleled depth of knowledge, not just of historical facts, but also of local narratives, hidden gems, and the intricate connections between sites and their broader cultural and socio-economic significance to local communities. We understand how to weave compelling stories, making history come alive for visitors of all ages and interests. This expertise is vital for bringing the rich railway heritage of the North East to a wider audience. We can seamlessly integrate railway history into broader tours, highlighting its impact on industrial development, social change, and the very fabric of local communities. Our ability to tailor authentic experiences, manage logistics, and engage diverse groups ensures that the stories of these lines, their stations, and the people who built and used them are told with accuracy, passion, and genuine insight, transforming a simple train journey into an immersive travel exploration. Through our guided experiences, we can directly contribute to the economic vitality of these regions by encouraging longer stays and repeat visits, ensuring the legacy of community rail and its heritage flourishes.
North East England Blue Badge Tourist Guide
