New ‘vibrant' train design celebrates ethnicity of workforce
A train has been wrapped in bold artwork celebrating the ethnicity of its operator's workforce and the communities it serves.
Digital artist Baraka Carberry, who created the work for Avanti West Coast, said it shows 'scenes of people, culture, colours and joy'.
The Together We Roll design stretches across all seven carriages of a new Evero train which enters passenger service this summer.
It was produced following a suggestion from the operator's frontline workers.
Avanti West Coast customer experience director Kathryn O'Brien said: 'Nothing like this has been seen on the UK's railways.
'We're incredibly proud of this unique train and who it represents.
'By bringing to life the vibrant communities we serve and our employees, we hope to highlight the many people of different cultures, backgrounds and heritage who have a connection to the railway.'
She acknowledged there is 'still more to be done' at Avanti West Coast and across the wider rail industry to have a workforce 'representative of society and the communities we serve'. PA Media Artist Baraka Carberry created the design.
She added: 'We are passionate about playing our part to attract talent from all backgrounds.
'This vibrant train marks our latest step towards this by sparking conversations about ethnicity and bringing a sense of togetherness across the west coast and beyond.'
Rail minister Lord Hendy said: 'Diversity is key to the success of any industry and creative work like this goes a long way in sparking conversations, encouraging inclusion and may inspire more people to choose a career in rail.
'We still have a long way to go until we have a railway which reflects the society we live in, but Together We Roll shows Avanti West Coast's commitment to representing more of the communities they serve, and I look forward to seeing Baraka's artwork out on the track.'
Carberry described the design as 'a living, evolving artwork that has the potential to resonate with the public'.
She added: 'My hope is that people will connect with the universal moments captured here and reflect on their own unique legacies.'
Avanti West Coast runs services on the West Coast Main Line between London Euston and Scotland.
In October 2023, it named a train Asquith Xavier after the first black person to work as a guard at Euston station in 1966.
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Guardian
2 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
James Norton and Rebecca Adlington take part in 10-hour charity swim
On Friday, the two were among those to take the plunge in a 10-hour endurance ocean swim at Joss Bay in Kent, to raise money for the Blue Marine Foundation, a charity committed to addressing overfishing. Ahead of the event, they shared their earliest memories of the sea and pressed the importance of allowing future generations to 'experience the magic of healthy seas'. Ms Adlington told the PA news agency: 'I've always felt a deep connection to water, so when the opportunity came up to support coastal restoration through this event with Talisker and Blue Marine Foundation, it just felt like a natural fit. 'As a swimming challenge, this one stands out because of its direct impact on protecting and preserving marine life, with £150 from every kilometre swum helping to fund essential conservation work.' The two-time gold medal swimmer added: 'I hope people see this event as more than just a challenge, it's a call to action.' A report published by Blue Marine Foundation in July 2024 noted a 92% UK reduction in seagrass meadows and a 95% decline in native oyster reefs over the last century. Happy Valley actor Norton said: 'Like everyone, I'm in awe of the ocean. It's wild, powerful, and under threat. 'Taking a stand is about protecting biodiversity and ensuring future generations can experience the magic of healthy seas.' He added that his family goes by the mantra 'you'll never regret a swim' but admitted he had never been involved with this level of endurance swimming. New government regulations came into force on Friday which give water industry regulator Ofwat the power to retrospectively prevent bonuses paid in cash, shares or long-term incentive schemes to chief executives and chief financial officers for breaches of environmental, customer service or financial standards in a given financial year. Ms Adlington did not have a direct challenge for water companies in the UK but added that the Blue Marine Foundation was committed to coastal regeneration and improving UK waters. Ahead of the event, Norton said: 'My earliest memories of the sea are going on day trips to Scarborough. 'My whole village would cram into a coach and head to the beach for a day of fish and chips, rock and candy floss.' For every kilometre swum by participants at Joss Bay between 7am and 5pm on Friday, Talisker, who are supporting the event, will donate £150 to the foundation. The company has also pledged a further £112,608 to Blue Marine Foundation through sales of a limited edition whisky.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Inside Beyonce's huge London Cowboy Carter show with flying car, bucking mechanical bull & racy outfits
Beyonce had eight outfit changes during her first night Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BEYONCE'S Cowboy Carter tour gets off to a flying start at the Tottenham Stadium. The American singer rode a mechanical bull and flew around the stands in a red car as she performed 40 songs during a high tempo three hour set. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Beyonce's Cowboy Carter tour gets off to a flying start at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Credit: PA 5 Showstopper cowgirl in her leotard and chaps Credit: Instagram 5 Beyonce's three-hour set was a hit Credit: Instagram Beyonce, 43, had eight outfit changes during her first night - including a new look where she wore a sparkly white leotard with tasselled chaps. She will play five more dates at the North London stadium, with the second taking place tonight. Her family have joined her in the capital for the shows, with Beyoncé's eldest daughter Blue Ivy, 13, taking a starring role in her dance troupe. Beyonce's other daughter, Rumi, seven, also made her debut on a British stage at the concert - appearing by her mum's side as she performed her song Protector. She will celebrate her eighth birthday, alongside her twin brother Sir Carter, during their stay in London and insiders said Beyoncé was planning a party for the pair. A source said: 'Beyonce's family are always with her when she's touring and the London dates coincide with the twins' birthdays. 'She is planning on throwing a party for them and they'll be seeing bits of London on her days off. 'Beyoncé absolutely loves her work but it's always family first - her children are her priority.' Beyonce will play 31 international dates on her Cowboy Carter tour - and is expected to make £240million from the concerts. The Sun first revealed Beyonce was planning her six night residency at the Tottenham Stadium last September. Her concerts kick off a huge summer of music in the UK, with Oasis, Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Blackpink, Kendrick Lamar, SZA, and Billie Eilish all booked to play in London this year. 'In our cowboy era,' fashion fans race to Primark to get their hands on 'summer concert essential' that's loved by Beyonce 5 Beyoncé tours the stadium in a flying car Credit:
Rhyl Journal
3 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
BBC art dealer from Bargain Hunt jailed for terror offence
The 53-year-old admitted to eight counts of failing to disclose during business under the Terrorism Act 2000. Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said Ojiri was aware that he had sold art to Nazem Ahmad, who had been sanctioned in 2019 by the US authorities. Hezbollah is considered a terrorist organisation in the UK (Image: Ben Whitley/PA) She stated: "These offences are so severe that only a custodial sentence can be justified." According to the BBC, the judge added: "You knew about Ahmad's suspected involvement in financing terrorism and the way the art market can be exploited by people like him. "Your hard work, talent and charisma has brought you a great deal of success... You knew you should not have been dealing with that man." She added that there was no evidence that Ojiri supported any form of extremism but that his conduct undermined he detection of terrorist financing. Representing the BBC Bargain Hunt star, Gavin Irwin said that the art expert's "humiliation is complete," adding that the star has lost "his good name" and the "work he loves." Mr Irwin added: "He'd like to apologise for undermining trust" in the art market. Discussing the case, Cdr Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, said: "Raising money for terrorism is a core part of how terrorist groups are then able to cause harm around the world." Bethan David, head of the CPS Counter Terrorism Division, said Ojiri's motivation appeared "to be financial, along with a broader desire to boost his gallery's reputation within the art market by dealing with such a well-known collector." He added: "This prosecution is believed to be the first of its kind, and the CPS will not hesitate to bring criminal charges against individuals who flout the law in this way." According to the House of Lords Library, Hezbollah is an armed Shiite militia group that is backed by Iran, which largely operates in Lebanon. Giving the UK Government's reasoning for classifying it as a terrorist group in 2024, it added: "It has been proscribed in its entirety by the UK as a terrorist organisation since 2019. "The current conflict between Hezbollah and Israel continues. Hezbollah has fired rockets at Israeli territory whilst Israel has launched retaliatory airstrikes—including that which saw the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah." It concluded by saying: "The UK has called for an immediate ceasefire to provide space for a diplomatic settlement."
