Latest news with #CommunityRailNetwork
BBC News
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Artist Nikita Spires brings Great Coates railway 'back to life'
An artist has shared how she painted a mural on a railway ticket office in Lincolnshire to help bring life and history back to the Spires, from Louth, depicted how the office in Great Coates could have looked in Victorian times, complete with an inspector waiting for painted the mural as part of a series at stations including Stallingborough, Cleethorpes, Grimsby Docks and New Clee, which are located on the line between Barton-upon-Humber and Spires said she wanted the painting to be a "nod to the generations who passed through that station". She added: "I wanted to create more than just an image, I wanted to transport people."The Victorian ticket office and window aren't just painted, they're a bridge to the past, a nod to the generations who passed through that station."It's a joy to see how art can transform a forgotten corner into something that sparks imagination, pride and local connection."The murals were painted as part of the Railway 200 project to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway. The Barton-to-Cleethorpes line opened in stages between 1848 and 1863. It also survived the Beeching cuts of the 1960s, while being recommended for closure at the same project has been helped by funding from East Midlands Railway and the Community Rail Network (CRN).Dawn Branton, an officer at CRN, said each mural "beautifully captures a piece of the Barton line". "We hope passengers and visitors alike will have a day out on the line, explore the route, and discover these fantastic artworks for themselves," Ms Branton to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
Powys County Times
08-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Heart of Wales Line to celebrate Community Rail Week
The Heart of Wales Line Community Rail Partnership is set to celebrate Community Rail Week from May 19 to 25. The week-long event, coinciding with the Railway 200 anniversary, aims to highlight the role of the railway in uniting people. A networking event will kick off the celebrations as part of the partnership's Make and Trade project. This initiative connects independent makers and traders along the Heart of Wales Line, promoting the visibility of local businesses. The event is scheduled to take place at Radnor Hills, an award-winning spring water and soft drinks manufacturer in Knighton, on May 19 from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. It will feature a short marketing session led by Megan Birch and Chris Butler from the host business, followed by a tour of the facilities. The Make and Trade project recently received funding from the Community Rail Network to produce a 50-page booklet highlighting businesses in each town along the Heart of Wales line. The brochure, showcasing attractions, shops, and unique products linked to the railway, will be distributed at tourist hotspots across the UK. Businesses interested in being featured in the brochure can apply by emailing heartwalesline@ Owen Griffkin, community rail officer, said: "This event is all about bringing people together and creating new partnerships that can make use of the railway to attract new customers. "Having the support of Radnor Hills, one of the most recognisable companies along the line, will be a real asset to the project. "The company's experience in marketing and branding will be invaluable in helping smaller, local businesses reach new audiences." The following day, May 20, will focus on the heritage of the railway as part of the national Railway 200 celebrations. A drop-in event titled Trains, Tales and Tea will take place at the new KDM Gaming Hub in the recently-renovated Automobile Palace in Llandrindod Wells. Scheduled from 2pm to 4pm, the event invites members of the public to share stories, photographs, and memorabilia connected to the railway's past. Mr Griffkin added: "Railways have shaped our communities for generations. "This event is a chance for people to share their memories and help us capture the social history of the line for future generations." The week will also include environmental enhancements, with 15 new planters being installed at five stations across Powys, supported by a Places for Nature grant from Powys County Council. This will boost biodiversity and create a more welcoming station environment for passengers and volunteers. In addition, Mr Griffkin will accompany a group of primary school pupils on their return train journey from Radnorshire Wildlife Trust's Pentwyn Farm site near Llanbister Road Station, highlighting the railway's contribution to environmental education and community involvement. Bill Freeman, Community Rail Network interim chief executive, said: "We're proud to see such a packed programme of community-led activities being held across Britain during Community Rail Week, especially during Railway 200 anniversary year. "Community Rail Week shines a spotlight on community rail partnerships and station volunteer groups and the innovative projects they deliver across Britain, bringing people together and promoting the benefits of rail."
