On Friday 3rd December the 1066 Hastings to Tonbridge Community Rail Line hosted its first in person AGM at The Robertsbridge Club. Chair James Abbott gave a us a brief introduction followed by an overview of community rail work across the Southeastern Rail region by Matt Fraser SER Community Relations Manager which gave plenty of inspiration for members of the steering group.
Andy Barrow, Chair of Southeastern’s newly formed Accessible Travel Advice Panel spoke regarding the formation and purpose of the panel with discussion on small improvements that can be made a stations to make rail travel more inclusive for everybody. Larger scale issues in accessibility were raised regarding Battle, Wadhurst and High Brooms.
A progress review of the community engagement projects along the line was provided by Southeast Communities Rail Partnership Line Officer Catherine Simmons highlighting the recent joint 1066 and Marshlink Line Volunteer thankyou event kindly hosted by the Kent and East Sussex Railway at Tenterden. Potential for disused station buildings at Battle, Frant and Wadhurst, wildlife improvements and discussions with Network Rail Ecologist who have recently been working on the line and the recent social media and in person pop up events to promote the SCRP and nation wide #GoGreenByTrain campaign led by Community Rail Network.
Community Rail Week – Go Green by Train – Community Rail Network
Finally everyone attending was able to contribute to a ‘Wish List’ for the 1066 Line in 2022, with some great suggestions which can help to start forming next years line action plan. If you have any ideas to add please send them to catherine@southeastcrp.org
