Rowena was contacted by the director of Strawfords Day Centre, after they met at one of the Time Travel museum sessions. He was keen to forge links with Community Rail, in order to encourage the people with learning difficulties at the centre to consider using public transport. He also wanted to showcase the excellent work being done at Strawfords with a long-term aim of forming a station partnership.
On 25th July, Strawfords Day Centre hosted a Culture Day, inviting adults with special needs or accessibility issues to meet up with each other. Stands were set up across the centre, with cooking displays, music, craft and tombola stalls.
Sussex Police had a stand, and so did Community Rail. Our stand was run by Rowena Tyler, SCRP Line Officer for the Arun Valley Line, Andrew Chillingsworth, GTR Community Engagement, and Nick Turner, Network Rail Community Safety. With a quiz to test visitors’ knowledge on staying safe and respecting the railway, leaflets and giveaways such as badges, pens and ticket wallets, over 70 people visited the stand throughout the day. A winner drawn out of the bag by Fas Shamoom, Strawford’s Day Opportunity Coordinator, was given a goodie bag, which included all the giveaways plus a few more.
The Community Rail stand also promoted GTR’s new ‘train selfie frame’. People could have a photo taken, which made them seem to be driving a train.
The local county councillor, Amanda Jupp asked questions about level crossing down times, and offered to help link Network Rail in with schools in the area.
The Selfie train, on its first outing, helped to open discussions on rail travel, including special offers and support available.
"Everyone agreed it was a worthwhile event, the first of its kind to be held at Strawfords Day Centre."
"As a result of making this connection, Strawfords Centre have now linked with SCRP Go-Learn education officer and Network Rail Community Safety Education Officer, to deliver a series of sessions at the centre."
"I loved having my photo taken with the Selfie Train, I’d like to travel on a real train soon."