On 18th June, Southern Railway, Sussex Community Rail Partnership and Southern’s Rail Neighbourhood Officers jointly attended the annual Children’s Safety Event in Uckfield, East Sussex. The event, which is organised by Uckfield Town Council was attended by children from local primary schools, the organisers estimated 380 – 400 children plus their teachers and assistants. Some of the other agencies who attended were; Fire & Rescue, East Sussex Police, Highways Agency, Network Rail and even Waitrose, who take a lorry to show the children ‘blind spots’ but more importantly to hand out snacks and drinks. But far and away, despite our best efforts, the big hit of the day is the police motor-cyclist who lets the children sound the sirens on his bike.
Southern took their STEvan (promotional vehicle) which is kitted out to resemble the inside of a train carriage. The children played a game similar to ‘run-around’ (for those old enough to remember Saturday morning TV). And left with handfuls of certificates, stickers, bookmarks and of course ACoRP and Southern travel card wallets.
A great fun day for the children, an exhausting but rewarding day for the adults .
