Representatives of the Essex and South Suffolk community rail partnership and Greater Anglia got together at the Old Engine Shed at Chappel Station to host a thank you party for their dedicated station adopters. A great time was had by all at the party on Wednesday 4 July, held in the iconic railway building, surrounded by key exhibits from the East Anglian Railway Museum.  A delicious spread was provided by the Community Rail Partnership, including delectable homemade cakes, whilst Greater Anglia provided complimentary travel to the event for the adopters.

Geraint Hughes Greater Anglia Partnerships Manager said: “The Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership supports and promotes 5 branch lines in our area and the station adopters do much to assist their work, so it was fitting that we should all come together to thank them for their enthusiasm and dedication.”

Jayne Sumner Essex County Council’s Rail Manager said: “We were delighted that so many station adopters from across our patch were able to join us at Chappel station for this celebration of their work. The station adopters contribute a great deal to the work of the Community Rail Partnership, which is why it was so important we brought them all together to say a very big thank you. We really appreciate what they do.”

Station adopters play an important role in acting as the eyes and ears of their local community by providing feedback to the train operator on station related matters. Many adopters now get involved with initiatives such as gardening, helping with special event trains or running promotional stalls, as part of their efforts to improve the environment at their local station and promote their local routes.

The Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership embraces 5 routes: Harwich to Manningtree, Wickford to Southminster, Marks Tey to Sudbury, Braintree to Witham and Colchester to Clacton-on-Sea & Walton-on-the-Naze. The partnership works to promote the branch lines and engage with the local communities along the routes.