Eve’s Diary: our Community Rail Officer’s autumn adventures around our network
Our Community Rail Officer, Eve Sherratt, had an exciting autumn attending meetings and events around the South West Wales rail network. Here she rounds up some of her highlights.
It’s been a busy and inspiring autumn here at South West Wales Connected CRP. I’ve been delighted to meet and, in some cases collaborate with, a wide range of outstanding individuals, organisations and events, beginning with:
The Collaboration Station at Swansea Waterfront Museum
On September 9, we were part of Swansea Council’s Collaboration Station at the National Waterfront Museum, which unites community groups and the public to network and share useful information. There were more than 70 stands on this occasion, and we met with so many different groups, enjoying updates on some really outstanding projects happening in the Swansea area.
We discussed cultural events with Jia Wang from the Chinese community, and met with the National Autistic Society, who we’re working closely with for our Joy of the Journey daytrips (more on those below), plus community groups and station events.
It was also great to hear from Swansea Grand Theatre and Swansea Arena about their promotions and the amazing shows that are set to brighten the dark winter months.
Swansea Railway Modellers Group
On September 15, I was very pleased to attend the Swansea Railway Modellers’ exhibition in the LC, Swansea. It had a fantastic turnout – it was lovely to see such support and enthusiasm, and it was amazing to see all the miniature railways set up and items for sale. The miniature trains ranged from TFW and GWR to Thomas the Tank Engine!
Swansea Railway Modellers attended our first Railway heritage meeting in Swansea station, and it’s been great to learn about the wonderful work they do and discuss our own projects.
I’m now looking forward to attending one of the group’s meetings, which take place on Thursday and Wednesday evenings at 300 Carmarthen Road, Swansea. It’s a wonderful group to be part of. If you’d like to know more, their website is here.
It’s your Neath Port Talbot
On September 20, 4theRegion held its inaugural It’s Your Neath Port Talbot – a free, day-long forum in Margam Orangery including talks, conversations, and opportunities to share ideas on how to create a brighter future for the county. It was also a showcase and networking opportunity for local businesses and organisations, and we were pleased to be counted amongst those.
South West Wales Community Rail Partnership is hosted by 4theRegion, so we work closely with them and are strongly aligned with their work to make good things happen in South West Wales. It’s Your Neath Port Talbot was a fantastic day of collaboration and discussion about all the wonderful opportunities in Neath and Port Talbot. I’m looking forward to the next event, in 2025.
Joy of the Journey
Our Joy of the Journey programme funds rail outings for community groups, with the aim of boosting confidence about using the train and showcasing some of the great things you can see and do around our rail network.
On October 3, we took a Joy of the Journey trip with the pupils and teachers of St Mark’s Church in Wales VA Primary in Haverfordwest. They caught the train to Swansea to visit the fantastic tropical zoo at Plantasia, who we’ve partnered with to offer visits for Joy of the Journey groups. We were also accompanied by the British Transport Police.
We had an amazing day that included a Rainforest Rangers workshop in which everyone had the chance to handle a snake, a millipede, and a giant African snail.
Community rail conference in Nottingham
On October 7 & 8 we had a chance to meet and collaborate with other community rail officers and discuss the challenges, opportunities and everything community rail. There are over 75 community rail partnerships across the UK, all working to help communities get the most from the railways. The conference was a perfect way to share ideas and inspiration, and to formulate exciting new plans for the future.
Meeting with Jeff Phillips
On October 15, I had a lovely meeting with Jeff Phillips, who recently exhibited his artwork in the revamped Palace Theatre Swansea. Jeff is known for creating evocative paintings of Swansea’s past and present. In particular, he has chronicled the impact of industry on our landscape – as part of which, he recently painted the last shift of Tata Steelworks.
Jeff’s work is an important contribution to our cultural heritage. To view it, hop over to his website here.
Volcano Men’s Shed event and open day
On October 23 I thoroughly enjoyed attending the Volcano Theatre open day on Swansea’s High Street to hear all their updates, and to share ours. Located in a disused supermarket building, Volcano Theatre produces fresh, inventive and surprising work, which it stages on site and also tours. You can discover more about them here.
All in all, it was a packed and very positive month, highlighting so many reasons why South West Wales is a great place to live and work. Stand by for my final update of the year, coming soon!