On 24th August, Community Rail Lancashire invited members of the Station Adoption groups across the county to participate in our poetry train event. The group met at Preston before departing to Accrington Eco Station.
In the poetry workshop led by professional poet, Ajaz Quershi, the group reflected on their train memories, thoughts and feelings. They were encouraged to write their own poetry all whilst taking in Lancashire’s varying landscapes from the carriage windows.
At the Bunker (home of CRL), Shahiesta had prepared a delicious buffet (with a particularly yummy selection of cakes!) and showed the participants around the eco features of the station.
Ajaz was busy gathering everyone’s words and rail stories which he plans to use as inspiration for a commissioned poetry piece.
Not only was this day filled with creativity but with chats, laughter and bonding across the station groups. We were so happy to be joined by such lovely participants and want to thank them for sharing their poetry and stories with us.
On the 27th November, it’s Lancashire Day and CRL will be hosting a celebration event. Ajaz will be presenting his commissioned poem as well as the unveiling of a new piece of station artwork.
Anjaleen from Blackburn Station told us:
“The Poetry Train was a fantastic idea and I really enjoyed the day! Taking the time to do some creative writing on a moving train, through the beautiful landscapes of Lancashire felt very special and provided a great opportunity for some deep reflection and interaction with the railway. By the end of the journey, I felt that I had developed a much deeper appreciation of our railway system in Lancashire, and I felt very inspired. It was a wonderful day and I enjoyed speaking with other people, while learning about the importance the railway has to our individual lives and at the same time connects us all as a community in Lancashire.”
Community Rail Lancashire would like to thank John Holden who volunteered to take photographs for the event. The photographs remain his copyright.
