Community Rail Week 2025
Community Rail Lancashire welcomes over 200 visitors to Accrington Eco Station to celebrate Community Rail Week
Community Rail Lancashire marked Community Rail Week 2025 with a packed programme of events at ‘the bunker’ at Accrington Eco Station. This year’s activities aligned with Railway 200, the national campaign celebrating the past, present, and future of our railways.
Monday 19th May – Over 80 students visit the Eco Station
In the morning, 60 students from Peel Park and Woodnook Primary Schools took part in hands-on educational activities. Working with local environmental charity Prospects Foundation, they made seed bombs and learned about sustainability and conservation.
The pupils also collaborated with local artist Diane Muldowney to create Railway 200-inspired artwork. Northern staff delivered career talks and hands-on sessions about working in the rail industry, with children enjoying the chance to dress up in various rail roles. The morning ended with a surprise visit from Whistle the Dog, much to the delight of the children!
In the afternoon, the activities were repeated for students from The Hollins and St Christopher’s High School, extending the excitement and learning.
Tuesday 20th May – World Bee Day
To mark World Bee Day, pupils from St John’s Stonefold Primary School in Baxenden attended interactive workshops delivered by the East Lancashire Bee Keepers Association. Students explored the importance of bees through wax candle making, honey tasting, observing a real hive, and taking part in a bee quiz.
The day also included a rail safety session and a tour of the Eco Station, highlighting its sustainable design and features.
Wednesday 21st May – An evening of theatre
The Eco Station was transformed into a pop-up theatre for the evening, hosting a Railway 200 performance by the talented Gare Du Nord Theatre Group. The show was a witty and insightful journey through 200 years of railway history — blending comedy, education, and storytelling in a brilliant and entertaining way.
Thursday 22nd May – Eid Bazaar
Community Rail Lancashire teamed up with the Stations of Welcome ladies’ group to host a special bazaar for refugee families in and around Accrington. With clothes, jewellery, and henna available just in time for Eid, this event was a fantastic way to bring the local community together and highlight the welcoming role of the railway.
Friday 23rd May – Young explorers from St Oswald’s
Year 3/4 pupils from St Oswald’s Primary School wrapped up the school visits with a packed day of learning. They took part in railway safety and careers sessions (with dressing up!), enjoyed a guided tour of the Eco Station, and explored the nearby Platt’s Lodge area to discover the remains of an old railway bridge.
Pupils also viewed the Steam to Green poster before designing their own ‘train of the future’.
Saturday 24th May – A Day out on the Yorkshire Dales Explorer
Women from local community group Aawaz enjoyed a scenic day out on the Yorkshire Dales Explorer train to Settle and Carlisle. The group visited Settle Signal Box and museum, enjoyed refreshments, and continued the journey to Carlisle, with free time to explore the city before returning to Accrington in the evening.
Other events during Community Rail Week
In addition to the Eco Station events, Community Rail Lancashire supported and participated in:
+ Leeds Station Safety Week
+ CRL’s stall at Manchester Piccadilly alongside Martin Mere Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust
+ The launch of the ‘Chatty Bench’ at St Anne’s-on-the-Sea
+ A wellbeing-walk with Z’s Academy Senior Asian Ladies Group from St Annes-on-the-Sea Station
+ The launch of two new EcoEscapes itineraries at Whalley Station in conjunction with the Forest of Bowland National landscape
+ A school visit to Saltaire as part of We Will Sing for Bradford City of Culture 2025
Dave Savage, Community Rail Officer said:
“It has been fantastic to welcome so many people to Accrington Eco Station this week and showcase the wide range of diverse activities we do within Community Rail. It’s also been a great opportunity to celebrate the importance of the railway over the past 200 years. A huge thank you to all the volunteers and staff who made this week so special.”
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