SOUTH FYLDE LINE COMMUNITY RAIL PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The South Fylde Line Community Rail Partnership held their Annual General meeting on Thursday 25 June 2026, due to the unusually high temperatures and delays across the rail network the meeting was held online.
“It’s been another busy year” commented Tony Ford, who was re-elected as Chair of the South Fylde Line CRP, as he presented his annual report to the SFL CRP AGM. Tony highlighted the many projects that have taken place along the line which included the recent installation of art work at Blackpool Pleasure Beach station. He also thanked the many station volunteers who work hard looking after the stations along the line and Caroline Holden, the lines Community Rail Officer. Full details are in the Chairman’s Report, click here to view it.
The AGM also received a presentation from Emily Oldfield, who is the Community Rail Officer for the South East Lancashire CRP, on the topic of ‘Food, Drink and Rail Heritage’. This covered the many different local foods produced in Lancashire from Crumbly Lancashire to ‘Sad Cakes’ as well the role the railway played. The illustrated presentation can be viewed here.
For Northern Owain Roberts gave an update on recent developments across Northern with a focus on the South Fylde Line. His report can be viewed here.
Looking to the future Richard Watts and Caroline Holden (CRL) detailed recent events and the plans for the forthcoming year. Projects covered included ‘Against The Tide’, new self guide walk leaflets for Blackpool and the Sand Dunes along with developments at Blackpool South. Richard also asked for feedback on the impact and effectiveness of the mini timetables produced by Community Rail Lancashire for the line. The full Activity Plan update can be viewed here.
Elections also took place for the CRP’s officers with Tony Ford re-elected as Chair; Vince Settle and Melanie Taylor as joint Vice Chairs and Richard Watts as Partnership Secretary.
