Action stations as events mark 200 years of rail

HALTWHISTLE Station has hosted a national launch event to kick start Community Rail Week which marks 200 years since the birth of the modern railway.

- EMILY GRAY

From May 19 to 25, more than 130 activities are taking place at stations and venues across the UK to celebrate two centuries of bringing people together through rail. The community-led events highlight the crucial role the railways play in beating isolation, supporting local economic wellbeing and promoting sustainable travel.

The activities, under the theme Railway 200, also shine a spotlight on the organisations and volunteers working together to ensure railways remain accessible and integral to everyday life. On Monday, May 19, Haltwhistle Station in Northumberland launched Community Rail Week with a series of talks and activities in collaboration with Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership, Bishop Line Community Rail Partnership and Community Rail Cumbria.

Attendees have learnt more about how local rail initiatives support young people, collaborate with tourism and strengthen final mile connections to destinations such as Hadrian's Wall.