railway

Rail, Trail, Ale scheme relaunched to bring people into village

A rail and ramble project launched this year aimed at bringing people into a Shropshire village is to be extended next year. The Albrighton project is being relaunched under the heading ‘Rail, Trail, Ale’, and promises to be bigger and better. Albrighton parish councillor and organiser Peter Illes said: “We want people to come to Albrighton by train, they can have a lovely picturesque train ride, following by an easy guided ramble through the beautiful Shropshire countryside and then enjoy a drink or a bite to eat at one of the pubs, restaurants or coffee shops that are all within a short walk […]

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Community spirit gets a boost from railway funding

A whole host of community projects in a West Midlands district – from restoring a rare natural amphitheatre in an area that inspired JRR Tolkien to helping youngsters read more – have been boosted thanks to funding from West Midlands Railway. Various community groups in Hall Green, Birmingham, joined forces to enhance the area for residents and visitors with litter picks, planters and a link-up between the library and the railway station. There was already a long-running poetry project, with verses posted on boards in the waiting rooms at Hall Green Railway Station for passengers to enjoy. That is now

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Station artwork reveals town’s medieval magic

Stunning artwork panels are being installed at Ledbury Railway Station, giving visitors an insight into the history and heritage of the medieval town. The artwork will detail the history of the town and its iconic buildings and structures and explore the town’s railway connection. The work, produced by three respected local artists, will be displayed in a three-panel glazed cabinet set within an existing brick planter at the station, offering a permanent and eye-catching display for rail passengers. Gareth Davies, from public transport user group Rail and Bus for Herefordshire, is the project leader. He said he hoped the artwork,

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Rail promotion project putting Halesowen on the map

Halesowen is being promoted as a visitor and shopping destination at nearby Rowley Regis Railway Station. Organisers hope that new signs and artwork will drive some of the thousands of passengers that pass through Rowley Regis every day to neighbouring Halesowen by raising awareness of the many attractions on offer. New signs at the station highlight bus, walking and cycle routes into Halesowen; artwork designed by Halesowen students reflecting the heritage of the area is being installed and a new volunteer station adoption team have been hard at work enhancing the station environment. Vicky Rogers, manager of Halesowen BID, said:

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New book reveals rich history of Water Orton Railway Station

The history of Water Orton Railway Station has been immortalised in a new book researched and produced by a voluntary village action group. The book, called Water Orton Rail History, documents the heritage of the station and the surrounding rail network. The station first opened in 1842, and has been a focal point of the community. It is now back in the spotlight with potential changes in the pipeline. Huge changes are being made to the rail infrastructure in the area, as work progresses on the HS2 rail link, which will see two huge viaducts being built in Water Orton,

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Rail passengers on track to discover city’s musical roots

Rail passengers will find themselves on a route to the roots of Birmingham’s world-class musical heritage thanks to a new community project. Musical Routes will see 30 themed maps installed at railway stations across the city, telling the story of the musical heritage of each area. They will celebrate world-class artists Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, The Beat, Joan Armatrading, Andy Hamilton and Jamelia along with many more, and profile iconic venues such as the Que Club and Rum Runner. The project is the brainchild of Birmingham Music Archive and the rail-travelling public will benefit thanks to funding from West

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All aboard for the ‘Innovation Station’

Great Malvern visitors and residents will find themselves immersed in tomorrow’s world of technology during the 10th annual Malvern Festival of Innovation. The festival takes place from October 4 to 10 and delves into all aspects of innovation from science to space and cyber security with a series of events and talks from national and international experts. The festival includes the ‘Next Generation Innovators’ schools’ day, which already has 600 pupils registered and will highlight the importance of science, technology, engineering and maths in the modern curriculum. The event will also encourage engineering and technology businesses to flourish by interacting with the community.

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Ambitious community hub plan for Hednesford

Hednesford is to get a new community hub, café and garden under ambitious new plans. The scheme is going ahead following the award of a £105,000 grant from the Customer and Communities Fund at West Midlands Railway. The main attraction will be a fully-restored rail carriage converted into a café and community hub set within a newly-created leisure garden. There will also be Incredible Edible planting boxes, outdoor seating and a greenhouse. Local mining heritage will be celebrated with a restored coal wagon and secure cycle racks will create an integrated travel hub for visitors and local people. David Wisehall,

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