Cambridgeshire community rail group champions inclusive, accessible journeys as part of a national campaign
A celebration event was held at Meldreth station to recognise the valuable contribution of volunteers, as part of Community Rail Week activities taking place across Britain.
Cam Valley Community Rail Partnership hosted the event where new history boards for Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton stations were unveiled, marking Railway 200.
The gathering highlighted the vital role rail can play in enabling accessible, inclusive journeys for everyone and gave people a chance to preview the history boards, hear short speeches and enjoy refreshments.
The day formed part of a nationwide programme of community‑led activities taking place during Community Rail Week, organised by Community Rail Network, supported by the rail industry.
Cam Valley Community Rail Partnership covers the stations in South Cambridgeshire including Meldreth, Shepreth, Foxton, Shelford and Whittlesford Parkway. The Partnership will include Cambridge South station once it is officially opened at the end of June.
The partnership works with local authorities, train operators, community groups and volunteers to promote sustainable travel, improve station environments, celebrate local heritage and support inclusive access to rail.
Cllr Dr. Lisa Redrup, Lead Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities for South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Community rail is all about connecting people with places and opportunities, and helping everyone feel welcome on the railway. Projects like the new history boards at Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton stations celebrate local stories while bringing people together and encouraging a sense of pride and belonging. Community Rail Week is a great chance to highlight how these small, local projects can make a big difference.”
Community Rail Network chief executive, Jools Townsend, said: “Community Rail Week is a powerful opportunity to celebrate how rail can support journeys for all – connecting people with opportunities, strengthening communities and helping to remove barriers to travel. Community rail partnerships and station volunteers are at the heart of this work, delivering local projects that make a real difference to people’s lives.”
Community Rail Week, sponsored by Rail Delivery Group, took place from 1–7 June, highlighting how community rail helps people overcome barriers to travel, such as accessibility, cost and confidence. This year’s theme, ‘Journeys for All’, reflects a shared ambition to make rail more inclusive, supporting social connection, access to opportunity and welcoming railways at the heart of community life, while encouraging greener, more sustainable travel.
The week also coincided with Volunteers Week, shining a spotlight on the vital role of community rail volunteers in helping deliver ‘Journeys for All’. Each year, more than 8,000 volunteers give around 370,000 hours, helping to make rail travel more welcoming, accessible and inclusive for communities across Britain.
Throughout the year, Cam Valley Community Rail Partnership works with local communities, schools, station adopters and industry partners to deliver projects that improve stations, celebrate local heritage, support biodiversity and promote confident, inclusive travel by rail.
