Celebrating Community Rail at the House of Commons
The Parliamentary Event for Community Rail, hosted at the House of Commons on 7th July, aimed to shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of community rail across the UK. Organised by the Community Rail Network, this high-profile gathering brought together MPs, rail industry representatives, volunteers, and community leaders to celebrate and recognise the growing importance of community-led initiatives in the rail sector. The event’s goal was to showcase how community rail contributes to social inclusion, sustainability, and wellbeing—with a strong focus on building community pride, promoting local tourism, and encouraging environmentally responsible travel. For the Calder Valley Line Community Rail Partnership (CVL CRP), attending the event was a valuable opportunity to connect with other partnerships, learn from best practice, and raise awareness of the diverse work being done along the line—from inclusive events and art projects to accessibility improvements and wellbeing programmes.
Held in one of the UK’s most prestigious venues, the event featured keynote speeches, networking opportunities, and case studies from across the country. The CVL CRP team engaged with other attendees, shared experiences informally, and took part in conversations. The event was an excellent chance to reflect on the positive role community rail plays in both rural and urban areas—and how important cross-sector collaboration is for future growth. During the event, the Calder Valley Line was frequently cited in conversation as a model of best practice, known for its strong volunteer base, creative partnerships, and inclusive community programming.
Though the team remained in a listening and networking role, their presence helped build bridges, spark ideas for future collaborations, and reinforce CVL’s reputation within the sector. This year’s parliamentary celebration marked an important step in making community rail more visible and valued nationally and gave CRP representatives the rare opportunity to speak directly with decision-makers in Westminster about the impact of their work.
Though no formal presentation was made, the Calder Valley Line’s presence had lasting impact:
Raised awareness: Attending the event helped ensure that the work done across the Calder Valley Line remains visible and respected nationally.
Networking and partnerships: Informal conversations led to ideas for future collaborative projects and knowledge-sharing with other CRPs.
Policy influence: helped advocate for continued support, funding, and recognition of community rail’s role in
tackling isolation, promoting sustainable transport, and building resilience.
Volunteer morale: Sharing photos and updates from the day helped acknowledge the contribution of local
volunteers and partners, demonstrating how their local efforts are part of a wider national movement.
Momentum: The event reignited motivation to pursue new ideas, with many attendees commenting on the strong track record of the CVL CRP and its commitment to inclusion and creativity.
The Parliamentary Event reinforced that community rail is more than just railways—it is about people, partnerships, and pride of place. CVL CRP left feeling inspired and re-energised, ready to continue developing projects that empower communities.
