Cubs from Bures have visited Marks Tey station to learn about the importance of rail safety as part of an initiative by the Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership which will see the children earn a new ‘Platforms for Change’ badge.
The Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, which works with Greater Anglia to promote the six branch lines in the region and help keep them thriving, is working with scout and cubs’ groups, as part of Community Rail Network’s ‘Platforms for Change’ initiative.
On Thursday 3 October, children aged 8 to 10 from Bures Cubs group, travelled on a Greater Anglia service from Bures station to Marks Tey. At the station they met Darren Griffiths from Railscape to receive a rail safety talk. Darren highlighted the importance of travelling safely, how fast trains can travel through the station, and why it is vital that the children take care when stepping on and off services.
At the end of the session, which will help them to work towards the Platforms for Change badge, the children received a goody bag from the CRP. Greater Anglia provided complimentary travel before and after the event, marking the first travel on a train for many of the children.
Jayne Sumner, Rail Engagement Manager for the Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, said:
“We are delighted to be involved with the Platforms for Change initiative, helping young people to build travel confidence, learn new skills and help to improve their community facilities.”
The Platforms for Change project was launched in January 2024 by Community Rail Network and aims to engage and empower Scout groups across Britain through community rail activity and station projects.
As well as a Platforms for Change badge specifically designed for the programme, the groups can also work towards other badges including gardening, volunteering, nature, photography, and writing.
Alan Neville, Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, said:
“We are delighted that the Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership is taking part in the Platforms for Change initiative.
“It is really important that we educate young children about rail safety, and I am delighted that we can create fun educational opportunities while creating a sense of pride in young people for their local railway station.”
Image credit: Greater Anglia
