Date: 2025-02-28
Attendees: Suzie McCheyne- Development Officer, Diane Whateley- Secretary, Aiden Watt-volunteer, John Wilson- Scotrail, Nigel Wunsch- deputy chair, Alex Bray- Cross Country, Fraser Hamilton, Jim Bolton- Healthy and Happy, Andy Crosbie National Autistic society, John Miller- Scotrail Holdings.
Apologies: Victoria Moore- Chair; Rose hewitt Newton Station adopters; Arlene Dickson. Samaritans
Updates
JW — Dates to be aware of: 22/3/2025 CRP networking meeting through Scotrail
25/4/2025 JW retiring
JB — Ticket office hours being cut at Rutherglen and Cambuslang, but JW explained that staff would still be available to help, although there was the possibility that they could be taken away to man barriers at Central, for instance. This was agreed not to be in the best interests of customers some of whom might need additional assistance eg National Autistic society members, elderly.
Everyone agreed that Rutherglen station and its approaches needed an upgrade. A site visit with Network Rail and local councillors, including Robert Brown and MP Michael Shanks, was proposed. Could be part of Rutherglen 900. SMcC mentioned that Rail 74 was mentioned in the action plan for Rutherglen 900
AW — intimated his intention to resign as a volunteer pending his gap year in Australia.
Development Officer
- SMcC reminded the group that a new treasurer was required. She was happy to do the accounts but a Treasurer was required for governance purposes and probably a Chair as VM had taken on a new job.
- SMcC – Cross country had funded community events at Newton station with a view to encouraging volunteer participation. To date there had been 2 sessions, making fat balls for birds and bird boxes. The next date was Sunday 23 March @1.30pm. A possible event will be planned for school participation, with more Avanti and Cross-Country funding for next year for potentially 6 additional sessions.
- Various projects with NAS- days out, along train route visiting Glasgow, museums. Possible job opportunities with Scotrail? Ice Cream architecture involved in online mapping of autistic friendly days out.
- Avanti/ Cross Country have funded travelling classrooms for 200 people to celebrate 200 years of the railways. SMcC to do further funding applications. AP1
- Rail safety live learning had been funded by Rail 74 and has engaged with 5000 school children in S Lanarkshire, within a 10 mile radius of the rail stations.
- Annual accounts have been drawn up and require accountant sign off
Next meeting: Friday 11/04/2025