Date: 2023-08-15
Attendees: Suzie McCheyne- Development Officer, Diane Whateley- Secretary, Eugenie Aroutcheff- Grow 73, Jim Bolton- Rutherglen CC, John Wilson- Scotrail, Alex Bray-Cross Country, Caroline Thompson-Noble CRN, Victoria Moore-volunteer, Arlene Dickson-Samaritans, Willie Clark- Transport for Scotland, Haotian Zheng- Postgrad Student
Updates
A. Development Officer
- United in Learning – Funded by Cross Country and Scotrail. Project to break down generational barriers. Eastfield Chatty Crafters travelled to meet youth CRP 6VT and were taught how to use Tik Tok and made a joint video. The project increased rail participation in both groups. JW stated that he’d observed mutual respect from both groups and noticed that the young group had not used their mobile phones during their interaction. The railway chaplain had attended the event and had been impressed. SMcC is writing an evaluation report for the funders.
- Autism – inclusivity for all neurodiverse conditions; two sources of funding for the travelling classrooms initiative – Scotrail and Cross Country, which had 2 autism consultants facilitating the event. Passengers and participants found the event fun, informative and interactive. One more session is planned for the October week. 25 children were funded to visit the science centre. JW thought that the event had gone well and thought that there should be autism awareness training for Scotrail staff. An output report from the Autism consultants regarding accessibility along the line with adaptation suggestion swill be posted by SMcC.
- Rutherglen Station – agreed that it is long overdue for an upgrade. An initial deep clean, with upgrading of bins and repainting is due, imminently. The windows overlooking the track need cleaned but this is practically, difficult. There is, now, no financial penalty for Network Rail failing to upgrade stations under the new Service Quality regime.
AP1: WC will send a report about Rutherglen to Network rail Board/Scotrail
CPT suggested that corporate volunteers might be able to contribute. JW reported that Network Rail had recruited a team of painters and a report had been made to Scotrail Holdings about the state of Rutherglen station.
EA mentioned that the station adopters had been busy and that the local primary school would get involved. However, the flower barrels on the platform were falling apart and replacements were requested in April. There is a concern about the long-term maintenance of the story wall at the station entrance. The bike stand shelter is also deteriorating as lichen is growing on it.
AP2: JW to chase up
3. Hope in Hamilton update
Initial installation of electrics due within a week after which the final installation should be imminent.
4. Podcasts across the CRP
Scotrail and Cross country have provided funding to create a podcast for each of the stations covered by the CRP via QR codes. Also, suggestions re volunteering at green sites via QR codes.
Various
· HZ-As part of his postgrad work, HZ wants to have a workshop looking at various stakeholders for CRP and railways, involving social media to feed into designing railways for the future.
AP3: WC to connect HZ to Alastair Brewster as he is interested in the same area
· EA mentioned that Robert Brown, a local Councillor is keen to progress ideas for 2026 celebration of Rutherglen, as a Royal Borough for 900 years. As part of that there is a preliminary meeting on 17/8/2023.
· VM told the group that Blantyre historical society had a lot of information which could be helpful in generating the podcast. SMcC stated that her connections with David Livingstone Centre will also be useful. VM explained that she would be able to help with contractual and other legal matters, given her legal training.
· JW reminded the group of the Scotrail Community Awards on 26 October, and Community Rail Network Awards on 13/14 November (by 9th October) both of which the CRP should apply for. The Sustainable Rail Fund is now open to Scottish CRPs.
· AD – Suicide prevention week. Conversation cafes on trains on 7and 9 September, routes tbc. Pop ups on those days at Central Station.
· HZ- there is a lack of accessible transport information for international students arriving in Glasgow. Scotrail have recently launched a ‘days out’ hub.
Next Meeting: 26/09/23 @2.30pm @ H&H in Rutherglen, TBC