Annual Stakeholder Event, 30th April 2025
We were delighted to welcome our stakeholders, partners, members and volunteers to our Annual Stakeholder Event, on Wednesday 30th April at Maidstone Town Hall.
The event provides an opportunity to showcase our achievements to our stakeholders, and to celebrate the contributions of our volunteers.
People Powered Movement and Community Rail
Xavier Brice, CEO Sustrans
We were delighted to be joined by Xavier Brice, who talked about how Sustrans makes people powered movement possible for everyone; when we change how we travel, we change everything.
Relating personal tales of how Kent’s railways had been a major influence on Xavier as he was growing up, he explained how rail travel does not just connect people to places, it brings them together in ways that benefit our health, our well being and our world.
Annual Report 2024/25 and Action Plan 2025/26
Clare Dowling, Sustrans Project Manager for Kent CRP
Clare talked us through the successes of the last twelve months, with over 3,600 volunteer hours contributed to help community rail to flourish along our lines. Over £30,000 was raised in grant funding to support and deliver key projects on our lines.
Our travel training offer has evolved. Over 100 people have received travel training this year, with tutors supported and empowered to deliver future sessions to their students. Our other projects have brought communities together, and promoted sustainable travel and tourism.
Our Annual Report demonstrates that our work is impact led and evidence based.
Volunteer Recognition
Chris Fribbins, Chair Kent CRP
As recent winners of the 2025 Community Rail Network “Outstanding contribution to Community Rail” award, it was great to have a room full of enthusiastic and passionate volunteers and industry representatives to celebrate the successes of the year, and recognise those who have made it happen.
Among many certificates issued, special mentions go to Ian and Margaret Paterson as they step back from many years of care for the station gardens at Maidstone West, John Wright for his “Outstanding Contribution to Kent CRP” since our foundation in 2003, and to Chris Fribbins in his pivotal role as our Chair.
Our Volunteer of the Year award for 2024/25 went to the Station at Hollingbourne CIC, the community led organisation that manage the succssful Signal Box Cafe and manage community use of the venue outside of cafe opening hours.
The award was accepted on their behalf by Signal Box Cafe volunteer, Dominic Noades.
Diversity House Project
Linda Brinklow, Chair Swale Rail Line
Linda gave a fabulous presentation on our work with Diversity House in helping people with English as a second language to overcome barriers to travel.
Vicky built on previous work with the group in 2022, creating a fun pre-travel learning session which included key phrases needed for a safe and enjoyable days out by rail adventure.
This enabled the group to feel happy and relaxed, and to have fun on the day.
Maidstone and Tonbridge Stations, Strategic Studies
Simon Hulse, Network Rail
A recent study considering future growth along the Medway Valley Line identified a need for strategic level planning for the major stations on the route.
The study for Maidstone West and Barracks will tie in to Maidstone Borough Council’s local plan and receive input from Transport for the South East, local bus operators and other stakeholders.
The recently completed study for Tonbridge station evidences the benefits of community engagement at an early stage, Simon thanked Kent CRP for providing community insights for the study.
Putting Down Routes
Sarah Moon, Kent Downs National Landscape
Sarah’s presentation explained how the Putting Down Routes project aims to position the North Downs Way National Trail as a safe, inclusive and accessible destination where all are welcome.
It seeks to encourage new audiences from under-represented communities to enjoy the trail.
Kent CRP have been a key partner, working with volunteer North Downs Way ambassadors to deliver led walks and promoting inclusive sustainable Days Out By Rail on the trail.
Railway 200 and Southeastern Updates
Kevin Warn, Southeastern
From Southeastern in Bloom and timetable improvements, to train refurbishments and Access for All station improvement schemes, Southeastern remain committed to improving their performance and delivering a better experience for customers.
Southeastern and Network Rail will be celebrating Railway 200 throughout 2025, with a dedicated microsite to help keep you up to date.
Close
Chris Fribbins
Chris closed by thanking everyone for the role they have played in Kent CRP’s success at the 2025 Community Rail Awards, where we were recognised for an”Outstanding contribution to Community Rail.“
The award reflects the dedication and commitment of all our officers, members, partners and volunteers over Kent CRP’s first 22 years.
