On a sunny Bonfire night morning, Community Rail Cumbria and Community Rail Network (formerly ACoRP) welcomed over 30 participants to the first local Community Rail networking and Skill Swap event. It took place at Holker Village Hall in Cark – on the iconic Furness Line. Delegates were volunteer station adopters from each of the stations along Lakes Line and Furness Line.
Station adopters are part of volunteer community organisations up and down Britain who contribute their time, skills and creativity into making local stations attractive, thriving community hubs, welcoming to both visitors and everyday commuters.

The Chair of Lakes Line and Furness Line CRPs, Tim Owen welcomed the station adopters. He gave the background to the government initiatives for station adoption, its development and immense social value – both for rail use but also for society and our communities as a whole.

Representatives from three of the station adoption groups held interesting presentations on their experiences – Tricia Thomas from Friends of Grange station/Grange Civic Society, David Stubbins from Friends of Cark station, Mary Rossall from Friends of Kents Bank station. Additionally other groups shared their experiences and projects on the day.