As the holiday season draws near and the last days of the year tick away, we begin to think more about those around us, whether it’s our family and friends, colleagues, or faces we regularly see as we go about our business.
Though presents and parties have largely become the symbols of Christmas, it’s also time to consider our fellow man and ask how we can make somebody’s life that little bit easier.
With that in mind, this issue begins with a look at the charitable initiatives taking place across the industry to support those less fortunate than ourselves.
Advance TRS, for instance, recently joined Railway Children in hosting its annual charity golf day, which this year raised a record £30,000 for the charity. As well as generating much-needed funds, the event raised awareness of the charity’s work in creating a safety net for vulnerable young people using the rail network to run away from, or unknowingly towards, danger.
With the network operating at peak capacity over the next few weeks, it’s also a good time to consider safety. December always sees a spike in safety incidents, whether that’s on track, on trains, or in stations.
Over the next few weeks, stations and trains will be packed with travellers and partygoers. While most behave themselves, threats towards staff are at a peak at this time of year. We explore the steps rail companies are taking to minimise this anti-social behaviour and make passengers aware of the impact it can have.
Next, Colin Wheeler brings us his regular round up of track safety news, covering a spate of recent collisions, one of which tragically resulted in the death of a passenger. Colin considers the RAIB’s work in investigating these events and hopes for a less eventful 2025.
With the new year on the horizon, regular columnist Daisy Chapman-Chamberlain looks back at rail’s successes over the past 12 months and reflects on how the industry can move onwards and upwards in the years to come. Collaboration will be key, she says, if we’re to tackle the challenges of the future, and greater staff support is essential.
Young Rail Professional’s Bonnie Price also gives us a teaser of their events in the run up to the holidays and delivers some momentous news about the expansion of YRP and its vision for the future. It’s going to be an exciting time!
Looking beyond the new year, 2025 will see a year-long programme of activities marking the birth of the modern railway some 200 years ago. Railway 200 is searching for the UK’s longest-serving, cross-generational railway family to help it celebrate this milestone. We hear from Mike and Andrew Lamport whose family currently holds the title, tracing their rail roots back to 1856. Do you know anyone who could make a similar claim?
Finally, we dedicate the remainder of this issue to the fabulous RailStaff Awards which went off with a bang on 28 November. The industry came together to celebrate all your tireless work and honour some outstanding individuals. The night was another huge success, cementing the event as the highlight of the Railway calendar.
All that’s left is wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and to say thank you for all your sterling efforts over the past 12 months.
We’ll see you in 2025!
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