The past few years have brought challenges that have tested resilience and community spirit.
This Christmas season, the railway industry invited everyone to step away from the daily grind and embrace the magic of togetherness at a number of heartwarming Railway Carol Services.
These events provide a celebration of unity, generosity, and holiday cheer, and are open to railway staff and the wider public alike.
The Railway Carol Services also encourage attendees to embrace the spirit of giving. Donations to food banks and local charities are a key element of the events, ensuring the season’s warmth extends to those in need.
National Railway Museum, York
The festive season was kicked off on Monday 11 December, when 200 people gathered to embrace the spirit of Christmas in the historic setting of York’s National Railway Museum.
The event, which brought together colleagues from across the rail industry and representatives from the local community, was hosted by LNER and supported by the Railway Mission. Guests were encouraged to bring non-perishable items to support the York Foodbank, fostering the spirit of giving.
The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Margaret Wells, the Sheriff of York, Ms Fiona Fitzpatrick and children from St Barnabas CE Primary School were among the guests, joined by colleagues from train operators and representatives from the wider railway including Network Rail, Northern, and the British Transport Police.
The service included carols, readings, and a poem by Lizzie Lovejoy which was written on an LNER service that was enroute to the launch of the S&DR200 Festival programme and inspired by the memories of fellow passengers. York Railway Institute Band were joined by a choir of industry colleagues. Contributions were also collected for York Foodbank.
Ed Turner, communications manager at LNER and event coordinator, said: “The Rail Staff Christmas Carol Service offered an opportunity to bring colleagues and members of the wider community together to celebrate the joy of the Christmas Season. As the industry gears up to celebrate the bicentenary of the modern railway in 2025, the Great Hall at the National Railway Museum provided a perfect setting as we were surrounded by numerous awe-inspiring engines from the past 200 years.”
Liam Johnston, executive director of the Railway Mission, added: “We are deeply thankful to LNER for bringing the railway community together in such a meaningful way. Christmas is a time to reflect, to celebrate, and to support one another, and this carol service beautifully embodied that spirit.
“It’s events like these that remind us of the unity and resilience within the railway family, offering hope and connection during this special season.”
Carols at Paddington
A special evening of carols was enjoyed by all underneath Brunel’s iconic ‘cathedral’ of London Paddington on Friday 13 December.
Attendees were joined by the Great Western Railway Paddington Band who provided musical accompaniment to the carols, filling the station with the sound of Christmas. The venue provided and enchanting atmosphere as guests raised the rafters.
Christian Rail hosted the event which saw railway staff and customers join together to raise some Christmas cheer on a Friday evening.
Rail Staff Christmas Carol Service
If you missed both of those enchanting events, don’t despair – this year’s Rail Staff Carol Service takes place at 12:30 on Thursday 19 December at St Mary’s Somer’s Town, Eversholt Street, London.
Colleagues from across the railway industry will come together to sing festive carols, accompanied by London’s Transport Choir. Lessons will be read by notable leaders, including Ruth Cadbury MP and Rob Morris, CEO of Siemens Mobility. Seasonal refreshments will cap off this joyous gathering of the railway community.
The Rail Staff Carol Service is supported by the Transport Benevolent Fund CIO, London’s Transport Choir, the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators, GBRTT, Modern Railways, Network Rail, Porterbrook, Rail Forum, Rail Freight Group, RSSB & Siemens.
Join together
“Whether you see Christmas as a secular or religious festival, it is a time to find joy and friendship,” said Liam, “so come and join the Railway Family and celebrate Christmas together.”
All of these events are free and open to all. Whether you sing your heart out or simply soak in the festive atmosphere, you’re sure to leave uplifted and inspired.
Image credit: iStockphoto.com/zubada
