2023 marks the 39th year of Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June), and this year’s theme is ‘Celebrate and Inspire’. 3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership is joining other charities and voluntary organisations across the UK in recognising the wonderful contribution volunteers make to community life.
Station adoption and volunteering at unmanned stations has been one of the many successes of the community rail movement and more than 1,200 adoption groups have been formed.
3 Counties Connected is lucky to have several “Friends Of” groups who help to keep stations clean and pleasant, encouraging regular feedback about the facilities available and reporting on any issues such as littering.
Friends of Chirk station is an inspiring group, who work tirelessly to make their railway station a colourful, welcoming and attractive place to visit, adding to the pride in the town.
Josie Rayworth, 3 Counties Connected Rail Officer said, “Volunteers’ Week is our chance to celebrate and recognise the fantastic contribution our volunteers make. They deliver an incredible difference to local areas making stations welcoming, pleasant and attractive places to pass through and visit”.
“We are really impressed by the contribution to community life delivered by our ‘Friends Of’ groups and their commitment to caring for their stations and their gardens. Anyone wanting to support their local station should get in touch.”
To find out more about volunteering around the 3 Counties Connected rail line contact Josie Rayworth on 01978 757524, josie.rayworth@3countiesconnected.org.uk.
