Thee 3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership organised a series of events to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the railway line that runs from Chester to Shrewsbury. This project aims to highlight the cultural and heritage significance of the railway, promote local talent, skills, businesses, and tourist destinations along the rail.
The partnership will collaborate closely with the Mid Cheshire and North Cheshire Community Rail Partnerships, Transport for Wales, The Thomas Brassey Association, Chirk Community Food Cupboard, Chirk Parish Town Hall, and the Friends of Chirk Station.
Objectives
1. Celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Chester to Shrewsbury railway line.
2. Highlight the cultural and heritage significance of the railway.
3. Promote local talent, skills, businesses, and tourist destinations along the rail.
4. Foster collaboration between community rail partnerships and relevant organisations.
5. To raise funds and awareness for the Chirk Community Food Cupboard
Key Events
This project has several elements and key events as follows.
>Planting displays at Chirk Station: Support the Friends of Chirk Station a community to plant and enhance the aesthetics of Chirk Station to celebrate the event.
>Community Victorian-themed Open Day: Host an open day at Chirk Parish Hall, showcasing Victorian-era activities, exhibitions, and entertainment. Working with the Community Food Cupboard to raise funds for their cause.
>Talk at the Queens Hotel: To help organise and deliver a talk at the Queens Hotel in Chester, focusing on the historical importance of the railway line, the work of community rail officers along the line and its impact on the local community.
>Chester Town Crier and Performers: support and enhance the event outside Chester Railway Station by involving the Chester Town Crier and performers to engage and entertain attendees.
Outcomes
>Increased awareness of the cultural and heritage significance of the Chester to Shrewsbury railway line.
>Promotion of local talent, skills, businesses, and tourist destinations along the rail.
>Strengthened community engagement and collaboration among community rail partnerships and relevant organizations.
>Enhanced reputation and visibility of the 3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership.
Timeline
The project will be executed over the period March 2023 – October 2023, with each event and associated tasks allocated appropriate timeframes.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Regular monitoring and evaluation will be conducted throughout the project to assess the progress, identify challenges, and make necessary adjustments. Key performance indicators will be established to measure the success of the events and overall project.
Conclusion
The 3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership, in collaboration with other community rail partnerships and relevant organizations, aims to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Chester to Shrewsbury railway line through a series of events. By highlighting the cultural and heritage significance of the railway, promoting local talent and businesses, and engaging the community, this project will contribute to the overall development and appreciation of the rail network and its surrounding areas.
