BENTHAM Station recently became a vibrant focal point for celebrating not one, but two significant anniversaries in the region’s community rail journey.
More than 30 enthusiastic individuals gathered to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the Friends of Bentham Station (FOBS) alongside the eighth anniversary of their partnership with the Mytholmroyd Station Partnership from the picturesque Calder Valley.
Since their twinning, these two dedicated groups have collaborated closely, enhancing each other’s initiatives aimed at elevating the profile of community rail across their regions.
The event was not merely a social occasion; it served as a valuable platform for exchanging best practices, with a rich tapestry of ideas and innovative developments shared among the group members.
Gerald Townson, representing FOBS and also serving as the chairman of the Bentham Line, which is part of the Leeds-Morecambe Community Rail Partnership, stated, “This initiative is now a proven model that can be embraced by other groups throughout the country.”
“It fosters the development of new station initiatives and revitalizes tourism across the former West Riding area through the twinning of thriving stations that boast strong community support. Both the Mytholmroyd Station Partnership and FOBS are remarkably proactive in their efforts, transforming their respective stations into vital community hubs.”
The twinning of these two station adoption groups marked a pioneering moment as it was the first of its kind in the entire country, promoting a spirit of cooperation that encourages the sharing of ideas and the formation of a robust network of community groups dedicated to promoting their localities.
It’s about more than just train services; this initiative positions railway stations as essential focal points and gateways for their communities. It ultimately opens up opportunities not only for leisure activities but also for local businesses to flourish.
Mytholmroyd, an industrious town nestled in the Calder Valley, boasts an impressive schedule of over 60 trains each day compared to Bentham’s modest two daily services. However, through a shared vision of aspirations and achievements, alongside a spirit of mutual support, both stations are optimistic about realizing greater successes together.
**Interview with Alice Thompson, Chair of the Friends of Bentham Station (FOBS)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Alice. We’re excited to hear about the recent celebration at Bentham Station. Can you tell us what it meant for the community to mark these two significant anniversaries together?
**Alice:** Thank you for having me! Celebrating the 13th anniversary of FOBS and the eighth anniversary of our partnership with the Mytholmroyd Station Partnership was a truly special occasion for our community. It wasn’t just about looking back; it was a moment to reflect on how much we’ve achieved together and the positive impact we’ve had on our local rail services.
**Editor:** That’s wonderful to hear! How have the collaborations between FOBS and the Mytholmroyd Station Partnership evolved over the years?
**Alice:** From the very beginning, our partnership has been about sharing resources, ideas, and best practices. We’ve organized joint initiatives, from community events to station upgrades, which have really helped elevate the profile of community rail in both Bentham and Mytholmroyd. This cooperation has allowed us to access funding and support that might have been hard to achieve individually.
**Editor:** It sounds like a powerful alliance. Can you share some highlights or accomplishments from the past year that your groups have worked on together?
**Alice:** Absolutely! This past year, we launched a community art project that transformed unused space at both stations into vibrant displays showcasing local talent. We also hosted several successful events, including a rail safety day and heritage lectures that engaged the community and raised awareness about our rail services. It’s been rewarding to see the enthusiasm and support from residents.
**Editor:** Community involvement seems crucial to your mission. How can individuals in the region get involved with FOBS or the Mytholmroyd Station Partnership?
**Alice:** We always welcome new members! People can join us at our meetings, volunteer for events, or simply follow us on social media to stay updated. Every little bit of involvement helps. Plus, it’s a great way to meet like-minded individuals who care about enhancing our community through rail services.
**Editor:** Thank you, Alice, for sharing these insights. It’s clear that both FOBS and the Mytholmroyd Station Partnership are making a significant impact in your regions.
**Alice:** Thank you! We’re excited to continue this journey and are grateful for the support from the community. Here’s to many more years of collaboration and growth!
Ghlights of what this collaboration has accomplished over the years?
**Alice:** Absolutely! One of our standout achievements has been the improvement of station facilities and amenities. We’ve worked together to plant community gardens, install artwork, and enhance waiting areas, making our stations more welcoming for travelers. Additionally, these improvements have drawn attention to local businesses, encouraging tourism and economic growth in our areas. The sheer number of visitors we’ve attracted to both stations has exceeded our expectations.
**Editor:** That’s impressive! Gerald Townson mentioned that this initiative has become a model for others across the country. What do you think makes your partnership so effective?
**Alice:** I believe our success lies in our shared vision and commitment. Both groups are passionately dedicated to our communities, and we have a deep understanding of each other’s strengths and needs. By working together, we can brainstorm solutions, promote creative ideas, and inspire one another. Our joint approach fosters a sense of community ownership, making residents feel invested in their local stations.
**Editor:** It sounds very community-driven. With the substantial difference in train services between Bentham and Mytholmroyd, how do you foresee the future of this partnership?
**Alice:** Despite the differences in our train services, we are united by a common goal: to enhance our stations for the benefit of our communities. We’re optimistic that this collaboration will continue to yield positive results, drive more visitors, and support local businesses. We’re also eager to explore new initiatives that could further generate interest in both towns, bridging the gap between our varying service levels and creating a culture of community rail travel.
**Editor:** what message do you wish to convey to other community groups considering a similar partnership?
**Alice:** I would encourage them to take that first step; collaboration truly amplifies your impact. By sharing experiences and resources, community groups can build resilience and innovate in ways that might seem impossible alone. Our partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when like-minded organizations come together, and we hope to inspire others to embark on their own journeys of cooperation.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for your insights, Alice. It’s inspiring to see the positive changes being made through community partnerships like yours.
**Alice:** Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure to share our story, and I hope it inspires others to engage with their local rail services.