02 Nov 2022

It’s full steam ahead for new community rail officer Josie Rayworth (pictured left), who will be delivering the community rail activities to stations and communities along the Chester to Crewe rail line as part of the 3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership, an initiative from Groundwork North Wales, Transport for Wales and community partners

Transport for Wales is part funding the 3 Counties Connected Community Rail Partnership to deliver its wider vision for community rail. The partnership is hosted by Groundwork North Wales who are committed to investing in communities, volunteering, and employment opportunities.

The Partnership will develop and promote the Chester to Shrewsbury to Crewe railway line as a green railway line with a high level of community involvement, attractive station facilities, excellent co-ordination with other forms of transport and as a service that meets the needs of local people, commuters and of visitors, and in so doing provides value for money for passengers.

The railway line is a vital link between communities on the borders of England and Wales and the partnership will develop and support several green initiatives, encouraging sustainable tourism and promoting outdoor activities using public transport along the Rail Line.  The partnership will encourage volunteering for all ages; supporting friends of groups, school and youth groups to look after and make local stations greener and more accessible.

Josie joins 3 Counties Connected Community Rail partnership with over a decade of experience delivering largescale events and programming for the National Trust both at Erddig Hall and Chirk Castle in North Wales.  She has also been a freelance Community Tutor and a freelance artist having commissions to build trails and sculptures in woodlands, parks and historic houses around the UK.

Josie Rayworth, Community Rail Officer said “I am very privileged to have a job where I can use my skills and knowledge to their best advantage for the partnership. 

"I am on week seven of my new role and loving it.  From bulb planting to planning art projects, trails, classes, and Christmas trees. A big thank you for the wonderfully warm welcome I have had.  There are still a lot of volunteers and organisations I have yet to meet, I can’t wait to hear about all the wonderful work they do and getting to know everyone.”

Head of Community Rail at Transport for Wales, Hugh Evans, said: “Delighted to welcome Josie and Groundwork North Wales into the Community Rail family. Community Rail can drive real change for the better across our network, helping make rail travel more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive, which in turn creates a real economic benefit and an opportunity to support the health and mental well-being of people in these communities. 

"Josie brings with her a wealth of community engagement experience, and I look forward to better connecting our railways with communities in the new 3 Counties Connected region.”

Josie is currently working on a unique experience to be held in the Carriage Tearoom at Llangollen Railway - crafting on the track. You can relax and enjoy the riverside views whilst trying out some of the wool-related heritage skills associated with the Llangollen and Shrewsbury railway lines.

A new website has been commissioned www.3countiesconnected.org.uk and people can follow the progress of the partnership on social media.  Anyone wanting to find out more about the partnership should contact Josie Rayworth at on 01978 757524 josie.rayworth@3countiesocnnected.org.uk