Foxfield Railway, near Blythe Bridge Station, south-east of Stoke-on-Trent, expanded their Summer Family Fun Day project this year thanks to funding from CrossCountry.
One of Britain’s oldest heritage steam railways still completely run by volunteers, they wanted to build on a successful summer programme in 2024, but were determined to make it bigger and better.
The aim was to provide a day of free fun activities plus lunch for children who might not otherwise be able to attend the events due to economic or social factors. As part of Railway 200 celebrations, some of the craft activities were chosen to raise awareness and celebrate the industry’s bicentennial anniversary.
In addition to children receiving a free lunch, families attending the event were offered a number of activities including experiencing a ride on a steam train where they also learnt about the local history of the railways and the impact on the environment; visited the museum; took part in craft workshops; could hold an owl; get their face painted and learn about rail safety.
350 children accessed the four Wednesdays in August. With 320 of these referred via Stoke Foodbank and The Hubb Foundation who were new partners this year. Stoke Foodbank helped with funding towards the lunches for the parents/guardians and provided a coach to transport Foodbank clients who had no other means of accessing the railway.
Other partners which were part of the day included: Animal Lifeline, Borderlines Theatre Company, British Transport Police, BRM Magazine, Lower Moss Wildlife Hospital, Network Rail, North Staffordshire Community Rail Partnership, and Shona’s Fabulous Faces.
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