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Could GWR fund help your project?

Are you inolved in a project connected to the railway and which address an area of social need?


If so, you can can now apply for a slice of Great Western Railway's Customer and Community Improvement Fund.

 

This follows the success of last year's scheme, in which GWR supported 52 projects totalling more than £900k.

 

As part of its National Rail Contract with the Department for Transport, the train operator is committed to supporting schools, colleges, councils, community and other not-for-profit organisations.

 

The Mumbles Railway Trail project, for example, saw £7,450 used to install replica station signs along the route, along with information boards, posters and murals.

 

The use of QR codes has helped to bring alive the trail, providing smartphone access to video footage, audio and historical information. GWR's funding also allowed for the development of an augmented reality (AR) app.

 

Now GWR is inviting bids for 2024-25. Schemes must show a link to the railway and address an area of social need.

 

Applications must be submitted via GWR's website here, where there is also guidance on making a successful bid. All proposals must be submitted by 11.59pm on Monday 25 March.

 

GWR's growth manager for Wales & West of England, Rich Middleton, said: "The Customer and Community Improvement Fund is a fantastic opportunity for us to invest in projects that really make a difference to our customers and communities at a local level.

 

"We are particularly interested in schemes that benefit customers, increase rail travel, encourage carbon reduction, connect communities, people and places, support economic growth, promote inclusion and diversity, and educational programmes that support careers in rail or increase awareness and experience of public transport and rail safety." 

 

⬛ GWR will be marking Wales Week in London with a series of events across the city to celebrate Wales and all things Welsh.

 

On St David's Day itself, tomorrow (Friday 1 March), GWR will give those travelling on services from Swansea and Cardiff a free 'paned' - a speciality Welsh Brew tea brand.  

 

As well as tea, those on services between 6.23am and 8.37am will be offered free Welsh cakes and Welsh shortbread in celebration of the day.

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