Railway Children star is cast in new role at Thameslink station

Jenny Agutter, famed for her childhood role in classic The Railway Children, has recorded a platform announcement calling on Thameslink commuters to vote for her much-loved local railway station, Denmark Hill, in a national competition.

Thameslink is joining the Rail Delivery Group which has shortlisted 48 locations across the country in a ‘World Cup Of Stations’ that kicks off on Monday 22 May and celebrates Community Rail Week.

The contest is all based on votes cast by the public online. The winner of the group stages will go through to the semi-finals on 25 May and then the final on 26 May.

Ms Agutter, who now entertains today’s TV viewers as Sister Julienne in BBC 1’s Call The Midwife and also won a BAFTA for her role in Equus, is urging passengers at her local railway station to cast their vote.

Her announcement, to be played out by Thameslink on PA speakers across Denmark Hill platforms on Monday 22 May reads:

“Hi, this is Jenny Agutter. Please join me in voting for our fabulous Thameslink station, Denmark Hill, in the World Cup of Stations competition. You must do this today, by searching #WorldCupOfStations' online or on Twitter. It won't cost you anything. Thank you!”

If Denmark Hill makes it through to the next round, then she’ll be making further announcements.

Communities across the country make formal partnerships with rail firms to support their local stations. The Camberwell Society has helped Thameslink transform Denmark Hill in South London.

Chairman Nick Mair and retired engineer Tony Coleman have created an exciting display of mechanical oddities and bizarre objects. There is a ‘Chaos Wheel’ in which buckets attached to a penny farthing bicycle wheel steadily fill and rotate, promoting unequal equilibrium. Other fun oddities include a marble run with a 5m tall track and running ball bearings that are then hoisted up on carriages (see pictures below).

Denmark Hill serves two nearby major hospitals: King’s College and the Maudsley. An upgrade by Network Rail, supported by Thameslink, has given it a new second entrance to ease overcrowding, an 85-bike cycle hub and photovoltaic film on the roof of the new entrance which generates more power than the station building consumes.

Tony Coleman said: “Thameslink’s Denmark Hill is such a fabulous station that serves our community and two major London hospitals that are a lifeline for thousands across the capital.

“With the many improvements we’ve seen to the building and its solar-powered roof, as well as the artwork coordinated by The Camberwell Society, this station really is worthy of winning this national competition. Please cast your vote, by searching #World Cup Of Stations online.”

Tim Dunn, TV presenter and shortlist judge in the World Cup Of Stations competition, said: “I had the tricky task of selecting the shortlist of 48 stations - tricky, because it represents the work of 48 groups of chuffing ace volunteers.

“The time, energy and love each group gives is because of a love of our shared railway and their communities too. It might seem bonkers, but this competition showcases the hard work of hundreds countrywide, then amplifies and celebrates all in community rail. Remember: like a football World Cup, the winners each day need more and more support - in every battle, it's the one with the most votes who wins!”

Ends

Notes to editors

For more information about the competition, visit www.raildeliverygroup.com/uk-rail-industry/campaigns/world-cup-of-stations