Southern and the community celebrates Her Majesty's 90th together

On Sunday 12 June, Southern and Sussex Community Rail Partnership (SCRP), along with local partners, joined forces to organise four station events to help celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Whilst people headed to the Mall to join the Queen, events at Bexhill, Eridge, Horsham and Lewes, helped to replicate the atmosphere and enjoyment locally for passengers.

The events at Bexhill and Eridge kicked off first, with each hosting a tea party involving local station partners.

At Bexhill, Huseyin Ay, owner of the station’s coffee bar, provided cakes, including a birthday one, and soft drinks, to passengers. The event was organised by SCRP Line Officer, Kevin Barry, and Kevin Boorman, the chair of the Marshlink community rail partnership group, said: “There was a fantastic atmosphere at Bexhill station, with dozens of passengers enjoying their free treats. Southern provided badges and crayons for the children too, which were also popular. We even had regular commuters popping in because they’d seen what was going on on Facebook, it was great to welcome them too.

“Thanks must go to Kevin Barry for organising the event, to Huseyin Ay and his colleagues for providing and serving the cakes and drink, and to Southern for their financial support. Events like this show just what the community rail partnership is about.”

Meanwhile at Eridge slices of birthday cake and sparkling grape juice were served, whilst the building was decorated with bunting by Sharon Gray, SCRP Line Officer. The cake was made by a local business and received excellent praise from those in attendance. There was also gold crowns for people to wear as part of a photo competition, with the prize being a family day out ticket, donated by Southern.

In Lewes, the event started with a royal guided walk, starting and ending at the station. This was followed by a buffet lunch, before the local Mayor, blew out the candles and cut up a birthday cake. Sam Lear, Community Rail Development Manager, who organised the event, said: “I was very pleased with how it went and can’t believe the weather clear just in time, bang on 12 in time for the walk! I have already received feedback from people who enjoyed it and who commented on how nice the staff where, how much they enjoyed the walk and how lovely the food was. Those passengers who joined in really had a great time too!”

Following on Horsham provided cupcakes and tea for passengers. Veronica Payne, SCRP Line Officer for the Arun Valley, also provided a colouring competition for youngsters. Horsham MP Jeremy Quin, and his wife, along with Councillor Bob Lanzer all stopped by and enjoyed the cakes with passengers, who all enjoyed themselves, saying: “What a great idea” and “Cakes look amazing”.

Southern’s Passenger Services Director, Alex Foulds, said: “We are always working to put our stations at the heart of the communities they serve and this was a great opportunity for us to celebrate this important milestone with passengers and partners. My sincere thanks to the SCRP and everyone involved in putting on such great events for this once in a lifetime day.”

The events were all organised as part of the railway industries celebrations, known as “Station to Station.” The official website www.queenscelebration.com provides more information.