Marston Vale Line Services
The three Class 150 (two carriage trains) which will serve the Marston Vale Line arrived at Bletchley Station from Newton Heath on 24 July. Each units has an accessible toilet and can accommodate wheelchairs, buggies and cycles.
Technician training has started. Driver training will commence once this has been completed. Unlike driving a car, train drivers require specific training for every different type of train, and also need to refresh their training for each line at regular intervals.
Train services are due to resume in late October. Updates will be posted on the Marston Vale CRP website and social media platforms.
A full rail replacement bus service (all stations and limited stop) will continue to be provided in the meantime. All vehicles are accessible.
A new rail replacement bus timetable was introduced on 22 May in response to passenger feedback. The timetable is available at https://www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk/#times. Alternatively please contact Stephen for a copy to be sent to you.
Refunds for delayed journeys of 15 minutes or more can be claimed from the London Northwestern Railway Delay Repay Scheme. Please visit https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/about-us/delay-repay for train journeys and e-mail contact.lnr@wmtrains.co.uk for Rail Replacement Bus journeys.
Please purchase rail tickets from a staffed station, the Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) at unstaffed stations or via
https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/tickets-discounts/ticket-types. Tickets purchased online can be collected at any TVM.
Please note the bus drivers are unable to issue rail tickets.
Please report any problems with Rail Replacement Buses to LNR via https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/contact-us/customer-relations
Problems with non-arrival or delayed buses can also be reported to LNR via Twitter – @LNRailway. The Twitter Team are available 24 hours per day.
No buses are provided on days when industrial action is taking place. Please check https://www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 03457 484950.
Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre
The Heritage Centre is open Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 – 4:00. The Tea Room is open at the same times. Please call 01525 287120 to book. Please see the new Heritage Centre website for full details of the building - https://ridgmontheritage.org.uk.
The Heritage Centre won Gold for the Hospitality Business of the Year at the SME Awards on 29 June. The Hospitality Business of the Year category is new to the SME Awards, so to be the first ever winners is an extra special achievement. The category celebrates local businesses that exceed customers’ expectations, build long-term customer relationships and provide a service that is consistently outstanding.
The Heritage Centre will now go through to the National Finals at Wembley in December.
Meeting room space for up to 15 people is available. The delegate rate of £15 per head includes refillable tea/coffee and a sandwich platter lunch plus use of a projector and screen. Wi-fi available. Please contact Stephen for further details.
Rails to Roots
Have you ever wondered how to grow your own food? Dreamed of green fingers? Or just want to be part of your wider community? Or know someone who does?
A wellbeing garden at Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre has been set up. All welcome! The group meets on Wednesdays from 11:00 – 2:00.
Enjoy being in a green space, make new friends, grow your own food, and help redevelop the garden into a beautiful space. To find our more or express your interest please e-mail greenwellbeing@bedsrcc.org.uk or contact Stephen.
Exhibition from 10am - 4pm. The tea room, gift shop and restored booking office will be open as usual.
Friends of Bletchley & Fenny Stratford Stations
As well as engaging thousands of people in volunteering, bringing people together and creating pride in station and community, Station Friends Groups play a critical role in making their stations welcoming, pleasant and attractive places.
Their work extends beyond basic upkeep, incorporating community gardening & food growing and local arts & history projects. They are also the ‘eyes and ears’ of their local station reporting any faults and issues.
Both Bletchley and Fenny Stratford have Station Friends Groups.
Watch our film to hear about the important role our Station Friends play at
https://www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk/get-involved/station-adoption/
A safety briefing is arranged for Station Friends Group members and a high-vis jacket, identity card and duty pass are provided.
Both groups would welcome some new members. Would you like to join them? Please visit https://www.friendsofbletchleystation.org for Bletchley and contact Stephen for Fenny Stratford.
For further information on any aspect of Marston Vale CRP or the Marston Vale Line please contact Stephen Sleight, MVCRP Officer, on 01234 832645, e-mail stephens@bedsrcc.org.uk.
Visit our new website - www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk
Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/marstonvalecrp
Follow us on Twitter @marstonvalecrp