Penistone Line Partnership and River Holme Connections hosted a Rail & Rivers Day for young people attending Thornton Lodge Action Group’s Summer Activity Programme. This activity session covered Thornton Lodge’s Four Strands – Education and Learning – Health & Wellbeing – Sport & Recreation – Environment.
Community Rail helps to provide experiences for all ages to enjoy, and encourages the use of the train as a sustainable travel choice.
After a Rail Safety Session at Lockwood, the young people enjoyed a trip on the Penistone Line, taking in 3 viaducts, Lockwood, Denby Dale, and Penistone. It was a first for some of the group, having never travelled on a train before. On arrival at Penistone, we had a head count and a thumbs up to the Northern Guard that we were all safely together before he allowed the train to set off.
From the station, we walked straight onto the Trans Pennine Trail. The young people used some of the TPT resources to make a Journey Stick and identify leaves from nearby trees while walking to Watermeadows Park, and the River Don, next to Penistone Viaduct.
Through the Holiday Meals Project run by Thornton Lodge, the young people enjoyed a picnic. Then, River Holme Connections introduced a river and stepping stone game to keep everyone active, along with a round of Pooh Sticks before we rushed back for the return train.
See below how some of the group remembered their day out by train to Penistone.
An enjoyable day of experiences and learning!
A few GIFS!
Penistone Line Partnership looks forward to working with Thornton Lodge again. The young people were polite and well-behaved, and a pleasure to work with!