Rail Safety and a Seagull in Aberystwyth

A couple of weeks ago, I joined Kelly Pugh (TfW School Liaison Officer), Alison Barker (Community Safety Manager, Network Rail) and Stewart Gethin (Network Rail) for a rail safety session at Ysgol Gymraeg Aberystwyth. It was an overcast morning, and as we stepped into the school hall, it was empty - except for one unexpected visitor in the next room.

Next door, the caretaker was gently shooing a huge seagull out of the building. Moments later, the bird reappeared and tapped insistently on the window where Stewart and I were seated. It peered in, clearly unimpressed by our presence. Its tenacity and fierce glare were enough to make sure we didn’t open the door to it.

Once Kelly had the laptop and projector up and running, the first group of children filed in, settling on the benches with the excited chatter only a change of routine can bring.

Kelly and Alison guided them through:

●      The essentials of rail and level crossing safety

●      A quiz about rail safety and level crossings

●      A dramatic video clip showing the dangers of trespassing on railway lines

●      A rap about level crossings created by students in England

Hands shot up across the hall as Kelly and Alison asked questions. The gasp when the speeding train nearly caught an unwary trespasser reminded us all of just how real these risks are.

By the end of the session, the children trooped out, animatedly discussing elephants - an inside joke prompted by some of the interactive quiz.

The second group brought fresh questions and different answers, proving that no two presentations are ever the same. Rail safety might be a serious topic, but with the right approach it becomes memorable - and if it saves a single life, it’s more than worth it.

Special thanks to Ysgol Gymraeg Aberystwyth for welcoming us and to Kelly, Alison for their fantastic work. If you are interested in rail safety sessions and you are along the Cambrian Line let me know and I will pass you onto Kelly and Alison.

deb.justice@pavo.org.uk or hello@thecambrianline.co.uk