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Railfuture Conferences and Webinars

Railfuture now holds one major national conference each year, in late summer/early autumn (in addition to its AGM for members). We aim only to cover our costs. The conferences are competitively priced, to be within rail users' price range, and are open to everyone. Railfuture members are usually offered a chance to attend at a discounted rate. We also produce free-to-attend Webinars.

Speakers come from a variety of backgrounds. Some of the organisations who have spoken at conferences and webinars include Anglia Railways, Arriva Cross Country, Arriva Trains Wales, Association of Train Operating Companies, Cardiff International Airport, Centro, Chester-le-Track, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry Trains, Delta Rail, East Coast, East Midlands Trains, East West Rail Consortium, Eurostar, First Capital Connect, First Great Western, First Transpennine Express, Furrer + Frey GB, Grand Central, Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT), Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, Heathrow Southern Railway, Hitachi Rail Europe, HS2, London Midland, London Overground Railway Operations, Merseytravel, MyTestTrack.com, Network Rail, Northern Rail, Northern (Arriva Rail North), Nottingham Express Transit, Parry People Movers, Port Of Sunderland, Rail Delivery Group, RSSB, ScotRail Alliance, SLC Rail, Southeastern, South West Trains, Thameslink and Great Northern, Transpennine Express, TramPower, Transport for Wales Rail, Transport Salaried Staffs' Association, UK Rail Leasing, Virgin Trains, Virgin Trains East Coast, Vivarail and West Midlands Trains.

Click HERE to see a list events and speakers for each organisation.

To follow Railfuture's conferences and webinars on Twitter use the hash-tag shown against the event.
Note: this hash-tag is not exclusive to Railfuture.

Future Events

Click HERE For a list of rail-related events including free-to-attend Railfuture branch meetings

2024/Edinburgh (AGM) [link]

  • Sat 13/07/2024 19th Railfuture Ltd AGM [Why Attend?]
    • 227 days until AGM
  • Hosted by Railfuture Scotland branch
  • Social media hashtag (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) for this event: #rfconference
  • Enquiries about the AGM: please email conferences at railfuture.org.uk.
  • The AGM is open to all current members or their proxy - there is no fee to attend.
    • The deadline for completing AGM paperwork to go in the standard mailing with Railwatch is Thu 15/02/2024. (This is the date when files go to the printer.)
    • Proxy votes and your attendance can be registered between Sat 09/03/2024 and Thu 11/07/2024
    • Motions must be received by the Railfuture Ltd Chair, Chris Page (see details on AGM notice) by Sat 29/06/2024
    • Information about how Railfuture is run, including a copy of the Articles of Association, can be found at Railfuture+organisation.
  • Availability and/or price of lunch is still being investigated.
    • The venue does not allow people to eat their own food on the premises.

Sorry but there are no other future events available to book yet - please re-visit this website later.

Past Conferences

The location of Railfuture national conferences vary each year but always with good rail connections. The following is a list of conferences and webinars in recent years.

2023/Leeds - ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE [link]

  • Thu 30/03/2023 Turning Point for the Railway
  • The railway needs to understand and influence what politicians want from it, including how to structure it to make it much more effective. Where should the focus of campaigners for a bigger, better, railway be? The railway can be a highly effective contributor to decarbonisation, to levelling up and as part of many wider initiatives — but only if it is successful in attracting passengers and freight to use the railway. The post-Covid railway can no longer rely on commuters who 'have' to travel to work each day — who can replace them? Our conference provided an opportunity to pause and reflect on this.
  • This conference was dedicated to the memory of William Whiting, who helped to organise this event and was a widely respected rail campaigner

  • 'What do we want the railways to look like in the future?'

  • It was held at St George's Centre

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

  • Read an [Article] about the conference — Railfuture's Annual National Conference still coming to Leeds despite strikes (Rail Business Daily on 17/03/2023)

    • CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • About the speakers: [Read Speaker Biographies]
    • speakers
  • Nick Flynn Twitter Image and Abby Taylor Twitter Image, Family Friendly Trains Twitter Image (talked about: Campaign to make trains more family friendly)
  • Stewart Palmer, Vice President and Director, Railfuture Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: Railfuture's view on whether the railway is working for passengers)
    • Stewart was previously Managing Director of South West Trains
  • Karen Bennett Twitter Image, Education and Youth Engagement Advisor, Community Rail Lancashire Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: How young people can be engaged in the railways)
  • Phil Smart, Assistant Policy Manager, Rail Freight Group Twitter Image (talked about: Rail's role in the future movement of freight)
    • Phil is also Councillor at Ipswich Borough Council with a strong knowledge of transport matters
  • Dr Manuel Ojeda Cabral, Senior Research Fellow in Transport Economics and Appraisal, University of Leeds (talked about: The value of new railway lines and stations)
  • Craig Alexander, replaced Alison Smith, Head of Accessibility and Inclusion, Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) LinkedInImage (talked about: where GBRTT is currently)
  • Conference Chair: Brian Barnsley Twitter Image, Deputy Chief Executive of Community Rail Network and Head of Support and Development, Community Rail Network Twitter Image
  • The above speakers have confirmed their availability for the new conference date, although they may provide a substitute in their place

2019/Bristol - ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE [link]

  • Sat 21/09/2019 Every Passenger Matters
  • The Railfuture national conference centred on topics around inclusion and accessibility for passengers using the rail network.

  • It was held at St Michael's Centre

  • Railfuture is grateful for sponsorship from Cross Country Trains Twitter Image Facebook Image

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

  • Further Info: Click [Download] or [Display] for the AGM notice and agenda, including map (PDF format)
  • Read a [Press Release] about the conference
  • Listen to a [Radio Interview] about the conference
  • Watch a [YouTube video] from the conference — Interview with Stephen Brookes MBE, conference chair

    • CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • About the speakers: [Read Speaker Biographies]
    • speakers
    Speakers (left to right): Matt Barnes, Richard Gibson, Lorna Brown-Owens and Jon Harris
  • Matt Barnes, Regional Development Manager West, Great Western Railway Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: Enhancing the Passenger Experience at our Stations) - click [Download] or [Display] for the speaker's slides (PDF format)
  • Lorna Brown-Owens, Access and Inclusion Manager, Network Rail Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: Shaping Accessibility: How Network Rail will put passengers first) - click [Download] or [Display] for the speaker's slides (PDF format)
  • Richard Gibson, Communications Manager, CrossCountry Trains Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: Going the Extra Mile)
  • Jon Harris, Integrated Transport and Accessibility Manager, West Midlands Trains Wikipedia Image (talked about: Supporting the door-to-door journey - An insight into West Midlands Trains' Stations as Places, Personalised Travel Planning and Equality perspective) - click [Download] or [Display] for the speaker's slides (PDF format)
  • The conference was chaired by Stephen Brookes MBE, who is a rail sector champion for the minister for disabled people

2019/Darlington [link]

  • Sat 22/06/2019 Rebirth of the Railway

  • Ian Walker, secretary of Railfuture North East branch said: "The emphasis at this conference will be on new developments occurring in the industry - and what better place to locate the event than Darlington where railway history truly began?
    "As shown below, key inputs will come from representatives of Hitachi Rail Europe, Tyne and Wear Metro, the Port of Sunderland, Esk Valley Rail Development Company and the Cabinet Member for Transport with Tees Valley Combined Authority.
    "The venue is centrally located in Darlington less than 10 minutes' walk from the Railway Station.
    "Darlington itself is easily accessible being on the ECML and is served by regular services from Scotland, London Birmingham & Manchester and all points in between.
    "We look forward to your attendance at this event. Let's make it another great Railfuture Summer Conference!"

  • Hosted by Railfuture North East branch

  • It was held at Dolphin Centre

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

  • Further Info: Click [Download] or [Display] for the AGM notice and agenda, including map (PDF format)

    • CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • About the speakers: [Read Speaker Biographies]
  • Philip Meikle, Transport Strategy Director, Nexus
  • Matthew Hunt, Port Director, Port Of Sunderland Twitter Image
  • Tim Rutter, Head of Technical Services, Hitachi Rail Europe Twitter Image
  • Heather Scott OBE, Cabinet Member for Transport, Tees Valley Combined Authority
  • Alan Williams, Chairman, Esk Valley Railway Development Company

2018/Reading [link]

  • Sat 10/11/2018 Rail driving growth in the Thames Valley
  • Plus presentation of 2018 Rail User Group Awards. Railfuture Vice-President Stewart Palmer will make the RUG Award presentations

  • Richard Stow, chair of Railfuture Thames Valley branch said: "Reading's the focus of British transport investment right now, with electrification, new trains, and much more to come.
    "Our speakers have given up their time to give us a glimpse of the future. They'll give us updates on Crossrail to the heart of London, and Reading's new 24-minute service to the heart of Heathrow, as well as progress on new stations, including Green Park, and the exciting scheme to connect Heathrow to Surrey and the South West.
    "This conference promises one of the best ever line-ups of speakers, so if you are interested in global warming, the environment, transport, or just want to know why Reading is so successful, please come along, you don't need to be an expert."

  • Hosted by Railfuture Thames Valley branch

  • It was held at Hotel Novotel Reading Centre

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

  • Further Info: Click [Download] or [Display] for the AGM notice and agenda, including map (PDF format)
  • Read 2 press releases about the conference:

    • CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

    speakers
  • Howard Smith, Operations Director, Crossrail, Transport for London (Crossrail) Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: An insight into Crossrail and its forthcoming launch) - click [Download] or [Display] for the speaker's slides (PDF format)
  • Anna Holbrook, Sponsor for Western Rail Link to Heathrow, Network Rail Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: Western rail access to Heathrow Airport project) - click [Download] or [Display] for the speaker's slides (PDF format)
  • Jill Poyton, Sponsor of Great Western Electrification, Network Rail Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: Electrification on the Great Western) - click [Download] or [Display] for the speaker's slides (PDF format)
  • Cllr Tony Page, Reading Borough Council Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: Reading Transport and Integration)
  • Ian Walters, Managing Director, SLC Rail Twitter Image (talked about: Stations and projects they are progressing, including reading Green Park, Worcestershire Parkway and Wantage Grove) - click [Download] or [Display] for the speaker's slides (PDF format)
  • Graham Cross, Chief Executive, Heathrow Southern Railway Twitter Image - click [Download] or [Display] for the speaker's slides (PDF format)

2017/Leicester [link]

  • Sat 04/11/2017 Dynamic Triangle: The East Midlands' Crucial Role in National Rail Connectivity
  • Plus presentation of 2017 Rail User Group Awards

2017/Leeds [link]

  • Sat 17/06/2017

2016/Birmingham [link]

  • Sat 12/11/2016 Heart of the railway - how West Midlands will lead the way to the future
  • Plus presentation of 2016 Rail User Group Awards

  • Reason for Birmingham: Completion of Birmingham New Street modernisation and Midland Metro extensions
  • Hosted by Railfuture West Midlands branch

  • It was held at The Priory Rooms

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

  • Further Info: Click [Download] or [Display] for the AGM notice and agenda, including map (PDF format)

    • CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Toby Rackcliff, Rail Policy and Strategy Manager, West Midlands Combined Authority (talked about: Driving Improvement in the next West Midlands Franchise)
  • Maria Machancoses, Programme Director, Midlands Connect Twitter Image (talked about: Powering the Midlands Engine)
  • Lord Berkeley, Chairman, Rail Freight Group Twitter Image (talked about: Challenges in a devolved rail sector, capacity, investment and access issues)
  • Alice Gillman, Communications, Vivarail (talked about: The Class 230 - a new train for a new franchise)
  • Stephen Joseph, Executive Director, Campaign for Better Transport Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: Priorities for the Railways, a CBT perspective)
  • Professor Clive Roberts, University of Birmingham (talked about: The digital age of railways)
  • The conference was opened by Councillor Carl Rice, Lord Mayor of Birmingham

2016/Scottish Borders [link]

  • Sat 18/06/2016

  • Reason for Scottish Borders: Reopening of the Borders Railway
  • Hosted by Railfuture Scotland branch

  • It was held at Scottish Mining Museum

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

  • Further Info: Click [Download] or [Display] for the AGM notice and agenda, including map (PDF format)

    • CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • David Spaven, Author (talked about: History of the Borders Railway closure and the politics of re-opening)
  • Dr Ann Glen, Author and Lecturer (talked about: Rebuilding the Borders Railway - A record of the workings along the line)
  • Cllr David Parker, Leader, Scottish Borders Council Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: Effect of the railway on the Borders economy)
  • Giles Ingram, Chief Executive, Abbotsford House - home of Sir Walter Scott Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: Tourism - Has the railway made a difference?)
  • Representative, Scottish Mining Museum Twitter Image Facebook Image
  • Dr Allen Armstrong, Levenmouth Rail Campaign Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: Campaigning in Fife)
  • Jane Ann Liston, St Andrews Railway Campaign Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: Campaigning in Fife)
  • Welcome by Councillor Russell Imrie, chair of South East Scotland Transport Partnership

2015/Bristol [link] - [View / Download Conference Report]

  • Sat 07/11/2015 Rail Resurgence in the West of England
  • Plus presentation of 2015 Rail User Group Awards - co-presented by Railfuture Honorary President Christian Wolmar

2015/Newark [link]

  • Sat 20/06/2015 Enhancing capacity in the East Midlands

  • Jointly hosted by Railfuture East Midlands and Lincolnshire branches

  • It was held at Newark Town Hall

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

  • Further Info: Click [Download] or [Display] for the AGM notice and agenda, including map (PDF format)
  • Read an [Article] about the conference — Constructive Conference

    • CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • David Horne, Managing Director, Virgin Trains East Coast (talked about: 'The future starts now')
  • Andy Castledine, Head of Operations and Performance, Rail business and development, Stagecoach Rail (talked about: 'Who are we and what do we do?')
  • Graham Botham, Principal Strategic Planner (LNE and EM), Network Rail Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: East Coast capacity enhancements)
  • Roger Blaney, Chairman, Newark and Sherwood District Council Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: Castle line enhanced timetable)
  • Steve Barber, Broxtowe Borough Council Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: NET2 Nottingham Tramway Extension)
    • He was awarded Campaigner of the year for his success in gaining government approval for NET2
  • Tom Ingall, Great Central Railway Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: 'Bridging the gap' reunification project at Loughborough)
  • Bob Poynter, Former BR Operations Manager now transport advisor to Newark Business Club (talked about: Increasing rail services and frequencies in Nottinghamshire)
  • Welcome by Councillor Robert and Mrs Rita Crowe, the Mayor and Mayoress of Newark

2014/London [link] - [View / Download Conference Report]

  • Sat 01/11/2014 On Track for Success: The Challenges Ahead
  • Plus presentation of 2014 Rail User Group Awards - co-presented by Railfuture Honorary President Christian Wolmar

  • Hosted by Railfuture London and South East branch

  • It was held at University of Westminster

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

  • Further Info: Click [Download] or [Display] for the AGM notice and agenda, including map (PDF format)
  • Read a [Press Release] about the conference

    • CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Baroness Kramer Twitter Image, Minister of State for Transport
    • Address is via a pre-recorded video for the Railfuture conference on the big screen
  • Karen Boswell, Managing Director, East Coast Twitter Image Facebook Image
    • Has just won the prestigious Woman of the Year Award (Hospitality, passenger transport, travel and tourism)
  • Ian Brown, Director, Railfuture (and former Managing Director of TfL London Rail) (talked about: Annual Big Picture lecture on Crossrail he gave on 29th October)
    • Replaced Fiona Dolman, Network Rail's Head of Capacity Planning, Network Operations
  • Anna Matthews, Chief Executive Officer, Delta Rail Twitter Image Facebook Image
  • Sharon Hedges, Rail Passenger Manager, Passenger Focus Twitter Image
  • Trevor Birch, Strategic Programme Manager for the South East Future Ticketing Programme, Department for Transport
    • Speaker replaces Jenni Borg, Head of Smart and Integrated Ticketing, who had to withdraw
  • Stefanie Browne Twitter Image, News & Features Writer, RAIL Magazine Twitter Image
  • Isabel Dedring Twitter Image, Deputy Mayor for Transport & Deputy Chair of Transport for London
    • Will open conference via a pre-recorded video for Railfuture conference
  • Read profiles of the speakers (PDF format)

2014/Cambridge [link] - [View / Download Conference Report]

  • Sat 21/06/2014 Rail: The Engine For Change
  • How a successful local economy and good rail service create a virtuous circle

2013/Oxford [link] - [View / Download Conference Report]

  • Sat 02/11/2013 Rail Users' Conference
  • Plus presentation of 2013 Rail User Group Awards
  • A short Extraordinary General Meeting was held immediately after Lunch.
  • See www.railfuture.org.uk/EGM2013 for further information

  • Reason for Oxford: East West Rail and Evergreen 3 projects
  • Hosted by Railfuture Thames Valley branch

  • It was held at Oxford Town Hall

    • CONFERENCE AND EGM MATERIALS:

  • Further Info: Click [Download] or [Display] for the AGM notice and agenda (PDF format)
  • Read a [Press Release] about the conference and EGM

    • CONFERENCE AND EGM SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Christian Wolmar Twitter Image, Railfuture Honorary President, Conference Chairman
  • Stephen Barker, Chief Project Engineer, Chiltern Railways Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: Oxford-Marylebone 'Evergreen 3' scheme)
  • Lord Faulkner, Co-author of Holding the Line: How Britain's Railways Were Saved (talked about: his book and about the Cotswold Line Promotion Group of which he is President)
  • Lord Berkeley, Chairman, Rail Freight Group Twitter Image (talked about: Rail freight and the politics of rail, incl. HS2 issues)
  • Chris Aldridge, Principal Strategic Planner, Network Rail Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: Looking forward 20 years on the Western Region)
  • Martin Tugwell, Deputy Director (Strategy and Infrastructure Planning), Oxfordshire County Council Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: Rail Revival in Oxfordshire and local best practice by the County Council)
    • Stood in for Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Leader
  • Patrick O'Sullivan, Project Manager, East West Rail Consortium Twitter Image (talked about: Ongoing developments on East West Rail)
  • Welcome by the Lord Mayor of Oxford

2013/Taunton [link]

2012/Birmingham [link] - [View / Download Conference Report]

2012/Stirling [link]

  • Reason for Stirling: Stirling-Alloa and Airdrie-Bathgate reopenings
  • Hosted by Railfuture Scotland branch

  • It was held at The Golden Lion Hotel

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

  • Read a [Press Release] about the conference

    • CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Geoff Cook, Scheme Sponsor of EGIP, Network Rail Twitter Image Facebook Image
  • Jackie McGuire (talked about: Stirling-Alloa Reopening)
  • Dr Ann Glen, Author and Lecturer (talked about: Airdrie-Bathgate)
  • David Spaven and Bill Jamieson, Borders Rail Campaign
  • Ken Sutherland, Railfuture Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: Current campaigning by Railfuture Scotland)
  • Trevor Garrod, Chairman, European Passengers' Federation (talked about: European Transport Policy - What it means for us)

2011/Manchester [link] - [View / Download Conference Report]

2011/Bletchley [link] - [View / Download Conference Report]

2010/London [link]

2010/Taunton [link]

2009/Corby [link] - [View / Download Conference Report]

2009/Northallerton [link] - [View / Download Conference Report]

2008/London [link] - [View / Download Conference Report]

2008/Salisbury [link]

2007/Ely [link] - [View / Download Conference Report]

2007/Glasgow [link]

  • Sat 23/06/2007

  • Hosted by Railfuture Scotland branch

  • It was held at Renfield St Stephen

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Cllr Alistair Watson, Chairman, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
  • Paul Tetlaw, Chairman, TRANSform Scotland Twitter Image (talked about: The Role of the Campaigners)
  • Howard Pack, Corus

2006/Reading [link]

  • Sat 04/11/2006
  • There were workshop sessions on 'Getting the authorities on your side', 'High-speed rail', 'Social inclusion and the urban railway' and 'Electrifying Britain's railways'

  • It was held at South Street Arts Centre

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Stephen Hammond MP, Shadow Transport Secretary, Conservative Party Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: New thinking on railways and transport from the Conservative Party)
  • Martin Tugwell, Planning Implementation Director, South East England Regional Assembly (talked about: Rail for the booming South East)
  • Reg Harman (talked about: Rail's electrifying future)
  • Ruth Leuillette, Transport Planning Manager, Reading Borough Council Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: Reading station: On the verge of transformation)
  • Chris Irwin, TravelWatch SouthWest (talked about: Rail users must be heard)

2006/Stoke [link] - [View / Download Conference Report]

2005/Manchester [link]

  • Sat 05/11/2005

  • Hosted by Railfuture North West branch

  • It was held at Mechanics Centre

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Brian Simpson, Director, North West Rail Campaign
  • Brendan O'Friel, Chairman, North West Public Transport Users' Forum
  • John Mooney, Passenger Link Director, Rail Passengers Council
  • Toby Young
  • Neil Buxton, Association of Community Rail Partnerships Facebook Image

2005/Barry [link] - [View / Download Conference Report]

  • Sat 02/07/2005 Reopenings Conference

  • Reason for Barry: Barry-Bridgend reopening
  • Hosted by Railfuture Cymru/Wales branch

  • It was held at Memorial Hall Theatre, Barry, South Wales

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Cllr Michael Harvey, Cabinet Member Regeneration, Vale of Glamorgan Council Twitter Image Facebook Image
  • Robin Shaw, Chief Executive, Transport Wales
  • Emma Harvey, Operational Manager, Planning & Transportation Policy, Vale of Glamorgan Council Twitter Image Facebook Image
  • David White, Project Manager, Network Rail Twitter Image Facebook Image
  • Steve Hodgetts, Head of Business Development, Cardiff International Airport Twitter Image Facebook Image
  • Professor Stuart Cole, Wales Transport Research Centre
  • Malcolm Howitt, Stakeholder Liaison Manager, Arriva Trains Wales Twitter Image Facebook Image
  • Jane Hutt, Member for the Vale of Glamorgan, National Assembly

2004/Birmingham [link]

2003/London [link]

  • It was held at Hamilton House

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Chris Austin, Executive Director for Community Rail Development, SRA
  • Theo Steel, Managing Director, First Great Eastern
  • Paul Salveson, Association of Community Rail Partnerships Facebook Image

2003/Birmingham [link]

  • Sat 26/04/2003 High-Speed Rail

  • It was held at Birmingham City Council

  • Railfuture is grateful for sponsorship from Birmingham City Council

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

  • Read an [Article] about the conference — High-speed-rail

    • CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Roderick Smith, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College, London (talked about: Lessons from Japan: The Case for a UK High-Speed Rail Network)
  • Mike Bennett (talked about: High-Speed European Railways - A glimpse of the future)
  • John Stewart, Transport 2000 (talked about: Clearing the Skies and Preserving the Fields - The case for High-Speed Rail to replace Short Haul Flights)
  • Graham Nalty and Norman Bradbury, Railfuture Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: Saving the Roads from Gridlock - High-Speed Rail as a viable alternative to Motorways)
  • Alderman Don Lewis (talked about: Opportunities for High-Speed Rail)

2002/London [link]

  • It was held at Scientific Societies Lecture Theatre

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Chris Green, Chief Executive, Virgin Trains Twitter Image Facebook Image
  • Steve Thompson, Director of Consumer Development, London Lines
  • Anthony Smith, National Director, Rail Passenger Council
  • There were also four concurrent workshops - on rail user groups, marketing, business cases and cycling. BBC News 24 covered the conference

2002/Derby [link]

  • Sat 25/05/2002 11th Rail Reopenings Conference

  • It was held at The Waterfall Centre

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Christian Wolmar
  • Jonathan Hall, Rail Officer, Nottinghamshire County Council Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: How the Robin Hood line was reopened)
  • Malcolm Parker (talked about: History behind plans for rail reopenings in Wales)

2001/London [link]

  • Sat 06/10/2001 Rail Users' Conference

  • It was held at Scientific Societies Lecture Theatre

  • Railfuture is grateful for sponsorship from Chiltern Railways Twitter Image Facebook Image

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Adrian Shooter, Managing Director, Chiltern Railways Twitter Image Facebook Image
  • Jennie Jones, Transport spokesman at the Greater London Authority, Green Party Twitter Image Facebook Image

2001/Poole [link]

  • Rail Reopenings Conference - No further details available

2000/London [link]

  • Sat 07/10/2000 Rail Users' Conference

  • Railfuture is grateful for sponsorship from Anglia Railways

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Stewart Francis, Chairman, Rail Passengers Council (talked about: Service delivery beyond keeping to the timetable - increasing train cancellations, delays and overcrowding)
  • Chris Austin, External Relations Director, SRA (talked about: Increasing demand for rail services - over the past five years passenger usage had increased by 30% and freight tonne-miles by 40%)
  • Jonathan Denby, Corporate Affairs Manager, Anglia Railways (talked about: Improving customer service, innovation, partnership, and developing a better railway)

1999/Colchester [link]

  • Wed 22/09/1999 Stansted Airport - A Public Transport Hub for the East
  • A weekday event for decision makers and opinion formers

  • It was held at Marks Tey Hotel, Colchester

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Managers, Railtrack
  • Managers, Train Operators
  • MPs
  • Representatives, Voluntary Sector

1999/Walsall [link]

  • Sat 26/06/1999 Rail Reopenings - 'Reo 99'

  • It was held at St Paul's Crossing Conference Centre, Walsall

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Mike Grant, Chief Executive Designate, Shadow SRA
  • Stuart Davies, Halcrow Transmark (talked about: Feasibility and Cost Benefit Studies)

1998/London [link]

  • Sat 26/09/1998 20th Rail Users' Conference

1998/Cambridge [link]

  • Sat 20/06/1998 7th Rail Reopenings Conference

1997/London [link]

  • Sat 27/09/1997 19th Rail Users' Conference

  • It was held at Societies Lecture Theatre

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • David Bertram, Chairman, Central Rail Users' Consultative Committee
  • Allan Dare, Adtranz

1997/Halifax [link]

  • Sat 28/06/1997 6th Rail Reopenings Conference

  • It was held at White Swan Hotel

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Cllr Marion Kershaw, Calderdale Council
  • Bob Hill, Director, Railtrack Property
  • Ruth Annison, Wensleydale Rail Association

1996/London [link]

  • It was held at Camden Centre

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

  • Read 2 articles about the conference:
    • Read an [Article] — The Great Western way
    • Read an [Article] — Europe sets the transport policy pace

    • CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Brian Scott, Managing Director, Great Western Trains
  • Professor Janice Morphet

1996/Bicester [link]

    CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Dick Helling, Public Transport Officer, Oxfordshire County Council Twitter Image Facebook Image
  • Jim Steer, Steer Davies Gleave Twitter Image
  • Councillor Les Sibley, Deputy Mayor of Bicester, welcomed attendees to Bicester

1995/London [link]

  • 17th Rail Users' Conference - No further details available

1995/Bathgate [link]

  • 4th Rail Reopenings Conference - No further details available

1994/London [link]

  • 16th Rail Users' Conference - No further details available

1994/Clitheroe [link]

  • 3rd Rail Reopenings Conference - No further details available

1993/London [link]

  • 15th Rail Users' Conference - No further details available

1993/Maesteg [link]

  • 2nd Rail Reopenings Conference - No further details available

1992/London [link]

  • 14th Rail Users' Conference - No further details available

1992/Nottingham [link]

  • 1st Rail Reopenings Conference - No further details available

1991/Birmingham [link]

  • Sat 02/11/1991 13th Rail Users' Conference

  • It was held at Dr Johnson House

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Brian Simpson MEP

1990/London [link]

  • 12th Rail Users' Conference - No further details available

1989/London [link]

  • 11th Rail Users' Conference - No further details available

1988/London [link]

  • Sat 22/10/1988 10th Rail Users' Conference

  • It was held at University College London

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Gordon Pettitt, General Manager, Southern Region, British Rail
  • Simon Coventry, Marketing Manager, British Rail Engineering Ltd
  • James Towler, Ex-chair West Yorkshire, TUCC

1987/London [link]

  • 9th Rail Users' Conference - No further details available

1986/London [link]

  • Sat 15/11/1986 8th Rail Users' Conference

  • It was held at University College London

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Chris Green, Director of Network South East, British Rail

1984/London [link]

  • Sat 24/03/1984 6th Rail Users' Conference

  • It was held at University College London

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • David Mitchell MP (talked about: The Railways - Post Election, Post Serpell)

1983/London [link]

  • 5th Rail Users' Conference - No further details available

1982/London [link]

  • Sat 27/03/1982 4th Rail Users' Conference

    CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    CONFERENCE SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Ray Buckton, General Secretary, ASLEF

1981/London [link]

  • 3rd Rail Users' Conference - No further details available

1980/Peterborough [link]

  • Sat 06/12/1980 Reopenings Conference

1980/Derby [link]

  • Sat 25/10/1980 2nd Rail Users' Conference

  • It was held at Queen's Hall Methodist Mission

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

1980/London [link]

  • Sat 29/03/1980 1st Rail Users' Conference

  • It was held at Friends House

    • CONFERENCE MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

 

Past AGMs

Railfuture holds an Annual General Meeting each year.

Like the conferences, the locations vary each year - always with good rail connections - and are open to Railfuture members.

2023/London [link]

  • Sat 15/07/2023 18th Railfuture Ltd AGM
  • Plus presentation of Rail User Group Awards by Railfuture Honorary President Christian Wolmar

  • Hosted by Railfuture London & South East branch

  • It was held at University of London Senate House

    • AGM MATERIALS:

  • Further Info: Click [Download] or [Display] for the AGM notice and agenda, including map (PDF format)

  • Election results for the Board of Directors were announced - click HERE to see results

2022/Bristol [link]

  • Sat 16/07/2022 17th Railfuture Ltd AGM
  • Plus presentation of Rail User Group Awards by Railfuture Vice-President Stewart Palmer

  • Hosted by Railfuture Severnside branch

  • It was held at St Michael's Church Centre

    • AGM MATERIALS:

  • Further Info: Click [Download] or [Display] for the AGM notice and agenda, including map (PDF format)

  • Election results for the Board of Directors were announced - click HERE to see results

2021/Birmingham [link]

  • Sat 17/07/2021 16th Railfuture Ltd AGM
  • This was a physical event to be undertaken in a Covid-secure manner with appropriate social distancing et al [legislation allowing company meetings to take place virtually had expired]. There was no AGM in 2020

  • Hosted by Railfuture West Midlands branch

  • It was held at The Priory Rooms

    • AGM MATERIALS:

  • Further Info: Click [Download] or [Display] for the AGM notice and agenda, including map (PDF format)

    • AGM SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • About the speakers: [Read Speaker Biographies]
  • Malcolm Holmes, Executive Director, West Midlands Rail Executive Twitter Image - click [Download] or [Display] for the speaker's slides (PDF format)
  • Sarah Spink, Strategic Partnerships Lead, Midlands Connect Twitter Image - click [Download] or [Display] for the speaker's slides (PDF format)
  • Sarah Spink replaced Karen Heppenstall. At the start there was a video specially recorded for Railfuture AGM by Andy Street, Mayor, West Midlands Combined Authority
  • Election results for the Board of Directors were announced - click HERE to see results

2020/Birmingham [link]

  • Sat 27/06/2020 — This event was cancelled [reason]

2019/Cardiff [link]

  • Sat 18/05/2019 15th Railfuture Ltd AGM

2018/Edinburgh [link]

  • Sat 12/05/2018 14th Railfuture Ltd AGM

  • Hosted by Railfuture Scotland branch

  • It was held at Holyrood Hotel

    • AGM MATERIALS:

  • Further Info: Click [Download] or [Display] for the AGM notice and agenda, including map (PDF format)

    • AGM SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Alex Hynes, Managing Director, ScotRail Alliance Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: The Scotrail Franchise - 4 years On)
  • John Finnie MSP, Cross Party Group on Rail in the Scottish Parliament, Green Party Twitter Image Facebook Image (talked about: Benefits of devolution of rail to Scotland)
  • Fraser McDonald and Norman McNab, Friends of the West Highland Lines Facebook Image
  • The Depute Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Joan Griffiths, will formally open the AGM
  • Election results for the Board of Directors were announced - click HERE to see results

2017/Peterborough [link]

  • Sat 20/05/2017 13th RDS Ltd AGM

  • Reason for Peterborough: Thameslink Programme and Greater Anglia franchise
  • Hosted by Railfuture East Anglia branch

  • It was held at Peterborough Central Library

    • AGM MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    AGM SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Jamie Burles, Managing Director, Greater Anglia Twitter Image Facebook Image
  • Phil Hutchinson, Head of Timetable Development, Thameslink and Great Northern Twitter Image Facebook Image
  • The Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Peterborough formally opened the AGM
  • Election results for the Board of Directors were announced - click HERE to see results

2016/Milton Keynes [link]

  • Reason for Milton Keynes: East West Rail
  • Hosted by Railfuture Thames Valley branch

  • It was held at Jurys Inn Hotel

    • AGM MATERIALS:

  • Further Info: Click [Download] or [Display] for the AGM notice and agenda, incl. changes to Articles of Association (PDF format)

    • AGM SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Iain Stewart Twitter Image, MP for Milton Keynes South, Parliamentary Transport Select Committee member (talked about: East West Rail)
  • Allison Cosgrove, Chair, Railfuture Scotland (talked about: Reopening of the Borders Railway in Scotland)
  • Welcome by the Worshipful the Mayor of Milton Keynes, Councillor Steve Coventry
  • Election results for the Board of Directors were announced - click HERE to see results

2015/Blackpool [link]

  • Sat 16/05/2015 11th RDS Ltd AGM

  • Reason for Blackpool: Electrification and tram expansion
  • Hosted by Railfuture North West branch

  • It was held at Savoy Hotel

    • AGM MATERIALS:

  • Read the [Meeting Minutes] from the AGM

    • AGM SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Stephen McFarlane, Head of Community and Stakeholder Engagement, HS2 Twitter Image Facebook Image
  • Welcome by the Worshipful the Mayor of Blackpool Councillor Val Haynes and the Consort Alan Haynes
  • Election results for the Board of Directors were announced - click HERE to see results

2014/Sheffield [link]

  • Hosted by Railfuture Yorkshire branch

  • It was held at Quaker Meeting House

    • AGM MATERIALS:

  • Read a [Press Release] about the AGM
  • Read the [Meeting Minutes] from the AGM

    • AGM SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Mary Creagh MP, Shadow Transport Secretary and MP for Wakefield, Labour Party Twitter Image Facebook Image
  • Peter Marshall, Chairman, Huddersfield Penistone Sheffield Rail Users Association
  • Chris Bell, Chairman, Don Valley Railway Twitter Image Facebook Image
  • Welcome by Lord Mayor of Sheffield Councillor Vickie Priestley. Christian Wolmar then gave some thoughts on the current rail scene
  • Election results for the Board of Directors were announced - click HERE to see results

2013/Durham [link]

2012/Worcester [link]

  • Sat 12/05/2012 8th RDS Ltd AGM

2011/Brighton [link]

2010/Wrexham [link]

  • Sat 08/05/2010 6th RDS Ltd AGM

  • Hosted by Railfuture Cymru/Wales branch

  • It was held at Wrexham Football Club

    • AGM MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    AGM SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Tim James, Head of Rail Transport, Welsh Assembly Government
  • Ben Jones, Stakeholder Liaison Manager, Arriva Trains Wales Twitter Image Facebook Image
  • Michael Whittaker, Chief Executive, Taith

2009/Leeds [link]

  • It was held at Oxford Place Methodist Centre

    • AGM MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    AGM SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • David Mallender, Public Relations Manager, First Transpennine Express Twitter Image Facebook Image
  • Ted Gibbins

2008/Coventry [link]

2007/Preston [link]

  • Sat 12/05/2007 3rd RDS Ltd AGM

  • Hosted by Railfuture North West branch

  • It was held at Lancashire County Council

    • AGM MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

2006/Swindon [link]

  • Sat 06/05/2006 2nd RDS Ltd AGM

  • It was held at STEAM

    • AGM MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    AGM SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Chris Irwin, Chairman, South West Public Transport Users' Forum (talked about: Fighting the Passengers' Corner)
  • Glenda Lamont, First Great Western Twitter Image Facebook Image

2005/Peterborough [link]

  • Sat 07/05/2005 1st RDS Ltd AGM

  • Hosted by Railfuture East Anglia branch

  • It was held at Bull Hotel

    • AGM MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    AGM SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Tim Phillips, Chairman, CAST.IRON (talked about: Reopening the Cambridge to St. Ives Railway line)
  • James Adeshiyan, WAGN

2004/Newcastle [link]

  • Sat 08/05/2004 Twenty-Sixth (and final) RDS AGM

  • It was held at Quality Hotel

    • AGM MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    AGM SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Jim Morgan, First Group

2003/Cardiff [link]

  • Sat 31/05/2003 Twenty-Fifth RDS AGM

2002/Nottingham [link]

  • Sat 27/04/2002 Twenty-Fourth RDS AGM

  • Reason for Nottingham: Nottingham Tram construction
  • It was held at Nottingham Trent University

    • AGM MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    AGM SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Colin Lee, Communications Officer, Nottingham Express Transit
  • The Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Des Wilson, welcomed the society to the city; incl. site visit of construction of Nottingham Express Transit

2001/Liverpool [link]

  • Sat 05/05/2001 Twenty-Third RDS AGM

  • It was held at The Adelphi Hotel

    • AGM MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    AGM SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Neil Scales, Chief Executive and Director General, Merseytravel
  • The Lord Mayor of Liverpool Councillor Edwin Clein welcomed Railfuture members

2000/Croydon [link]

  • Twenty-Second RDS AGM - No further details available

1999/York [link]

  • Sat 01/05/1999 Twenty-First RDS AGM

    AGM MATERIALS:

  • Read the [Press Coverage] about the AGM

    • AGM SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Dr Mike Caton, President, RDS (talked about: poor performance of train operators as part of his Presidential speech)

1998/Shrewsbury [link]

  • Sat 02/05/1998 Twentieth RDS AGM

  • It was held at Gateway Centre

    • AGM MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    AGM SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • David Weir, Managing Director, Wales and West Railway
  • Members were welcomed by the Mayor, Councillor Peter Dunham

1997/Norwich [link]

  • It was held at Maids Head Hotel

    • AGM MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    AGM SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Lord Berkeley, Chairman, Piggyback Consortium
  • Attendees were welcomed to the city by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Rory Quinn

1996/Mansfield [link]

  • Eighteenth RDS AGM - No further details available

1995/Exeter [link]

  • Seventeenth RDS AGM - No further details available

1994/Lincoln [link]

  • Sixteenth RDS AGM - No further details available

1993/Ashford [link]

  • Fifteenth RDS AGM - No further details available

1992/Birmingham [link]

  • Fourteenth RDS AGM - No further details available

1991/Edinburgh [link]

  • Sat 04/05/1991 Thirteenth RDS AGM

    AGM MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    AGM SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • Tim Hansford, Railfreight Distribution Director, British Rail

1990/Manchester [link]

  • Twelth RDS AGM - No further details available

1989/Southampton [link]

  • Eleventh RDS AGM - No further details available

1988/Leicester [link]

  • Tenth RDS AGM - No further details available

1987/Newcastle [link]

  • Sat 25/04/1987 Ninth RDS AGM

    AGM MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

    AGM SPEAKERS (AND THEIR PRESENTATIONS):

  • John Baggs, General Manager, Metro, Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive

1986/Cardiff [link]

  • Sat 19/04/1986 Eighth RDS AGM

1985/Wakefield [link]

  • Sat 20/04/1985 Seventh RDS AGM

  • It was held at Unity Hall

    • AGM MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

1984/Ely [link]

  • Sat 28/04/1984 Sixth RDS AGM

  • It was held at The Maltings

    • AGM MATERIALS:

    Nothing is available

1983/Crewe [link]

  • Fifth RDS AGM - No further details available

1982/Reading [link]

  • Sat 24/04/1982 Fourth RDS AGM

1981/Sheffield [link]

  • Sat 25/04/1981 Third RDS AGM

1980/Bristol [link]

  • Sat 26/04/1980 Second RDS AGM

1979/Peterborough [link]

  • Sat 05/05/1979 First RDS AGM

 

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