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Press release 1st November 2018

"Rail driving growth in the Thames Valley" Conference, Reading 10th November


Rail experts head to Reading

Reading plays host to Railfuture's annual conference later this month, with a platform of speakers from the very top of the rail industry. It’s happening on Saturday 10 November at the Novotel in the centre of Reading.

“Reading’s the focus of British transport investment right now, with electrification, new trains, and much more to come” said conference organiser Richard Stow. “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.”

Speakers at the conference, with the theme ‘Rail driving growth in the Thames Valley” include Howard Smith, Operations Director, Crossrail/Elizabeth Line, Jill Poynton from Network Rail on the Great Western Electrification scheme, Ian Walters from SLC rail on new stations and lines and finally Graham Cross from Heathrow Southern Railway Ltd

“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”.

The conference will also see the presentation of the sixth annual Rail User Group awards, judged by Railfuture Vice-Presidents such as Ian Brown and Paul Abell. This year 13 Rail User Groups are in the running for awards in the six categories. 17 individual entries have been received, coming from groups spread across the country. Railfuture President Christian Wolmar will make the RUG Award presentations

The conference will be held at the Novotel, 25B Friars Street, just a few minutes' walk from the station on Saturday 10th November.  Everyoneis welcome to attend, and the conference fee is £30. Booking is online at www.railfuture.org.uk/conferences.

Notes to editors:

Conference begins at 10:45, registration from 10:00, finishes by 17:00

The full list of speakers is:

Cllr Tony Page, Chair, Reading Council - Reading Transport Strategy -delivering for a successful city

Howard Smith, Operations Director, Crossrail/Elizabeth Line - Crossrail and its future as the Elizabeth Line

Anna Holbrook, Network Rail - Western Rail Link to Heathrow project

Jill Poynton, Network Rail - Great Western Electrification

Ian Walters, Managing Director, SLC Rail, Specialists in Developing capacity Enhancements.

Graham Cross, Chief Executive, Heathrow Southern Railway Ltd - A new way of developing southern access to Heathrow - and its benefits


Venue: Novotel, 25B Friars Street, Reading RG1 1DP

For further details about the conference please email richard.stow at railfuture.co.uk

Prices:

  * £30.00 - Members
  * £30.00 - Non-members
  * £20.00 - 16-25 Railcard Holder
  * £55.00 - 2 People
  * Includes: Welcome refreshments and buffet lunch

Railfuture is the UK's leading independent organisation campaigning for better rail services for both passengers and freight.

Railfuture's website can be found at: www.railfuture.org.uk

Follow Railfuture on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Railfuture

For further information and comment please contact:

Richard Stow, conference organiser
e-mail: richard.stow at railfuture.org.uk
Mobile: 07870 808968

Bruce Williamson, media spokesman
e-mail: media at railfuture.org.uk
Tel: 0117 927 2954 Mobile: 07759 557389