Our Journey with Flimby Railway Station
Since formally adopting Flimby Railway Station in 2018, Flimby Primary School has been proud to work alongside community partners to transform the station into a welcoming, vibrant space that reflects the pride our community has in its village.
What began as an idea discussed with pupils and staff has grown into a long-term project that has provided children with opportunities to develop creativity, learn about their local heritage, travel by rail and make a positive contribution to their community.
Over the years, many pupils have played a role in improving and enhancing the station, helping to make it a place that celebrates Flimby’s past, present and future while serving as a welcoming gateway to our village.
What We Have Achieved
Transforming the Station Environment
Since adopting the station, pupils have led and contributed to a range of projects designed to enhance the station and create a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
Highlights include:
- Installation of festive Christmas banners and wreaths, which have become an annual tradition.
- Creation of large-scale community fence murals in partnership with Workington Academy and Colourful North.
- Installation of the Our Flimby information board, celebrating what makes our village special.
- Development of the Flimby Through the Years heritage boards, showcasing local history and helping younger generations connect with the community’s past.
- Creation of a Community Garden, providing an attractive green space for everyone to enjoy.
- Launch of the Train of Values project, linking the railway with our school’s values and helping children understand the importance of kindness, respect, resilience and community.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Our station adoption work has opened up countless opportunities for pupils to travel, explore and learn.
Children have enjoyed rail journeys and educational visits to:
- Millom Discovery Centre
- Maryport Library
- Glasgow Science Centre
- St Mary’s Church, Maryport
- The Crafty Workshop
- Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway (La’al Ratty)
- Carlisle, including Tullie House and Bitts Park
- Senhouse Roman Museum, Maryport
- Whitehaven Harbour
- Workington and other local venues
These experiences have helped children build confidence, independence and an appreciation of sustainable travel.
Working Together with the Community
The station adoption project has strengthened links between the school and the wider community. Pupils have worked alongside local organisations, community groups and industry partners to improve the station and raise awareness of local issues.
Projects have included:
- Community learning workshops with local partners.
- The Stop Smashing Our Windows project, promoting community pride and respect for public spaces.
- Network Rail safety education sessions to help children understand how to stay safe around railways.
- Collaboration with local artists, community groups and secondary school students.
Award-Winning Work
The dedication and creativity of our pupils has been recognised through the Community Rail Awards.
Achievements include:
- Winners of the Influencing Positive Change and Sustainable Development category for the Better Sides of the Track project in 2020.
- Third Place in the Best Community Engagement Project category for the Our Flimby project in 2022.
- Shortlisted in the Involving Children and Young People category for Flimby Through the Years in 2024.
- Shortlisted in the Involving Children and Young People category for the Community Artwork Project in 2025.
Looking Ahead
Our adoption of Flimby Railway Station continues to evolve. Every project provides children with meaningful opportunities to make a difference, learn about their community and develop a sense of pride in where they live.
We are always looking for new ideas and opportunities to further enhance the station, ensuring it remains a welcoming and attractive gateway to our village. Working alongside community partners, residents and the railway, we continue to explore ways to improve the station for local people and passengers while creating valuable learning experiences for our pupils.
We are incredibly proud of everything our pupils have achieved since 2018 and look forward to continuing our partnership with the railway and the wider community for many years to come.
