Neil Scott and Graham Davis have been unanimously re-elected as Chair and Vice Chair of the Cambrian Railway Partnership following the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, securing another two-year term at the helm of the community rail body.
Their reappointment follows a year of notable achievements for the Partnership, which has expanded its reach across the communities served by the Cambrian Line and strengthened its role in promoting rail travel, sustainability and community engagement.
Hosted by Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO) and primarily funded by Transport for Wales, the Cambrian Railway Partnership works closely with local authorities, community organisations, station adopters, tourism partners and volunteers to connect communities with their railway and encourage greater rail use throughout Mid Wales, Gwynedd and Shropshire.
Over the past year, the Partnership has increased its visibility across the route, appointed a new Community Rail Development Officer, secured funding for projects linked to the national Railway 200 celebrations and continued its work to improve access to the railway while promoting rail safety and sustainable travel.
According to the Partnership’s recently published 2025-26 Impact Report, more than 40 community groups and organisations have been engaged, while over 33 community-focused blogs have been published. In addition, 16 organisations have benefitted from more than £7,400 distributed through the Railway 200 Community Grant Fund, supporting creative initiatives marking 200 years of the modern railway.
Neil Scott, Chair of the Cambrian Railway Partnership, said:"I'm delighted to be re-elected by our partners to serve as Chair for another two years and have Graham as the Vice-Chair."
"Together we have overseen a significant period of change for the Partnership that has focused it on engaging with our communities, delivering projects such as our Railway 200 Community Grant Fund and recruiting a new Community Rail Development Officer in 2025."
"We look forward to another two years of leading and supporting the Partnership and delivering new projects for communities and the railway."
The Partnership says community engagement has been central to its success, creating stronger links between local people and the railway while supporting projects that deliver social and economic benefits across the region.
Deb Justice, Community Rail Development Officer for the Cambrian Railway Partnership, said:“This year has provided valuable opportunities to be visible along the Cambrian Line, engaging directly with the communities who live and work beside it. Collaborating with such dedicated and passionate groups has been a privilege. The Railway 200 Community Grant Fund has enabled the development of several outstanding projects, each reflecting the creativity, commitment, and pride that characterise the communities along the Cambrian Line.”
Looking ahead, the Partnership will continue to focus on securing funding, developing community-led projects and strengthening connections between railway services and the communities they serve.
Melanie Lawton, Community Rail Strategy Lead, said:"The Community Rail Partnership Chair is the primary leader and strategic voice, Neil and Graham will guide the vision and work together with Deb and partnership members to delivery their activity plan, continue to secure funding and help better connected their communities to their railway. I look forward to working with Neil and Graham again in their next successful term"
The renewed leadership team will now oversee the delivery of the Partnership’s future activity programme as it continues to champion community rail initiatives across the Cambrian Line.
Image credit: Mediyour
