Ipswich Cub Scouts Learn the Workings of Liverpool Street Station

Cub scouts from Ipswich learned what it’s like to work at London Liverpool Street station thanks to a trip organised by the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership (CRP).

The CRP worked in partnership with Greater Anglia and took cubs from the 31st/9th Ipswich Scout Group on a train journey from Ipswich to London Liverpool Street in January.

Greater Anglia staff met the cubs upon arrival in London and took them on a station tour that included getting to know many aspects of the day-to-day operations. The cubs were able to make announcements on the tannoy, learned about security and the station’s CCTV system, and helped to dispatch a Stansted Express service.

East Suffolk Lines CRP Officer Thalia Woodgate said:

“I can’t tell you what a fantastic day the cubs had learning all about the workings on one of London’s major rail stations – in fact the busiest station in the UK !

“I would like to thank the Greater Anglia team who pulled out all the stops to ensure the cubs had a really fun and interesting day, which was also extremely educational and a great insight into future career options on the railway.”

James Nunn, Cub Scout Leader, said:

“Thanks so much Thalia and Greater Anglia. Our visit was an experience the cubs will remember for years.

“All the staff were friendly, enthusiastic and loved having us as their guests. They were able to explain the complex workings of a busy rail station in a way 8-10 year olds could not only understand but also be a part of. The cubs loved being able to actually participate in dispatching trains and making announcements. This made for a very exciting and interactive behind the scenes tour that taught us all a lot but was still a whole load of fun! Several of the cubs have been through Liverpool Street with family but none of us realised just how much goes on behind the scenes to keep everyone safe and trains running on time.

“As a direct result of our visit at least one of the cubs said they wanted to work for Greater Anglia when they grow up!”

The 31st/9th Ipswich Scout Group were the first in Suffolk to receive the ‘Platforms for Change’ badge when they worked with the CRP to learn about rail safety at Derby Road station in 2024.

‘Platforms for Change’ is an initiative by the national Community Rail Network where cubs and scouts can earn a badge by learning about the railway. More information about the initiative is available on the Community Rail Network website.