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A first for Norfolk - "change here for Paston Sixth Form College"

A national “first” for Paston College - station sponsorship and new timetables

March 5th 2010: New station signs at North Walsham Station celebrating Paston Sixth Form College were unveiled today.  The signs also mark the College's decision to revise its start time to coincide with the train times, in order to make it easer for students to travel to and from Paston on the Bittern Line train. 

Paston believes it is the first Sixth Form College in the UK to sponsor its local station's signs, which say: 'North Walsham – home of Paston Sixth Form College.'

VIPs including councillors and directors of the railway joined students and teachers from Paston at the event.  The decision to work with National Express underlines Paston's commitment to promoting green, sustainable transport to its students.  Shelagh Hutson, Norfolk CC cabinet member for Children’s Services, described the move as "a marvellous initiative." 

College Principal Peter Mayne explains: "Many more students are coming to study at Paston, because of our excellent academic reputation, and are happy to travel some distance to do so.  As part of our transport policy we are keen to make travel to the College as easy as possible for them, whether they are coming from North East Norfolk, Norwich or further afield, by rail or bus.  However, one issue has been the train timetable - in order for students to get to College in time for the start of day they've had to catch a train arriving an hour before classes begin." 

But no longer: as of September 2010, the College day will officially start at 09:05.  This allows students to catch later trains, that arrive at North Walsham just over ten minutes before classes begin – giving them plenty of time to walk safely to the College. 

For example, a student can get a train from Norwich at 08:23, or Wroxham at 08:38, and arrive in North Walsham at 08:51. Similarly, a student from Sheringham can catch the 08:25 Bittern Line train (or from Cromer the 08:36) and be in North Walsham station at 08:53. 

"Paston's academic success in recent years has meant that students are coming from further and further afield," says Peter Mayne.  "Transport is a key issue.  Synchronising the College day with the train timetables has taken a lot of careful planning, but it will be a major benefit."  For example, a student from as far away as Wymondham can catch a local train at 07.50 and be in North Walsham in time for College. 

Peter Mayne adds that one thing especially has made this move practical - the Bittern Line's very good record for punctuality.  It's the region's most punctual service, with 96% of trains on time. 

"The Bittern Line is a vital lifeline for people in the area," says James Steward, area manager on rural routes for National Express East Anglia.  "We're delighted to be involved with the local community in a project like this, which makes it easier for travellers to access the trains.  We're also very pleased to be able to help Paston College in its promotion of green transport."  
 

Students are delighted that the College’s start time moves to 09.05 from September enabling them to catch trains an hour later.  Here's what some of them think:

"Brilliant news – it'll make a huge difference and make travelling by train even more attractive," Bradley Starkings from Wroxham.  

"This is will make my day so much better. I will be able to catch the train an hour later - which means not having to get up quite so early!" Barney Robinson, Norwich.

Becky Self cycles to the station and then travels by train to North Walsham as the station is nearer than the bus stop. "It’s really convenient," she says. "Next year it will be even better."

"It's perfect for me, it'll save an hour in the morning," says Becca Crow, a student from Worstead.

"Travel by train is great – it's a reliable and frequent service," Samuel Thorpe, Salhouse.

Katharine Powell from Worstead, likes the flexibility of being able to travel on services throughout the day – "It's useful when I have a late start or an early finish." 

Jacob Rix, who lives in Sheringham, likes coming to College by train – "It’s fast and direct, plus I can use my pass throughout the day and at weekends and in the evenings – a real bonus."  Jacob also says that he can work on the train.

 

Amongst those at the event at North Walsham Railway Station, 11.00am on Friday 5th of March were:

Rebecca Chamberlain, Student President (Paston College)

Shelagh Hutson, NCC cabinet member for Children’s Services

Sheila Gadsden, Mayor of North Walsham

Simon Partridge, Chair of NNDC

Mr Ted Gadsden, Chairman of the Bittern Line Partnership

Ian Dinmore, Community Rail Officer, Norfolk CC

Diana Clarke, Chair of the Griffon Area Partnership

Francis Harmer [Chair of Governors, Paston College]

James Steward, Area Manager - Rural Routes, National Express East Anglia

Peter Mayne, Principal, Paston Sixth Form College

 

Click here to see the Eastern Daily Press newspaper report.

Click here for further information on travelling to Paston Sixth Form College.