A DEVON based project which will explore 200 years of modern railway sounds to create graphic scores whilst developing equal access has received a £15,190 grant from Great Western Railway.

The Turning Tides Project, based in Crediton, successfully applied for a grant from the train operator’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund, which was launched in January to support local communities and address areas of social need.

As part of GWR’s National Rail Contract with the Department for Transport, the train operator is committed to supporting schools, colleges, councils, community and other not-for-profit organisations by aiding several initiatives. This project will be carried out through 2025 and into 2026.

Musical instruments at The Crediton Station Tea Rooms.
Musical instruments at The Crediton Station Tea Rooms. (Wookshot Media)

It will focus on the sounds of railway over the course of 200 years and celebrate how the rail has changed over time.

The sounds sampled and collected will be presented as visual interpretations and musical compositions.

To achieve this, stations and archives will be explored and shared through local colleges and galleries.

This will include working with train companies to collect sound bites that you may encounter whilst travelling, part of improving train companies’ accessibility.

Collecting these sounds, sharing them and creating graphic scores in workshops, will create a legacy of audio and art to be shared and celebrate the 200th year of modern rail.

Senior Project Manager, The Turning Tides Project CIC, Dominic Palfreman: “We’re extremely grateful for this funding from Great Western Railway, which will help TTTP to explore and celebrate 200 years of modern railway, as well as more than 200 years of sound effects. All whilst being a part of creating equal access in Devon.

“We are really pleased to have submitted one of the successful funding applications in Crediton and be given the opportunity to be part of 200 years of modern rail celebrations.

“By the end of 2025, there were 333,221 Disabled Person Rail Cards in circulation (according to ORR) – for me, this number really highlights the important of equal access to rail – both for work, in the case of our Supported Employees, and leisure. Even more so in rural areas, such as our local Tarka and Dartmoor Line. “If you want to be part of this project, or would like more information, please email or call The Turning Tides Project via: [email protected] or 01363 772512.”

GWR Senior Community Impact Manager Emma Morris said: “The Customer and Community Improvement Fund is a fantastic opportunity for us to invest in our communities in projects that really make a difference at a local level.

“We’re delighted to support this particular initiative, which will share artist’s interpretations of the sounds of rail and how they have changed over 200 years whilst encouraging people to access the rail that may not have confidentially done so before.”

The Turning Tides Project's aim is to work towards equal access to music, arts, and life for people with “Learning Disability” and “Autism” labels.

It aims to create opportunities that benefit our local community, demonstrate the value of inclusivity, and take a social model approach.