COMMUNITY RAIL WEEK

To mark the end of Community Rail Week, South Tottenham station unveiled artwork made by students from Gladesmore Community School. These students designed and produced eight pieces of artwork inspired by the iconic Transport for London roundel.

Gladesmore Community School's art department said:

"Gladesmore Community School is proud to have been asked to participate in this art project showcasing our young Haringey residents' different values and talents. With funding from Arriva Rail London, our year seven and year eight students have created these station roundels to brighten up the urban area and invite the local public and South Tottenham station users to celebrate and appreciate our diverse community through the eyes of future generations."

Over the past three years, station assistants Azaz Khan and Ray McDonagh have worked tirelessly, constantly changing and evolving displays of flowers and beds for vegetables throughout the year.

The work on the garden has evolved into several projects with the local community, including a gardening club with Gladesmore Community School. This project allowed their students to grow fruit and vegetables in the station garden, with planters and seeds provided.

Students and teachers visit the garden weekly to tend to their patches, growing carrots, garlic, gooseberries and much more. The gardening club at South Tottenham has become so popular amongst students that a waiting list has now been set up.

This opportunity has now been extended to Earlsmead Primary School, who are currently growing a range of vegetables in the station garden. Ray and Azaz are also looking after 12 silver birch trees for the school, which Pendarren House provided.

The team at South Tottenham are continually finding new ways to further enrich the local area and its community spirit. The dedication of Azaz and Ray has not gone unnoticed, as they have recently been announced as finalists in the National Rail Awards for the Outstanding Personal Contribution category.

“The dedication and passion that Azaz and Ray have demonstrated to create wider change in the local community is truly inspiring. From a bakery providing wooden pallets to a gardener bestowing expert knowledge on soil pH levels, the response from the South Tottenham community has been fantastic. Local residents recognise the value of the community work at their station and want to be involved, offering help, advice and ideas. This feels like just the start of something very special for the area and its people.” - Charlotte Whitfield, customer experience director.

Scroll down to see the children's artwork.