ENCHANTING HOLIDAYS AT DALSTON JUNCTION: UNVEILING THE MAGIC OF THE CHRISTMAS GROTTO

Following the success of ARL's Black History Month celebrations, we invited local schools to visit Dalston Junction station and our very own Christmas Grotto, which included familiar faces in some questionable festive-themed outfits (See below for more!.

Bentley Brooks, service delivery manager came up with the idea of organising the event for the local community and suggested Dalston Junction station as a prime location, which was ideal as it could host such an event. The work in the background commenced and he quickly got in touch with Aliyah Abulla, head of procurement and equality, diversity chair and Dujon Toussaint, head of stations and Neal Bailey, customer experience manager, to put the plans in motion.

Neal reached out to the local community as a result, we had a confirmed attendance of more than 300 children and young vulnerable teenagers.

Our very own Paul and Charlotte Whitfield were Father Christmas, with Steve Best and Oli Gant as their helpers in the elf outfits. And yes, please check the photos below!

The children loved it! The schools were having dance-offs against each other, including special cameos from their teachers too! Bentley allowed them the opportunity to share Christmas messages on the mic, with one saying, "This is the best Christmas party!"

Customers, passengers and the local community were so pleased with what ARL was giving back to them that they asked if we would consider organising a similar Christmas event.

Neal Bailey, customer experience manager, said: "The success of this event was a true testament of the collaborative teamwork and community spirit within ARL as many people from various departments contributed in some capacity."

Aliyah Abdulla, head of procurement and ED&I chair, wanted to recognise those who helped organise the event, saying "A big thanks also to everyone who aided with the wrapping of the gifts. Whether you wrapped one, or some you helped get it done, so a MASSIVE thank you to everyone in the SLT and across Palestra"

A special mention goes to Aliyah and Bentley, who played a significant role in making the event so memorable for all those who attended.