APPENDIX 34
Letter to the Clerk of the Committee from
Railworld[24]
Thank you for this exciting document, kindly
sent on to us by Mrs Helen Clark MP.
Exciting, because Railworld is a beacon for
Sustainable Mobility. Our primary aim is the creation of a permanent
centre to raise public awareness of the issues and in so doing,
help to generate political will to address the Climate Change
challenge. Railworld's approach to the transport field is inclusive.
Its vision is "rail at the heart of integrated transport
systems".
Please find attached a background information
sheet to our environmental project. In a world of so much "virtual
reality", Railworld is a reality in the sense of having a
4.8h/12 acre freehold site already delivering public education.
Here is a unique and innovative project, capable of being developed
into a far more effective educational instrument.
Your press release says "We need to learn
how to live differently". Railworld has space for visitors
to experience almost all today's techniques by which to communicate.
Our space has opportunities for a joined-up approach to learn
the sustainability lesson.
Since 1993, when our visitor centre opened on
a very modest scale, we have learnt something of the art of combining
education and entertainment. TS Eliot's "man cannot stand
much reality" is undoubtedly true when the subject is sustainability.
One of our present exhibitions "Rail and the Environment"
uses a model railway to help convey its message. We jokingly say,
the British are far more interested in Thomas the Tank Engine
than any Climate Change threat!
Clearly Government awareness raising campaigns
are important. However, at a time when people are almost bombarded
with well-intended information, "pilgrim centres", places
to physically visit, experience and enjoy, have also a vital role
in the learning process. Railworld has potential at least to be
used experimentally as a beacon point for visitors. Time to stand
and stare is part of learning, not least in so difficult a subject
as sustainability.
Peterborough is already one of England's designated
"Environment cities" and is developing a cluster approach
to matters environmental. The city's Millennium Green Wheel project
won renown and is becoming a catalyst for other sustainable transport
initiatives.
February 2003
24 Promotional pack submitted. See www.railworld.net. Back
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