Sally Ralston

Said the following about Merseyrail Polar Express Team:

“The Merseyrail Polar Express is a Christmas train which runs each year to entertain our staff and their families whilst raising funds for our charity of the year. 2017 will be the 10th anniversary year of the Merseyrail Polar Express. We would like to mark this special anniversary with recognition for a core team of volunteers who make this event such a fabulous event for our staff and their families. The event cannot run without the help of staff volunteers and I would like to use this nomination as recognition for all who take part aswell.

Over the past 9 years we have had between 40 and 50 individual volunteers each year. This calculates to approximately 15,000 volunteer hours since the Polar began. However there is a core team who spend all year preparing for the event, which consists of 13 members of staff. Their contribution is immeasurable and their planning is intensified on the run up to the festive season as well as doing their already busy day to day jobs. This figure does not include their out if hours preparation which can sometimes run into the early hours of the morning! Between them they hold a vast amount of railway knowledge and expertise.

Introduction

Back in 2007 Andy Heath, our Operations Director initially came up with an idea to put together an event at Christmas that was aimed at our staff and our families. We had been hosting Christmas Parties over the previous years but we all agreed that it was more aligned to our values to put on something that was inclusive for the whole family!

Andy offered a train to use to hold the events and from that moment the Polar Express began. It has grown over the years from a fairly simple concept of decoration and entertainment where we hung the baubles with selotape to an all singing all dancing extravaganza of seasonal decoration and lighting. It truly is one of the hi-lights of the year for many of our staff and their children.

Testimonials:

On behalf of my Nieces, I would just like to thank you and all the gang for giving them a fabulous day! They had a lovely time. My Sister-in-law said, you were all a credit to the company and you all certainly know how to have a good time! Well done and thank you all so much.

Sally thank you and all your team for a truly fabulous day out. It warms my heart that there are people who give up their time to organise these events. And I am so proud I work for a company that supports them... My wife and son were smiling all day and everyone else on the train too. Thanks again.

The Polar Express consists of six carriages, each elaborately decorated by the team transforming each carriage with a different theme. The Polar Team, dress up in costumes relating to the theme of their carriage. One of the carriages is decorated as Santa’s Grotto inclusive of Father and Mother Christmas & their special Elves. The children visit Santa with their Christmas lists and are given presents and have their photo taken with Father Christmas. Lunch is provided for all the children and they are given sweets & goodies as they pass through each carriage into a different world. From its inception we have ran the train for three consecutive Sundays in December, running three round trips per day with a stop off for Hot Chocolate & Mince Pies. Only recently we have reduced the number to two Sundays to give the team more down time in what is a very busy time for all. The team entertain our staff and their families throughout their journey. We also employ Face Painters, Glitter Tattoo Artists, Balloon Artists, and a Magician to entertain our guests.

Partners

Every year we have also included our close partners Merseytravel in the event. We offer all their staff the opportunity to come on board and they have also contributed to the fundraising. Over the years we have had support from Lorne Stewart, VEL, Mitie and Carlisle Security. We continue to strive to ensure that the event is inclusive and engages with as many people as possible.

 

Testimonials:

All the family have asked me to pass on their thanks for last week on the Polar Express. The kids (and adults) all had a fantastic and memorable day and really appreciate all the effort that you and the team put in. They said in was a "magical" experience and in the words of 6yr old Ciara - "the best day of her life!"

This is just to thank you for the excellent day yesterday on the Christmas train. I have had many glowing reports from my colleagues and members who enjoyed themselves thoroughly, as indeed so did I and my children. Could you pass on our heartfelt thanks to all who organised this event and especially to all of the volunteers who made it run smoothly and of course with a bang!

We have entertained almost 21,000 staff and their families on the Polar Express with 11,000 of those being children of all ages!

Charity Support

Over the last 9 years we have also included our charity of the year and used Polar Express to raise much needed funds. In total we have helped to raise over £12k for our charities which includes Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, Jospice, The Women’s Hospital, and the Bone Marrow Transplant Fund at the Royal. We have also offered a small number of places to families who are having a hard time during the festive period whether that be due to illness or hardship.

Summary

Not only is the event a key engagement tool for our staff but it has helped develop creative and communication skills of the people who are involved. It has helped numerous charities with funds raised. It has also built strong relationships between us and Merseytravel staff, who wholeheartedly appreciate the fact that we include them in the event.

The Polar Express has a dedicated team of volunteers who get together throughout the year to pull together ideas to stage what is described as a magical event for Merseyrail Staff & their families all on board a train. Every effort is made by the whole team to ensure every guest on the Polar Express has a magical, memorable time on their amazing journey. We have an amazing team, with fabulous ideas, a wonderful vision and whose main goal is to ensure each and every guest on every journey has a memorable one. They give up their time with their families freely at what is a very busy time of the year for others.

An Outstanding and Inspirational team.“