Colleagues across Arriva Rail London (ARL) came together to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM), shining a spotlight on the Weaver Line – an area with a deep connection to London’s vibrant South Asian communities.

The East End, particularly around Brick Lane, Bethnal Green and Spitalfields, has long been a hub for the textile and garment industry. By the 1960s, Bangladeshi immigrants were drawn to the area by affordable housing and job opportunities in these trades. Their arrival helped shape the cultural identity of the neighbourhood, turning Brick Lane into a vibrant centre for fashion, food and community life. From bustling fabric markets to aromatic food stalls, the influence of South Asian culture shines brightly – just like the people who travel on the Weaver Line every day.

Our ESG team chose Chingford station – located at the end of the Weaver line – as the perfect location to mark the occasion, coinciding with one of our regular ‘Meet the Manager’ events. These events provide passengers with an opportunity to engage directly with station managers, share feedback, raise concerns, and contribute ideas to help improve their travel experience.

Niall Rooney, customer experience director, and Dujon Toussaint, head of stations

To make the event even more special, the team invited South Asian business Auto Kaaran to set up outside the station. Their incredible ice cream, featuring nostalgic flavours like Milo and Ras Malai, delighted attendees – whether it was a sweet trip down memory lane or a new taste adventure.

For book lovers, copies of two award-winning novels were handed out: Brick Lane by Monica Ali and The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri – both powerful stories that explore identity, heritage and belonging. Poems written by ARL customer host Tejinder Sharma were displayed on ticket vending machines, offering reflections on these themes through his own lived experience.

Despite the rain, the community came out in force, queuing to chat, eat and learn more about SAHM. Brett Dryden, ARL’s EDI manager, commented: “This may not have been the flashiest or loudest celebration, but it was one of the most heartfelt. Everyone left with a smile and perhaps some new ideas, new thoughts and a newfound appreciation for what connects us all – regardless of background.”