Awards recognise community work

Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partners and Friends of Goostrey Station led the way with a victory in the top category at this year’s Community Rail Awards.

Credited with helping refugees and asylum seekers adapt to life in Essex, running climate change and dementia-friendly trains, supporting volunteer-led community gardens, and lovingly restoring station buildings, the two organisations were joint winners of the Outstanding Contribution to Community Rail Award.

Fifteen winners were chosen from more than 200 entries, in a diverse range of categories including Involving Children and Young People, Community Creative Projects and Station Arts, plus Best Community Engagement Awards.

Individual recognition went to Julie Levy from South East Lancashire Community Rail Partners for Outstanding Volunteer Contribution, while Community Rail Lancashire Chairman Richard Watts received a Board’s Special Recognition Award.

Held at Manchester’s Central Convention Complex on October 6, the awards night was attended by more than 430 guests, including community rail volunteers, officers and rail industry leaders.

Virtual speeches were provided by Rail Minister Kevin Foster, Scottish Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth, and TV presenter and historian Tim Dunn.

Community Rail Network CEO Jools Townsend said: “Despite another challenging year, the array of entries defied expectations, showing how community rail continues to strive to help people get the most from their railways and stations, and impact positively on local places and people’s lives.”

Northern Managing Director Nick Donovan added: “The volume and breadth of initiatives taking place right across our network is inspiring, and it’s right that we shine a light on the importance of community work across the UK.”