Thursday, 20 August 2020
- Community Rail Awards celebrate the work of staff and volunteers to support local communities
- EMR, working with local partners and communities, shortlisted for 18 awards
- Winners are due to be announced in December
An intergenerational art project, a community-built pergola scheme and a dedicated volunteer are amongst 18 shortlisted nominations for EMR and its community partners in this year’s Community Rail Awards.
The UK-wide Community Rail awards recognise the unsung heroes of the community rail world for their hard work and dedication.
A great example of how community rail can bring different types of people together is the fine art project between the Poacher Line CRP and South Nottinghamshire Academy. It has been nominated in the Community Art Schemes – Renewable and Smaller Projects category.
The fine art project at Radcliffe-on-Trent station came about thanks to the hard work the station adopters had put in to raise awareness of their group in the community.
Due to a previous art project of theirs appearing on the local news, the head of art at South Nottinghamshire Academy got in touch to see if they could work together on something.
Joining forces with the Poacher Line CRP, who helped coordinate the project, it was decided an intergenerational art project would incorporate community cohesion at its best, as well as enhance the bare walls on Platform two of Radcliffe station.
Three Year 12 fine art students were assigned to the project and Manor House, a local residential home, hosted the students to deliver art lessons to their residents based on the style of art each student had chosen to adorn the walls of the station.
The project took eight weeks to complete, from researching the local area and the train network, to lessons being prepared for the residents of the home. The result was three stunning pieces of unique art for the passengers and local community to enjoy whilst passing through or waiting for a train.
Another project shortlisted for an award, this time in the Most Enhanced Station category, is the North Staffordshire CRP – Uttoxeter Pergola and Arbour Project.
The idea of building a pergola arose one hot summer when the station volunteers noticed passengers waiting for taxis to Alton Towers had nowhere to wait in the shade and nowhere to sit.
The volunteers erected the pergola on a previously empty space. It has seats and is planted with climbers, which have already reached the top of the uprights.
The pergola is adorned with imagined mini-beasts on wooden plaques, created by children from a local school. It gives the station entrance a more welcoming appearance, adding interest and colour, while at the same, providing station users somewhere to sit.
Donna Adams, Community Engagement Manager at East Midlands Railway, said: “It’s great to have so many nominations this year as I know how much hard work has gone into many of the projects.
“Community rail has a real impact beyond the railway station and enables people to come together to achieve something that will benefit their community.
“It helps provide economic and social benefits – helping to improve gateways to towns and villages and create a community support network.
“At East Midlands Railway we are a strong supporter of community rail and proud to be part of such worthwhile projects.”
Other shortlisted awards include:
- Small Projects Award (under £500) -Friends of Spondon Station – Hedgerow Habitats
- Photo Competition - Kaye Robinson & Poacher Line CRP – Age is just a number
- Outstanding Volunteer Contribution - Sarah Hampton and Mike Willmot
It’s Your Station
Silver: Bottesford, Beeston, Radcliffe, Kidsgrove, Spondon, Heckington & Langley Mill
Gold: Alsager, Longport, Uttoxeter, Willington
Platinum: Market Rasen