EMR and partners scoop community rail accolades

Community Rail projects run by East Midlands Railway (EMR) and its partners have been awarded three prizes at a national ceremony.

The rail operator won the prizes at this year’s Community Rail Network’s Community Rail Awards. The UK-wide awards recognise the hard work of everybody involved in community rail – including volunteers, train operators and community groups.

EMR’s Routes of Remembrance won silver in the Best Community Engagement Project category. The project created a special poem to be read aloud as part of an annual event held each year in partnership with the Veterans Charity.

The poem was created by Community Rail Partnership members and station adopters during a workshop run by creative writer, Via McNab. It is permanently displayed at both Derby and Nottingham stations alongside other Remembrance artwork, as well as being showcased in poster cases throughout EMR’s network.

Also as part of the project, many other stations across EMR’s network were decorated with poppies and war poems, creating a touching and respectful atmosphere. These included a stunning poppy display at Willington station and a powerful war poem, along with a poppy display, at Beeston station.

Longton Station Adopters won Lead Bronze in the Its Your Station Category. Judges were impressed with the dedication the volunteers showed to make its station better for the community. The groups work to install a series of bottle kiln structures and clever planting of drought resistant plants were also praised.

Finally, Beds & Herts Community Rail Partnership won 3rd place in this year’s photo category – capturing the essence of community rail. The entry is below:

Kaye Robinson, Community Engagement Manager at East Midlands Railway, said: ” I am thrilled to see our commitment to Community Rail recognised with three awards at this year’s Community Rail Awards.

“These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our partners, volunteers, and station adopters who work tirelessly to enhance the railway experience for everyone.

“From the heartfelt ‘Routes of Remembrance’ project to the transformative efforts at Longton Station, and the captivating photography of Beds & Herts Community Rail Partnership, each endeavor reflects our shared vision of fostering stronger, more inclusive communities.”

Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, said: “Congratulations to community rail partnerships and station friends volunteers in the East Midlands Railway network on their success at our recent Community Rail Awards.

“Through our awards we showcase the immense value of community rail, helping to build stronger, fairer, greener communities, served and connected by their railways and wider sustainable transport network.”