A series of schemes to connect communities to their railways have been shortlisted for prestigious national awards.
The projects range from train trips for adults with learning difficulties and artwork at stations to renovating station buildings for community use and encouraging sustainable travel.
They have been promoted by Southeast Communities Rail Partnership (SCRP) and station groups working with partners and volunteers.
The four SCRP schemes shortlisted by our parent body Community Rail Network in its annual awards nominations are:
:: Station visits and train trips on the 1066 Hastings to Tonbridge Line for adults with learning difficulties in partnership with the Aspens charity in Hastings in the Empowering Diverse Groups category.
:: A Town Explores A Book celebration of the history of the construction of the railways paired with a wider project to explore the contents of ‘The Railway Children’ by E Nesbit at St Leonards Warrior Square station on the 1066 Line under Community Engagement.
:: An onward travel map and leaflets to encourage passengers at Seaford station on the Sussex Downs Line to choose active travel options including buses, walking and cycling in the Tourism and Leisure section.
:: The renovation of Battle station house on the 1066 Line for community use under Most Enhanced Railway Spaces.
In addition, station partners and volunteers have been shortlisted for seven awards:
:: QE2 Silver Jubilee School at Horsham on the Arun Valley Line for the ‘QE2 Art Gallery and beyond’ under Involving Children and Young People.
:: Friends of Angmering Station on the Sussex Coast Line at Gold level for It’s Your Station.
:: Friends of Bishopstone Station on the Sussex Downs Line for its History Weekend in the Small Projects Award and a Silver level nomination under It’s Your Station.
:: Greening Arundel and the Green Team for ‘A Green Welcome to Arundel’ on the Arun Valley Line in the Influencing Positive Change & Sustainability category and a Silver level nomination under It’s Your Station.
:: Friends of Southwick Station on the Sussex Coast Line at Bronze level for It’s Your Station.
Tim Barkley, chair of Southeast Communities Rail Partnership Community Interest Company, said: “We are pleased that our projects have been shortlisted by Community Rail Network and that our collaborative approach with our partners has been recognised. We have worked hard to connect communities to their railways and these schemes all highlight the valuable work we do in the region.”
Sarah Chilton, director of communications and policy at Community Rail Network, added: “2025 is a very special year for community rail and the wider railway industry, and we’re delighted to see so many inspiring award entries showcasing amazing people, projects and initiatives from across our growing, grassroots movement.
“Huge congratulations to Southeast Communities Rail Partnership, all the station groups and volunteers for being shortlisted. We’re looking forward to joining them and our community rail colleagues and industry partners to celebrate their hard work, positivity and dedication at our awards evening.”
The winners will be announced at a high-profile awards ceremony in Newcastle on Thursday 13 March 2025.
Main image (clockwise from top left): A Town Explores a Book, Aspens train trip, Seaford onward travel map, Battle station community hub
