Stockport-based community groups shortlisted for national rail awards

The Community Rail Awards, now in its 20th year, recognises the important work carried out by an army, often of volunteers, who work across Britain’s rail network to make stations welcoming spaces for passengers and visitors alike.

Alongside this, many of the groups carry out vital community engagement work with schools, colleges, and other local groups to help educate and secure passengers of the future, which is critical to ensuring our railways are an inclusive, sustainable, healthy way to travel.

The following groups in Stockport have been shortlisted for their work:

• Best Community Engagement Project – South East Manchester CRP and Brinnington Station Adopters: Brinnington Community Engagement
• Photo Competition: Capturing the essence of community rail - Friends of Reddish South Station: Tai Chi Evening on the Station Platform
• Small Projects Award (£500 or less) – The Friends of Romiley Station: Romiley Station Sign Highlighting Sensory Diversity
• Community Creative Projects and Station Arts (Small Groups) – Woodsmoor Station Friends: Woodsmoor Station Art Project
• It’s Your Station (Silver Award) – Friends of Reddish South Station

The winners will be announced at a high-profile Awards Ceremony in Swansea on Monday 18 March. The event is jointly sponsored by Great Western Railway and Transport for Wales.

Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, said: “It’s great to see these nominations and I know it reflects the huge amount of hard work that has taken place by community groups in the borough.

“I wish all the nominees the best of luck for the awards ceremony taking place in March.”

Sarah Morgan, from the South East Manchester CRP, added: “We are incredibly proud to be shortlisted for the awards alongside the Brinnington station team and fantastic volunteers at our local stations across Stockport.

“These projects would not be possible without the support of Northern and we are very grateful for their ongoing support of Station Adoption and community rail projects. Good luck to everyone on the shortlist!”

Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network said: “Our Community Rail Awards showcase the amazing projects, initiatives and people across Britain, that make community rail. This year we’ve received an incredible number of submissions and as always, the standard of entries has been extremely high.

"We’re looking forward to joining our community rail colleagues and industry partners to celebrate their hard work, positivity, and dedication at our Awards evening in March.”