From engineering to art: EMR and partners win big at Community Rail Awards

East Midlands Railway (EMR) and its community partners are celebrating after securing multiple awards at the prestigious Community Rail Awards 2025.

The annual awards honour the dedication of community rail staff and volunteers, showcasing the transformative impact of grassroots initiatives that promote social inclusion, heritage, and sustainability within the rail industry.

Among the accolades on the night were a project that helped young people develop engineering skills and transition back into education, and a volunteer who made significant improvements to her local station in Nottingham.

Robin Hood Line CRP’s Fusion Learning project won first place in the Involving Children & Young People category. It involved twelve young people, previously not in education, collaborating with Engineered Learning to create a Woolly Mammoth sculpture for Creswell Station. Several participants in the scheme went on to secure engineering apprenticeships.

Another person whose achievement shone brightly on the night was Jaymii Claxton, who won the Outstanding Volunteer Contribution Award for her work improving the environment around Bulwell Station as a station adopter.

Station adopters play a vital role in enhancing the surroundings of their stations. From keeping an eye out for unusual activity and reporting faults and issues to maintaining gardens and ensuring the station is presentable, they make a huge difference to every single passenger.

Jaymii credits becoming an adopter with boosting her confidence, building new skills, and fostering a sense of community pride. She said: "I feel privileged to be taking home the trophy for Outstanding Volunteer Contribution.

"When I started my station adoption journey, I never imagined standing on stage accepting an award – it truly is an honour."

Other projects that received awards included:

North Staffordshire CRP – Our Railway-Themed Poems Are In These Booklets – 2nd Place, Photo Competition
Youth Inspired – Friends of Bedford St Johns Mosaic Artwork – 2nd Place, Small Projects Award (Under £500)
Habrough Station Adopters – Lead Bronze, It’s Your Station

Kaye Robinson, Community Engagement Manager at East Midlands Railway, said: "We are thrilled to see so many of our community projects and partners acknowledged in this year’s Community Rail Awards. Each of these nominations reflects the passion, creativity, and hard work of the incredible individuals and groups we work with.

"From the young people on the Fusion Learning project gaining valuable engineering skills to the volunteers transforming stations and providing vital community services, these initiatives truly demonstrate the power of collaboration.

"We are incredibly proud to support these projects through our Community Fund and to celebrate their achievements."

Bill Freeman, Interim Chief Executive of the Community Rail Network, highlighted the significance of the awards: He said: "Our Community Rail Awards recognise the incredible work of community rail partnerships, groups, and volunteers across Britain. This year’s ceremony in Newcastle brought together 510 guests from the community rail movement and transport sector, celebrating the role of community rail in building stronger, fairer, and greener communities.

"It’s fantastic to be celebrating two decades of recognising the outstanding work of community rail, especially in this landmark year for Railway 200. Our congratulations go to all our winners, and thanks to everyone who supports and champions community rail."