EMR and community partners shine in national Community Rail Awards nominations
- Community Rail Awards celebrate the work of staff and volunteers to support local communities
- EMR, working with local partners and communities, is shortlisted in several categories
- Winners are due to be announced in March
East Midlands Railway (EMR) and its community partners are delighted to announce that several of their innovative projects have been shortlisted for the prestigious Community Rail Awards 2025.
The UK-wide Community Rail Awards recognise the unsung heroes of the community rail world for their hard work and dedication. All the projects shortlisted below were funded by EMR's Community Fund.
Shortlisted Projects
Involving Children and Young People Category
Robin Hood Line CRP – Fusion Learning
Twelve young people, previously not in education, collaborated with Engineered Learning to create a Woolly Mammoth sculpture for Creswell Station. This project provided engineering skills and helped the students transition back into education, with several participants securing apprenticeship placements by the end of the programme.
Empowering Diverse Groups Category
Market Rasen Station – Market Rasen Community Café
An adult SEND group from Lincolnshire County Council transformed an unused room at Market Rasen Station into a thriving Community Café. The project provided essential life skills and work experience, culminating in a confidence-building train trip for the participants.
Community Creative Projects & Station Arts Category
Robin Hood Line CRP, Poacher Line CRP, and EMR – We Are Nottingham Station Mural
This collaborative initiative saw the creation of a vibrant mural at Nottingham Station, celebrating the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Working with local youth group Base 51, they gained knowledge around the rail industry, future careers and took pride in creating artwork that had personal meaning.
Outstanding Volunteer Contribution Category
Jaymii Claxton – Bulwell Station
As the youngest station adopter with the Robin Hood Line CRP, Jaymii has led significant improvement works at Bulwell Station. A young mother, she credits station adoption with boosting her confidence, building new skills, and fostering a strong sense of community pride.
Photo Competition Category
Barton – Cleethorpes CRP
Two creative entries were shortlisted: the engaging “I Love My EMR Safety Book” and the playful “I Want to Be in the Photo Too!”, which successfully increased community engagement and awareness.
You can vote in this category here:
https://communityrail.org.uk/community-rail-awards-2025-photography-competition/
It’s Your Station Category
Bronze
Haborough Station Adopters
Kettering Civic Society
Lincoln Station Adopters
Silver
Uttoxeter Station Adopters
Kidsgrove Station Adopters
Bottesford Friendly Garden
Friends of Radcliffe Station
Friends of Lowdham & Burton Joyce Stations
Peartree Station Adopters
Great Coates in Bloom
Boston Station Adopters
The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony in Newcastle on Thursday, 13 March 2025.
Kaye Robinson, Community Engagement Manager at East Midlands Railway, said: “We are thrilled to see so many of our community projects and partners recognised 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 Robin Hood Line’s Fusion Learning project gaining valuable engineering skills, to the Market Rasen Community Café providing life-changing opportunities for SEND adults, and the stunning Nottingham Station mural celebrating local heritage, these initiatives truly demonstrate the power of community collaboration.
“We are incredibly proud to support these projects through our Community Fund and look forward to celebrating the achievements of all the nominees in Newcastle next March.”
Sarah Chilton, Director of Communications and Policy at Community Rail Network, said: “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 all the shortlisted projects from EMR and its partners. We look forward to celebrating their incredible work in March.”