Station volunteers win big at rail awards

A group of volunteers at a High Peak railway station have scooped a top prize at the Community Rail Network Awards.

Formed in 2009, Friends of Buxton Station picked up the Platinum award in the It’s Your Station category at the event in Newcastle on March 13. 

It’s the second time the team has won a Platinum accolade after winning the same category in 2020. 

They wowed the competition judges for their range of projects, including the rewilding of part of the station, encouraging ‘bumblebee safaris’ at Buxton and nine other High Peak station, and supporting Ukrainian refugees to settle in the town through activities at the station. 

“It is undeniable that the Friends of Buxton Station go above and beyond in their dedication to their station and are passionate advocates for the benefits to be experienced by communities feeling connected to their local rail network,” said a spokesperson from Community Rail Network. 

“No activity, event or project is ever too big, challenging or off limits, and they are an inspiring example of a thriving community rail station.” 

Judges also recognised the Friends of Glossop Station with a certificate of excellence in the same category. 

Elsewhere, High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership won 2nd place in the Most Effective Communications Campaign section for their work on the Buxton Line artworks, film project and photography. 

A spokesperson for the awards said: “Arts, film and photography formed the key elements of a multi-faceted campaign that spanned social media and broadcast, designed to promote each of the stations along the line and the diverse array of visitor attractions that surround them.  

“Over the two-week launch period, High Peak & Hope Valley CRP’s Facebook reach increased by 57%, and in the six months after the campaign, passenger numbers to destinations including Whaley Bridge, Chapel-en-le-Frith and Disley showed a marked increase of between 18-27%.”