An exemplary range of innovative and impressive community rail projects, events and schemes were recognised at the 13^th national Community Rail Awards, attended by 430 community rail partnerships, groups, industry leaders and government representatives.

Photo Credit; ACoRP

Organised by the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP), the Awards were this year hosted by East Midlands Trains at a gala dinner at The Roundhouse, Derby, on 5 October. The event continues to grow in size, this year receiving 201 entries.

This year the event was held at the Roundhouse in Derby a Grade II listed building. Now a College campus, their prospectus describes the building as the old engine sheds and stores where thousands of locomotives and carriages were designed and built between 1839 and 1960s. It’s has been given a new life as a stimulating learning environment for Derby College Students(www.derby-college.ac.uk) At the heart of the college is the Roundhouse itself, one of the earliest surviving examples of ground-breaking Victorian railway architecture. Built in 1839 as a repair shed for steam locomotives, this vast circular space is now a vibrant meeting place, cafe and entertainment venue.

Photo Credit: ACoRP

This years the Conwy Valley Railway Partnership was shortlisted for 4 awards.

1. Involving Young People
   1. 1. Tales on Rails
2. Community Art Scheme
   1. 1. Photographs on the Conwy Valley and Cambrian Railways
3. Best Community Engagement Event
   1. 1. Conwy Valley and Cambrian Christmas Extravaganza
4. Best Marketing or Communications Campaign
   1. 1. Conwy Valley Railway Communication and Marketing Plan

We are pleased to announce we received a second place certificate for the Christmas Extravaganza project, congratulations to all our Community Rail colleagues who were shortlist for the awards. It was a great night to celebrate success and we left with plenty of inspiration for 2018.

Photo Credit; ACoRP