Region’s Community Rail Projects Receive National Recognition
A range of inspiring rail projects across the region have been recognised at the national level.
Community Rail Partnerships (CRPs) in the region, along with Greater Anglia’s station adopter volunteers, received accolades to recognise their transformative and inspiring work at this year’s Community Rail Awards.
On the East Suffolk Lines, Sandy Burn received second place in the Outstanding Volunteer Contribution Award for her long-standing dedication to Westerfield station, where her enthusiasm has created a thriving, wildlife-friendly and welcoming space. Through community events, creative projects and inclusive engagement with diverse groups, she has helped turn the station into a true community hub.
Her work gained widespread attention when featured on BBC Gardeners’ World, inspiring visitors and showcasing the impact of community rail.
Jayne Sumner, who recently retired from the role of Rail Engagement Manager for the Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, received the Community Rail Network Board’s Special Recognition Award for her 15 years of transformative leadership with the CRP.
During her tenure, she helped to secure national accreditation and multiple awards for the CRP. Her work has ranged from installing life-saving defibrillators across the network to delivering inclusive events, guides and outreach that made rail more accessible to all.
She also played a key role in building a strong volunteer network, supporting station adopters to turn stations into vibrant community spaces. One of her final projects, a collaborative book celebrating 200 years of rail, brought together schools and local communities.
Jayne leaves behind a lasting legacy of stronger community connections and continues her involvement in community rail as a station adopter.
The Thomas Pocklington Trust and Essex Sight Loss Council received the Community Creative Projects and Station Arts Award (medium category)for their project, Do You See What I See?
This collaborative project with Greater Anglia, funded by the train operator’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund, used art to highlight the experiences of blind and partially sighted people, linking the bicentenaries of railways and braille. Co-created with participants and professional artists, the project produced tactile and audio-described artworks exhibited at stations including Colchester, Norwich and Broxbourne.
Alongside the exhibitions, a symposium enabled participants to share lived experiences directly with transport leaders, helping to influence accessibility improvements. The project reached thousands of passengers and demonstrated how stations can host inclusive, multi-sensory art.
A project to transform a disused area at Harwich Town station into an accessible community garden received the bronze award for ‘Most Enhanced Railway Space.’
The project saw the Essex and South Suffolk CRP transform the space into an accessible community garden, reconnecting the station with its local area. The space now includes accessible planters, seating and heritage displays, created with input from schools, community groups and families.
The project also improved the station environment through restored building façades featuring railway heritage panels. The result is a welcoming, inclusive space that supports community activity while celebrating local history.
David Gibson, adopter for Witham, Cressing and Braintree Freeport stations, received third place. He has transformed multiple stations along the Flitch Line through hands-on care, innovative problem-solving and strong community engagement. Alongside maintaining stations, he supports new volunteers and contributes to wider projects and events.
His standout achievements includes helping to develop a book on railway history with local schools and the Essex and South Suffolk CRP for Railway 200, boosting community interest and engagement. His leadership and forward-thinking approach continue to strengthen community rail locally.
Alan Neville, Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, said:
“I’m incredibly proud of all the winners and everyone involved in these projects. Community rail is so important because it brings people together, strengthens local pride and helps ensure the railway truly serves the needs of the communities it connects. These awards highlight the creativity, dedication and passion that make such a positive difference across our region.”
Community Rail Network chief executive Jools Townsend said:
“Our Community Rail Awards are a national celebration of the remarkable partnerships and community-led innovation taking place across Britain, strengthening the bond between railways and the communities they serve. This year’s winners show how community rail enriches local places, builds travel confidence, champions inclusion and turns stations into catalysts for connection, opportunity and positive change.
“As we look ahead, following the Railway 200 celebrations, these achievements remind us how vital community rail is in shaping a railway that reflects local needs, supports national ambitions and delivers real benefits for people and places. Congratulations to all our winners and thank you to everyone who supports and champions community rail, helping the movement to go from strength to strength.”
The awards, organised by Community Rail Network, took place in Derby on 19 March.