LLANGOLLEN RAILWAY WINS HERITAGE RAILWAY ASSOCIATION INFRASTRUCTURE AWARD
On the 10th February 2024 Llangollen & Corwen Railway were delighted to win the Infrastructure Award at the Heritage Railway Association Awards held in Brighton.
The long-running awards recognise excellence or innovation in almost every aspect of heritage railway and tramway restoration, preservation and operation.
A recent addition to the honours was the Infrastructure Award, sponsored by Ernest R Shaw. There was a strong shortlist with the Rother Valley Railway’s Hither Green turntable installation, the restoration of Bricket Wood station building by Bricket Wood Station Heritage Trust, the installation of a panel signalbox at Medstead and Four Marks station on the Watercress Line and the Corwen station project on the Llangollen Railway all in with a shout.
This award is a credit to the blood, sweat, tears and much more that have endured over the years to build what is now an award-winning station. A lasting legacy to all concerned.
The dedication and determination of our volunteers is admirable. From the initial conception to the fundraising efforts, the works carried out to the opening itself have all been a huge undertaking. We are so proud of every single person who has been involved.
Before the awards evening, Heritage Railway Association Chair, Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, said: “The HRA Awards are the biggest and most glamourous event in heritage rail. But behind the glitz and bright lights, they’ve got a really serious purpose that mustn’t be forgotten.
“In our sector, everyone’s so heavily focused on the day-to-day business of running a heritage railway, that we sometimes forget just how special what we do is. It’s important that all of our railways and rolling stock owners celebrate what they do well and highlight the contributions of their staff or volunteers. That’s the main reason the HRA Awards exist, to put a spotlight onto the achievements of this amazing sector.
“They also serve another, slightly more subtle purpose though. By highlighting best-practice in this way it helps to raise standards across the whole heritage railway industry, which is vital too in a world with ever-increasing safety, governance, and inclusion expectations.”
For the railway to receive this award on the back of the Go North Wales Tourism Awards Attraction of the Year for 2023 is a magnificent achievement.
If you haven’t visited Corwen yet 2024 is the year to visit this award-winning station!