Congratulations to Hunmanby Railway Station for being shortlisted for the National Community Rail Awards.
Friends of Hunmanby Railway station’s entry into the small projects award (under £500) was geared around the launch of a new hourly train service in May 2029 and finding ways of making the station a community asset. It involved looking at ways of making the station more attractive to passengers, designing a free website involving the whole village and producing a village timetable and event guide which was delivered door to door by over 20 local people. As a result, prior to the pandemic, passenger numbers had risen by around 30%, with many local people and visitors using the train service who had never done so before. Organisers said that, during the pandemic, the village station proved a popular place to visit as it was so peaceful and pleasant and it lifted people’s spirits.
This is a fantastic example of a community project when so many people pulled together. I have always been a huge supporter and was delighted to have been able to help bring about the new hourly service. The station is looking great with 200 feet long flower borders and artwork from the village school on display so a big thank you to all the local traders who gave financial support. Friends of Hunmanby station have worked hard to link the station with the local community so the village can be proud of its village station which has now become a 'gateway to the village’.
Chairman North Yorkshire County Council, Cllr Jim Clark said “I want to send my best wishes to the Friends of Hunmanby Station for being shortlisted for the National Community Rail Awards. I well remember my visit to the station in August when I met so many of the local volunteers who helped to get this well-used facility looking its best. We are very lucky in North Yorkshire to have so many great communities like Hunmanby and I wish them all every success in the future”.
Hunmanby station is the only station shortlisted in North Yorkshire and East Riding in the National Community Rail Awards. The award ceremony will be held in Southampton during December.
Full details of the submission: https://friendsofhunmanbyrailwaystation.btck.co.uk/CommunityRailAwards2020
