Best in preservation sought for top honours

closed for the Heritage Railway Association (HRA) 2022 Annual Awards, which seeks to celebrate the successes of restoration and preservation.

The HRA Annual Awards features 10 categories recognising aspects of railway preservation, such as locomotive restoration, the contribution of young volunteers, and successful communications projects.

There are opportunities for all heritage railways and supporting organisations.

The awards will be held at a celebratory event in Birmingham on March 19, 2022, subject to any coronavirus-related restrictions.

HRA chief executive Steve Oates said: “Heritage rail has so much to be proud of, but we’re often not so good at celebrating that. That’s why these awards exist – to give us all a chance to shout about what makes the sector great. Whether it’s a young volunteer who’s helped transform your railway, or a huge restoration project that’s brought a rusty hulk back to life, there’s a category relevant to everyone. It doesn’t matter if your line is big or small, or steam, diesel, electric or a funicular, these awards are here to shine a spotlight on the rich railway heritage we all love.

“I know that the last 12 months have been challenging again, with Covid-19 still a constant thorn in our side. But that also means there’s never been a better time to give the volunteers and staff who have helped to get us through it the recognition they deserve.”