THE preservation movement showcased its plethora of achievements in the face of adversity arising from the Covid-19 pandemic when the industry’s trade body, Heritage Railway Association (HRA), announced the winners of its annual awards in an online ceremony on April 28.
The Dartmouth Steam Railway took the Outstanding Visitor Attraction trophy, placing the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, Didcot Railway Centre, the Seaton Tramway and the Statfold Barn Railway as runners-up.
The Lord Faulkner Award for the Young Volunteer of the Year, which acknowledges a distinguished contribution made by one or more young persons under the age of 26, was won by Oliver Edwards of the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway (WLLR). Runners-up were the Severn Valley Railway’s Tom Mills and the Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust’s Michael Abbott.
The Morgan Award for Preservation was won by the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway for its Shredded Wheat Fowler 0-4-0DM. Runners-up were the Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway Society for the restoration of GNR/M&GN Third No. 129; the Great Central Railway (Quorn Wagon &Wagon) for the restoration of three containers; and the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland for the Guinness Grain Van No. 504.