The annual Heritage Railway Awards took place in Birmingham on Saturday 8th February and two systems we regularly features on these pages were recognised – both the Crich Tramway Village and the Volk’s Electric Railway Association. and amongst the nominees was the Crich Tramway Village, for their new Michael Holroyd Smith exhibition which opened during 2019.
Crich were nominated for their new Michael Holroyd Smith exhibition which opened during 2019 in the “Award for an Outstanding Visitor Attraction” category and on the night they were named as a runner-up. The Bala Lake Railway won for “The Heritage Centre” with other nominees in the category being London Transport Museum for “A year in excellence in promoting London’s transport heritage” and the Bluebell Railway for “Steamworks”.
Laura Waters, James Brett, Mike Crabtree and Geoffrey Claydon were on hand to collect the runners-up certificate.
Meanwhile, the Volk’s Electric Railway Association – a volunteer group who assist with the running of the VER in Brighton – received the “Large Groups Award”. This was in recognition for the excellent work they have achieved over the past few years. Other nominees in this category included the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Tallylyn Railway, Ffestiniog and West Highland Railway and the Llangollen Railway.
Congratulations to all winners and nominees on the night.