Starting out in community rail more than two and a half decades ago, the winner of our Board’s Special Recognition Award will need no introduction to many people.

One of the pioneers of community rail, indeed from before it was even called that, Brian Barnsley started out as a volunteer on his local line, the Penistone Line, before becoming the partnership officer.

In October 2006, Brian joined the small ACoRP team as operations manager. As ACoRP became the Community Rail Network, and Brian’s role enlarged to become director of member support & development as well as deputy chief executive, Brian worked tirelessly to support community rail partnerships and station friends’ groups across England, Scotland and Wales, before retiring in 2023.

Always ready to share the benefit of his community rail experience and phenomenal railway knowledge, Brian has enjoyed a long and fulfilling career, advocating for the grassroots movement and supporting it to withstand a number of challenging times.

Community rail would not be what it is today without the incredible drive, expertise and passion demonstrated by Brian, and we are delighted to recognise all of his outstanding achievements with this award.