The Friends of Angmering Station have run their popular annual poster competition for local children to help promote rail travel in Sussex.
The theme for the 2024 competition was ‘a view from a Sussex train window’, and the volunteers – supported by Southeast Communities Rail Partnership (SCRP) – engaged local schools and art groups to encourage as many young people as possible aged 5-11 years to get involved.
The competition is truly a community effort – the schools and art groups provide paper, printing and other art materials; Govia Thameslink Railway supplied Family Rail Day travel passes as first prizes; the Friends of Angmering Station fund packs of art materials for the other prizes; and the chair of the parish council announces the winners at the village’s summer fayre.
Deidre Carolin from Friends of Angmering Station, said: “The judges were very impressed by the quantity and quality of entries. The children had obviously thought carefully about the features of poster design: a clear message, bright colours and eye-catching, clearly drawn designs. The judges also commented on how pleased they were to see the children had included many of Sussex’s much-loved buildings and landscape features.
“By giving the young people a platform, it gives them a voice to express themselves and their thoughts about the railway. It enables the children to have a positive experience centred around the railway and help build their confidence on the subject.”
To celebrate the artistic skills of all entrants, an exhibition of the artwork has been mounted in the booking office of Angmering Station, where passengers and visitors have enjoyed the artwork over the summer months.
Many of the young artists spoke of their excitement to bring their families to the station to see their work on display: “I feel so proud to have my work in an exhibition. My whole family came to see it and Dad said while we’re here we’ll go on the train to Worthing instead of driving!”
A parent of one of the young artists said: “It’s really boosted her self-esteem and is so lovely for our community.”
Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Southeast Communities Rail Partnership via their website.