Community Rail Awards 2025 now open for Entries! Click here to read more.

Outstanding Volunteer Contribution – sponsored by CrossCountry

This category recognises the invaluable contribution that so many volunteers make to community rail, and their stations, lines, and communities. We are especially keen to see nominations for committed individuals who make an outstanding contribution on a regular basis, or those who have gone the extra mile in the past year, impacting positively within their local community, station group or community rail partnership.

Nominations for this award can be made by community rail partnerships, station adoption groups, other community groups, train operators, other partners, or individuals, so long as they are nominating a volunteer who is active in community rail. Self-nominations will not be accepted.

  • Commitment and passion for community rail – they have worked hard, with enthusiasm and commitment, making an exceptional contribution to their community rail partnership or group.
  • Clear benefits for the community – their contribution has been shown to positively impact on the community, for example bringing people together, raising awareness, or creating a more welcoming, sustainable, and inclusive local environment.
  • Inclusive, collaborative, positive working – they have taken an inclusive, collaborative, and positive approach, for example getting more people involved in community rail, engaging new groups or partners, and/or building positive relationships.

Essential requirements:  Independent testimonials (up to four) must be provided as supporting material, showing how the volunteer meets the criteria.

'Outstanding Volunteer Contribution' is sponsored by CrossCountry.

We are proud of the relationships we have with our community partners and our continued long running support for these awards, which showcase more and more innovative projects every year. Railway 200 was a big focus for 2025, and its legacy will live on in the collaborative projects that have had a huge positive impact on the communities we serve. This year we welcomed our 29th CRP and look forward to helping Oxford and all our partners deliver social impact across Britain.

2025 1st Place Winner - Jaymii Claxton, Bulwell Station

Jaymii Claxton has demonstrated outstanding volunteer contribution at Bulwell Station, consistently going above and beyond in serving the needs of passengers, the station and the local community.

A young, single mum of two children with additional needs, Jaymii is quite a shy and self-reserved person. Discovering the world of community rail and station adoption has proved to be a brilliant opportunity for her, helping massively to boost her confidence and skills whilst doing something positive for the community.

Jaymii is East Midlands Railway’s youngest volunteer and has been active at Bulwell Station since 2021. Jaymii has worked with Buzzing Roots CIC to take on the challenge of transforming the large piece of disused land behind the platform and has organised community action days for local people to help out with litter picking and planting at the station.

Jaymii has engaged Scouts and Cubs groups, working with the young people to create a ‘flowerpot train’ garden and supporting them to work towards their Platforms for Change badge with rail safety sessions and ‘try the train’ trips.

Her proactive approach has helped in maintaining cleanliness, reporting issues promptly, organising community engagement events and making the station a safer place for all visitors. Through different projects and collaboration with a diverse range of community groups, Jaymii has helped bridge the gap between the station and the community, turning the platform into more than just a transit hub, but a meaningful and welcoming part of the local landscape.

Through tireless dedication and a genuine commitment to service, Jaymii has become an invaluable asset to the station, positively impacting staff and passengers, and creating a more vibrant, friendly environment for everyone to be proud of. She is a shining example of what a community rail volunteer can bring to our stations.

- Justyna Majer, Robin Hood Line CRP officer

*

2024 Winner - Barbara Mine, Bishopstone Community Hub

A volunteer with the Friends of Bishopstone Station, Barbara was nominated for this award by her colleagues in recognition of the outstanding difference she has made to her group and the local community.

Barbara has worked tirelessly to help transform the long-redundant ticket office into a thriving community hub. Harnessing the qualities and experience from her former role as a sales executive, she has brought that same drive to steer the project from conception to completion – even being named one of 500 ‘Community Champions’ recognised by the King as part of the official Coronation celebrations.

Barbara’s grit, determination and tenacity are just some of the qualities that enabled the major station development project to take place. She reflects community rail at its very finest.

*

Check out previous 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners of this category from 2017-2022.

The submission window for our 2026 Awards will be open from Monday 1 September - Tuesday 30 September 2025.

Check back then for the link to submit your entry!