The Friends of Bishopstone Station have been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of their work to restore the underused, unloved railway station into a thriving community hub.

Located on the Sussex Downs Line, one of Southeast Communities Rail Partnership’s 10 community rail lines, Bishopstone Station regularly sees 25 volunteers delivering events and initiatives to establish the station as a warm and welcoming hub at the heart of the community.

The group’s first major project was restoring the historic art deco station to its former glory. The refurbished Old Parcel Room was opened in November 2022 by the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, and the volunteers have since worked to restore the ladies’ toilets and other areas of the station.

Activities that the volunteers coordinate include Meet Up Mondays, which offer talks on local history, arts and crafts classes, French language tuition and yoga practice. The group also lead the gardening group, monthly Community Food Project and the twice monthly Man Space, which offers retired men the opportunity to meet, share and find new interests and hobbies.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service celebrates the outstanding work of local volunteer groups across the UK. Equivalent to an MBE, the King’s Award for Voluntary Service Award is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.

Barbara Mine, chief executive of the Friends of Bishopstone Station, said: “As chief executive and founder of the Friends of Bishopstone Station, I am so honoured and proud of our team. This prestigious award says so much about how important and valued community volunteers are.

“Who would have thought our once empty and unloved Grade II listed Art Deco station at the end of a cul-de-sac could be so important to the local community and the community rail movement.”

Michael Olden, Sussex Downs Line officer for Southeast Communities Rail Partnership, said: “It is a joy to work with Barbara and her team of dedicated volunteers, they make a real difference to the local community and are brimming with ideas of what to do next. The Kings Award for Voluntary Service is well deserved.” 

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Friends of Bishopstone Station via their website and Facebook page.