Poppy Line Shortlisted for Four Prestigious National Awards
Staff and volunteers at the North Norfolk Railway are cock-a-hoop at the news that the popular 5½ mile steam railway has been shortlisted in no fewer than four categories in the 2025 Heritage Railway Association Awards.
The Association is the leading body for the heritage rail sector with over 300 members including railways, tramways and locomotive owners. This year’s awards attracted a record number of entries and a judging panel headed by National Railway Museum Senior Curator Anthony Coulls whittled that down to a shortlist in each category.
The North Norfolk Railway is the only standard-gauge organisation amongst the four finalists in the headline Railway of the Year category and will face stiff competition from Cornwall’s Lappa Valley Railway, the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway in Devon and the Vale of Rheidol Railway in Wales.
The line is also shortlisted in the Innovation of the Year section for the peer support group introduced earlier this year to provide support for volunteers and staff facing wellbeing or mental health challenges.
The line’s beautifully restored station at Weybourne which retains much of its Edwardian charm and is also the backdrop for many of the line’s favourite special events has been shortlisted in the Station of the Year category.
The awards also recognise the efforts of particular staff or teams and the NNR’s Visitor Experience & Marketing Manager, Hannah Drury, is named as in the Rising Star category which celebrates up-and-coming staff and volunteers in heritage rail. Hannah joined the line almost three years ago as Marketing & Events Co-ordinator and was promoted to her current role earlier this year.
Reacting to news of the awards, she said, “l’m thrilled and honoured to be nominated; I have always wanted to work in heritage and the railway has allowed me not only to do that, but has provided opportunities and support to enable me to flourish and help grow the business.”
NNR General Manager, Graham Hukins, commented “We are delighted with this news, being nominated across such a broad range of categories, including the coveted Railway of the Year, against a very strong field is an accolade in itself and is a real fillip for the fantastic team of hard working staff and the wonderful volunteers we have here at the Poppy Line. We are looking forward to the awards ceremony in Newcastle in February.”
Heritage Railway Association Chief Executive, Steve Oates, added: “We’ve never received so many entries for the HRA Awards, despite the huge challenges being faced by heritage railways right now. It’s testament to just how much brilliant work is going on and there is a lot for the whole sector to be very proud of. We’ve got shortlisted entries from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. From miniature railways, narrow gauge railways, tramways, funiculars and of course standard gauge lines. It demonstrates how important the awards have become for everyone in heritage rail.”
The North Norfolk Railway is currently running its acclaimed illuminated train, the Norfolk Lights Express with shows most evenings through the festive season until 4 January. The traditional Mince Pie Specials take to the tracks from 27 December until 5 January and include reserved tables with an at-seat service of seasonal refreshments. Advance booking is recommended for both services – full details can be found at https://nnrailway.co.uk/special-events/.
ENDS
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