Edenbridge station celebrates award success

Southern and Sussex Community Rail Partnership (SCRP) recently came together with local artist Graham Upton, to show off the award won for the art project in Edenbridge station’s underpass.

The work was organised last year by Sharon Gray, SCRP’s Community Rail Development Officer with Graham and youngsters from West Kent Extra, Edenbridge Town Youth Club and Edenbridge Churches Youth Group. During a week of their summer holidays the young people came together to design a tunnel worth of art to showcase the local town, including impressions of the local castle and a starry night sky.

The work was funded by the Association of Community Rail Partnership (ACoRP), Kent County Council and Southern.

At the most recent ACoRP awards which recognises the very best of projects and volunteer contributions across the country, the artwork was awarded the (Permanent) Community Art Schemes award. Through the efforts of the partners the award now has pride of place at the station.

Sharon said: “Being recognised and congratulated for completing a project is great. When that recognition is first prize in a national industry competition and the project has gone up against all the other UK community rail partnerships then it becomes really special.”

Graham Upton added: “It was a surprise to be nominated along with the young people and partner organisations for a national award. But I was amazed that we actually won first prize given the quality of the competition.”

Andy Harrowell, Southern’s Community Investment and CSR Manager, concluded: “We are really appreciative of the efforts of everyone who wants to get involved in our stations and help us add a real local touch to these locations. We are so pleased that the efforts of Sharon, Graham and the youngsters were recognised by these awards. We thank them for all their hard work.”

The group has gone even further this year adding more superb artwork to the station’s entrance as part of another summer holiday project. The youngsters, who were again supported by Graham, worked on a new design over the course of three days, creating a fantastic welcome for passengers.