The award was presented by Mark Wild, managing director of London Underground Ltd, in a ceremony at Merchant Taylors Hall, in London.
Based at Kirkby Stephen East and entirely run by volunteers, SRC was entered for the awards to recognise their achievement in delivering their “World of Water” project to provide an authentic North Eastern Railway (NER) water tower, water crane and educationaarea explaining water’s essential role in the steam era.
The National Railway Heritage Awards are open to all sectors of the railway industry in the UK and Republic of Ireland, with a range of accolades recognising outstanding work to develop or restore railway structures with heritage interest and value.
The emphasis is on overall quality and thoroughness in approach, sympathetic treatment, awareness of conservation practice and regard for the local environment.
The Contractors Restoration Award is sponsored by major railway infrastructure contracting bodies including Balfour Beatty, Carillion and Amey. SRC director Mike Thompson said: “Our volunteers and contractors have delivered this important step forward in the rapid development of our Kirkby Stephen East station site.
“Since the Stainmore 150 event of 2011 we have seen a meteoric transformation of the station which shows no sign of slowing down.”
He added: “Winning this award against strong competition from exceptional projects at other railway sites is a great honour for SRC and thoroughly well-deserved recognition for all our volunteers, ably supported by our excellent contractors, both local and nationwide, who put so much into this and every other project we set out to deliver.”
The World of Water project provides a functioning water supply to the growing steam fleet at KSE which will includes the unique LNER J21 0-6-0, awarded £954,900 earlier this year from the Heritage Lottery Fund for full restoration to working order, as well as educational exhibits and activities that explain why engines need water and the technologies that delivered that water.
The project was initiated by the generous gift to SRC by the Birdsall Estate of the NER water tank at Wharram station on the defunct Malton to Driffield line. Similar generosity from the North Norfolk Railway saw the NER water crane arrive in Cumbria to complete the basis of this exciting development.
The NER water crane had suffered some significant damage in the past with the brazier at its base being largely broken.
The £5,000 cost to repair this has been largely met by a grant from the Ironmongers’ Company, one of the City of London Guilds.
The total project cost of some £93,000 was met by a generous and enthusiastic response by SRC supporters, a combination of funding streams and the value of volunteer labour.
Lottery officials were impressed by SRC’s proven record of delivering heritage conservation and interpretation, while the Ken Hoole Trust were particularly excited by the commitment of the railway to creating a Mecca of NER authenticity.
Noting the various awards, Mr Thompson added: “The generous gift of the water tank presented an opportunity that we just had to seize.
“We would like to extend a massive thank you to the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Ken Hoole Trust for their continued support and to the Ironmongers’ Company for their generosity.”
He added: “Likewise, the £35,000 raised by our volunteers and shareholders is also very much appreciated and we are delighted that their faith in us has been rewarded by success at the National Railway Heritage Awards.”
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