![Barnstaple-2](https://cdn.prgloo.com/media/4522e95cb39d485aa1ed85a6c139ea48.jpeg?width=968&height=1452)
Bloomin’ marvellous result as Barnstaple station is rated ‘Outstanding’ by In Bloom judges
Volunteers at Barnstaple station are celebrating after it was judged ‘Outstanding’ in the 2023 South West in Bloom awards.
Members of Tarka Rail Association and Barnstaple In Bloom have worked tirelessly to brighten up the station over the past two years.
Work has included: weeding litter picking; seasonal planting; site cleaning; painting; mowing front entrance grass verges; regularly changing posters; and keeping the surrounding bus shelters clean.
Judges from the Royal Horticultural Society and South West in Bloom rated the station ‘Outstanding’ in the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood Award’ category.
Barnstaple In Bloom also won a gold award, while the Station Masters’ Café was a gold winner in the business category as well.
Tarka Rail Association Vice Chair Tim Steer said:
“Barnstaple station is an important first and last impression for visitors to North Devon and we’re absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition from In Bloom judges.
“This is all thanks to those volunteers who work tirelessly to improve the station. Special thanks must also go to Great Western Railway and Network Rail for providing support and safety training.
“Barnstaple station really has looked as pretty as a picture this year and we’re delighted it contributed to the town capturing a gold award from judges.
“We must also thank Station Masters’ Café for providing a place to shelter and drinks to our volunteers throughout the year.
“Users of the Tarka line continue to make Barnstaple a popular destination and the station is so successful the customer numbers continue to break records year after year.”
GWR Regional Growth Manager David Whiteway said:
“This is just reward for the brilliant work of our volunteers in helping to make Barnstaple such a colourful and welcoming station.
“We are proud of all of our volunteers across the GWR network. They have great local knowledge and work incredibly hard, inspiring sustainable improvements to their community.”
Contact Information
John Carter
Media and Communications Manager
Great Western Railway
0845 410 4444
Notes to editors
First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR has been awarded a National Rail Contract to continue operating the Great Western network, which shall run up to 21 June 2025, with the potential for a further three years at the Secretary of State’s discretion. Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us.