Ryde Academy students have organised a railway competition with a First Class prize, taking on board a project from the Community Rail Partnership (CRP).
Sixth formers at the Ryde school have incorporated the competition into their studies. Business skills, marketing and PR – as part of media studies – have all been employed by the teenagers to stage the event between 20th-22nd February.
The competition is part of celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Island railway network. People of all ages are invited to Winchester House in Shanklin to design a plaque to celebrate the milestone and mark the celebrations. The permanent plaque is set to be mounted at Ryde Esplanade Station.
People of all ages are welcome to the free competition, but those under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult. The workshops are open from 11:00 until 15:00 and refreshments will be provided.
For inspiration, one of the rare and original railway posters will be displayed at the event and Ryde artist Carol Jaye will be on hand to provide practical help to would-be designers on the day.
One of the organisers, Stephanie Carpenter, 17, said:
“Art equipment will be provided and there will be a team to help and give information about Island trains.
“After the three days everyone’s entries will be judged and the winner will receive ferry tickets and a First Class rail journey to London for a family of four – plus £100 spending money.”
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The design will be made into an enamel sign by Newport specialists A.J.Wells and Sons, who have built a worldwide reputation for them and the iconic signs for the London Underground, and will be unveiled on 30th August on the 150th anniversary celebration day by a surprise celebrity guest, who will meet the winning family and the five teenagers.
The group will have seen the sign being made, have joined the rail partnership as its “Youth Voice” and have received a year’s railway pass from Island Line in return for their efforts.
Bobby Lock, Rail Development Officer for the CRP said of this project:
“Working with young people to promote any of the CRP’s projects over the years has always been an absolute delight and the 6th Form Ryde Academy girls are no different. It is great to see the enthusiasm shown promoting the workshops for a community competition for the plaque as well as the national advertising campaign for the 150th event in August this year.”
The Community Rail Partnership is a not for profit organisation in its 9th year working for the Islands community, tourism and economy with a board of stakeholders made up of transport partners, town and parish councils, schools and businesses to promote integrated transport links, station regeneration and TravelSafe.
Photos: Community Rail Partnership
