From the Bristol Evening Post website : http://tinyurl.com/7ss9h
RAILWAY ON THE PRIZE LINE ROUTE
Two publications from the Avon Valley Railway have been awarded first prize in a national competition. The contest, organised by the Heritage Railway Association, judged entries from more than 120 preserved railways across the country.
The Avon Valley Railway's magazine Semaphore was judged to be the most improved and the railway's timetable was chosen as best overall.
Semaphore also came fourth in the category for the best magazine.
The railway's development co-ordinator, David Cole, who also helps edit Semaphore, said: "We're really delighted to have won these awards.
"They acknowledge the fact that, although most of our staff are volunteers, we take a very professional attitude with everything we do. "The magazine and timetable are both shop windows for the railway so we want them to reflect that professionalism.
"Consequently, we owe a big debt of gratitude to our designer Liz Wiggins and our printers WP Litho for the appearance and quality of the finished product."
The competition judges commented on the bright and attractive layout of the magazine, noting also that it was "comfortable to read with a good balance of news, general and historical articles, and excellent photographic reproduction".
The timetable drew particular recognition for having details that were easily accessible and the comment was made that "you couldn't go far wrong in using this as a working document for planning your day out".
The competition winners are due to receive their awards from the Heritage Railway Association in February.
Based in Bitton, the railway is looked after by the Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust, which aims to preserve the rail heritage of the area and to operate trains for educational and instructional purposes.
Work is continuing on the buildings and site with decorative barge boards constructed to match a distinctive feature of the original station buildings.
In the station yard the original 1860s Goods Shed, currently the railway's workshop, has been totally re-roofed and, at the moment, is the only covered accommodation where restoration work can be carried out
Now the railway is gearing up for one of its busiest times of the year in December.
Mr Cole said: "Our booking office is very busy at the moment taking bookings for Santa Specials.
"Because each child not only has the fun of an hour-long train ride, but also gets to meet Santa and receive a present too, these trains are always very popular.
"Early booking is essential, so I'd advise anyone who hasn't booked yet to do so very soon."
More details on Santa Specials and other railway events can obtained by telephoning Bitton Station on 932 5538.