Downpatrick and County Down Railway Youth Winners Honoured at Westminster
Downpatrick and County Down Railway youth volunteers have been awarded honours at a ceremony in London.
Two winners of prestigious awards from the Downpatrick & County Down Railway (DCDR) were honoured at a Parliamentary Reception, hosted by the Heritage Railway Association on 13th November at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster.
Jonathan King and Morgan Young, both aged 25, were recognised for their significant achievements during the year.
Jonathan was crowned the UK and Ireland Young Volunteer of the Year by the Heritage Railway Association (HRA) on 10th February 2024, while Morgan was named Emerging Leader of the Year at the Northern Ireland Social Enterprise Awards on 8th November 2024.
The reception in London saw representatives from scores of heritage railways, tramways, and funiculars converge on the House of Lords, hosted by the HRA and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Heritage Rail.
The event was designed to help heritage railways connect with MPs and Lords with an interest in the sector and marked the first gathering of heritage rail representatives in Westminster since the General Election earlier this year.
A special invitation was extended by the HRA to the two DCDR volunteers to recognise their accomplishments, particularly given the challenges faced by the DCDR following severe flooding in 2023 that devastated the heritage railway.
Morgan Young, who also celebrated qualifying as a driver on one of the DCDR’s diesel locomotives on Saturday, 23rd November, said: “It was a privilege to be invited to represent DCDR, and indeed the local heritage railway sector at large, at Parliament.
“Being able to attend was another welcome morale boost after the difficulties the railway has faced over the last few years, especially following our recent Social Enterprise Award victories!
“It was very encouraging to hear the industry’s leading figures speak so highly of the contributions young people have made to railway heritage, particularly given its reputation as a hobby for older generations.
“And it was fantastic to meet young representatives from railways across the UK and Ireland to share ideas and experiences.”
Jonathan King, who also celebrated graduating from Trinity College Dublin with a degree in Law on Thursday, 21st November, added: “A huge thank you to the Heritage Railway Association and the All-Party Group for Heritage Rail for the invitation and their hospitality.
“The event was an excellent opportunity for members of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords to hear our views and concerns about the future.
“This was particularly important for DCDR given our recent flooding challenges and the fact that we operate within a different regulatory framework from most other heritage railways in the UK.
“It was also a great way to connect with railway heritage groups from across the water and meet people with whom we’ve exchanged experiences and spare parts over the years.
“Although my work at DCDR has provided countless unique opportunities, I certainly didn’t expect to represent the railway at Parliament when I first started volunteering at Downpatrick over ten years ago!”
Heritage Railway Association Chief Executive, Steve Oates, said: “It would be easy to think that heritage railways are just about trains. But in truth, it’s all about the people, particularly encouraging new people to get involved.
“One of the most important things that we can do as a sector is to encourage, engage and enthral young people about our great railway history and how being a part of heritage rail can enrich their lives through new social and career development opportunities.
“That’s why we thought it was so important to include up-and-coming young people from our sector in this parliamentary reception.
“It also makes a huge difference when we don’t just tell politicians about the great work heritage rail does with young people, but we allow them to meet those young people and hear about it first-hand.”
Baroness Margaret Ritchie extended her congratulations, saying: “Congratulations to Jonathan and Morgan, who have excelled as volunteers with the heritage railway project in Downpatrick.
“Their hard work and enthusiasm highlight the vital role of volunteering, especially in the face of last year’s floods. The reception in the House of Lords was an excellent event, and I was delighted to attend.
“I now hope the railway goes from strength-to-strength, as it is an important asset within our tourist infrastructure in Downpatrick.”
Strangford MP Jim Shannon, whose constituency now incorporates part of the DCDR, also praised their success. In a letter to the DCDR, he wrote” “Congratulations to Downpatrick & County Down Railway on being named Northern Ireland Social Enterprise of the Year, and my congratulations to Morgan Young, who was crowned NI Emerging Leader of the Year.”
Cathy Mason MLA surprised the DCDR team by offering her congratulations in the Northern Ireland Assembly on Tuesday, 19th November. She said to the chamber: “My warmest congratulations to Downpatrick and County Down Railway on their remarkable success at the recent Social Enterprise NI Awards.
“This distinguished local organisation achieved a double win, securing not one but two prestigious awards—a testament to their exceptional contribution to our community and our heritage.
“Firstly, I want to commend Morgan Young, the railway’s Operations Manager, who was awarded the title of Emerging Leader of the Year. Morgan’s journey is nothing short of inspiring, from beginning as a 14-year-old volunteer to becoming Director and Operations Manager at only 18.
“He has proved to be a remarkable role model for young people across the North. His dedication to the preservation and operation of steam locomotives and his leadership within the organisation clearly impressed the awards panel and stands as a shining example of youth leadership.
“In addition, the railway itself was awarded the title of Social Enterprise of the Year. This recognition is especially significant given the challenges Downpatrick and County Down Railway has faced over the past year.
“Severe flooding last year devastated their premises, causing substantial damage and demanding immense resilience and hard work to recover. But despite these setbacks, the railway’s volunteers pulled together, embodying their values of determination, inclusivity, and community service.
“As the railway celebrates 40 years of service, this award honours not only their historic and social impact but also their ethos of accessibility, tradition, and community partnership.
“I also want to give a special mention to Robert Gardiner, whose dedication and passion for the railway is uplifting. He truly deserves to be extremely proud of this achievement.
“Downpatrick and County Down Railway’s achievements showcase the best of the North’s social enterprises and reinforce the values of organisations dedicated to social, environmental, and community-oriented goals. I am proud to stand here today to recognise their outstanding contributions, and I am sure the entire Assembly will join me in celebrating their success.”
