Railway reunfication still on track as milestone is passed
Project to reunite two sections of historic railway moves a step closer NEW BOOK TO BOOST FUND EVEN FURTHER
A project to reunite two sections of a historic railway has passed another milestone.
More than 10 per cent of the funds for the next two stages of the Great Central Railway’s epic reunification project have been raised by generous supporters, with £320,000 now in place towards the expected £3 million cost.
A new book telling the story of the work so far has also been published, costing £10 with all proceeds going to the appeal.
Reunification will see two separate halves of the award-winning line reconnected to create an 18-mile heritage railway across the East Midlands.
Five hundred metres of new railway needs to be built, including bridges and embankments.
Millions of pounds have already been raised and spent building a new bridge and completely refurbishing another ready for trains.
The current appeal will pay for the next two stages, which will be built together to reduce costs.
Consultant engineers have now been engaged to guide the railway towards the construction of the next phases, including the necessary paperwork and permissions required.
Building work will only resume once the majority of the funding for phase three and four are in place.
Andy Fillingham, the chairman of the Friends of the Great Central Main Line, said: “We’re obviously delighted to have reached another milestone in our fund-raising.
“Donations continue to flow, even though we are seven months into a pandemic. We receive contributions large and small and everything makes a difference and is humbling.
“It’s amazing what have all achieved together and shows how people power is getting the two railways reconnected.”
The new 60-page colour book has been published which chronicles the story of the work carried out so far.
It has been written by journalist, broadcaster and long-term Central supporter Tom Ingall.
“With many previously unpublished photographs, its production has been sponsored by the Friends of the Great Central Main Line and every penny from sales will go to the appeal.
Tom said “What a privilege it has been to write this book. Unseen photographs and untold tales from the UK’s biggest heritage railway project!
“Who could resist? We’ve already come a long way towards a project many said was impossible.
“At £10 each, every copy will help push our fund-raising total even higher. We’ve cheekily called this ‘Volume 1’, and the sooner we sell out, the sooner I hope to be writing ‘Volume 2’ as the story continues!”
The book is available now and can be ordered via an e-mail to:
blycett.gcr@gmail.com
You can find out more about the project and how to donate at:
gcrailway.co.uk/unify