Bluebell Railway marks 60th year with emergency Covid-19 appeal
THE Bluebell Railway was due to celebrate its 60th anniversary this year. Now it too has launched an emergency appeal for donations to cover its costs after it closed on March 20, with services suspended until further notice because of Covid-19.
The Support the Bluebell Railway appeal site said: “Coming after the early part of the year when trains are not running, our finances are already at their lowest ebb.
“We are therefore appealing for donations to help keep the essential services of the railway running at a time when we have no income.
“In spite of our large volunteer workforce, we are also one of the largest employers in Mid Sussex, and we have many ongoing costs and expenses which do not stop when we’re not running trains.”
The pandemic raises questions as to whether the railway will be able to reopen in time for its 60th anniversary gala on August 7-9 when it planned to run its most intensive timetable ever.
A Bluebell Railway spokesman added: “We are preserving the best of a bygone era for future generations and any money people donate will help to ensure the railway can continue to do that when it reopens.”
As we closed for press, the appeal had raised more than £15,000.
While the railway has stopped running trains and its shop and catering outlets are not open to visitors, its online shop continues to trade and indeed is increasing its stock of railway-related items. It can be visited at www.bluebell-railway. com/shop/
➜ To donate to the Bluebell Railway appeal, visit uk.virginmoneygiving. com/fund/support-bluebell