Scotsman saviour's daughter says "now save the Swanage Railway"
PENNY Pegler- the daughter of Alan Pegler, the man who saved Flying Scotsman in 1963 - is now asking the public to help the Swanage Railway survive.
She has backed the awardwinning Purbeck line's £ 360,000 ' Save Our Service' appeal to help the railway countermand the economic effects of the coronavirus lockdown.
Last March, Penny was the star guest during the line's hugely- successful three- week visit of No. 60103, flying from her home in Portugal with her eldest son to wave off its first train from Swanage.
She said:" The Swanage Railway has been brought back to life over the years and exists today thanks to the enthusiasm, determination, financial support and hard work of those people who believed in the project and made it become a reality.
"For this great adventure to continue in these challenging times, the Swanage Railway needs our financial help. There is nothing quite like the sound and smell of a locomotive in steam hauling a train through the Isle of Purbeck:'
Swanage Railway Trust chairman Gavin Johns said:" I would like to thank Penny for her support as well as everyone who has made - and will make - a donation to the appeal during these extraordinary and challenging times. Several generations of remarkable people have rebuilt the Swanage Railway from nothing since 1976 and there is still so much more to achieve:'
➔ Clearly marked ' Save Our Service' appeal, cheques can be sent to the Swanage Railway Trust at Station House, Station Approach, Swanage, Dorset, BHl 91 HB. To donate by telephone, text' SOS' to 70470 to donate £ 10. This costs £ 1 O plus a standard rate message.
To donate via PayPal, a Fast Payment through internet banking or by a cheque in the post, visit www.saveourservice.co. uk while donations can also be made via the line's Facebook page. The appeal stood at around £ 170,000 as we closed for press.