Government lifeline
the additional vital financial lifeline needed for the railway’s continued survival, and we are confident that all of the projects to gain support will help get the much-loved steam trains of the South Devon Railway running normally again very soon, hopefully in May.
“From all sources, including these latest grants, we have now raised or received a wonderful total, all told, of £1,325,194.03. We are still raising money to get to our next fundraising target of £2 million.”
Gratitude
A delighted Greg Wilson, managing director of the Churnet Valley Railway, which received £283,000 and plans to reopen on June 23, said:“Not only does it reaffirm that we are a central part of the heritage scene in the Staffordshire Moorlands, but it also enables us to put the railway on a safe financial footing following the awful year that was 2020.
“Our volunteers will be relieved that years of hard work will not be wasted.
“The fact the Government has created this and other funds give us hope that heritage will continue to be a central part of British culture, and reaffirms what businesses like ours bring to the tourist economy.”
Staffordshire Moorlands MP Karen Bradley added: “Covid-19 has affected us all, but the impact on our tourism and hospitality businesses has been most pronounced.”
The Kent & East Sussex Railway has been awarded £250,700 in the second round, having recevied £301,500 in the first last October.
Chairman Simon Marsh said: “This will provide us with vital support and will underpin the final stages of our Covid-19 recovery plan.
“Visitor numbers in 2020 were more than 80% down, and we were devastated that we had to cancel our Santa Specials.
“The fund has played a major part in ensuring we will be here for everyone to enjoy as restrictions are gradually eased, and it will set us on a firm footing for the future.
“We are all looking forward to welcoming passengers back on May 22.”
Adam Dickinson, chairman of the Forest of Dean Railway Ltd, which received £115,800, said: “Behind the scenes, we have been continuing essential maintenance only, but many of our working volunteers have not been able to enjoy their ‘outdoor gym’ if they have needed to shield.
“The 2-month period of reduced income has therefore halted much of the railway’s planned improvements.
“The most conspicuous absences from the Dean Forest Railway’s calendar have been the annual steam and diesel galas, murder mystery evenings, ‘Royal Forester’ dining trains, the afternoon cream tea services, and the fish and chip evening specials, all of which sell out consistently.
“Fortunately, the Santa Specials were able to run, but for reduced visitor numbers before they were cut short by one week.”
He said that the revenue loss had delayed the railway’s major scheme to start building a dedicated carriage shed at Lydney Junction, but that the new award will fill a significant funding gap and cover vital costs while the line reopens, as well as necessary repairs and maintenance.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support shown by enthusiasts, friends and visitors contributing to the emergency appeal which was organised by the Dean Forest Railway Society,” he said.
“They targeted £50,000 and actually raised just over £75,000. This has been a huge help.”
A3 No. 60103 Flying Scotsman custodian and locomotive engineers Riley & Son (E) Ltd of Heywood, which also operates main line steam locomotives for private charters, has been awarded £281,900.
The sector’s umbrella trade organisation, the Heritage Railway Association, has itself been awarded £34,900.
Chief executive Steve Oates said: “We anticipated a significant drop in revenue, principally from reduced sales of InterRail passes. That revenue historically represents around 40% of our total income.
“The delivery of the grants has been rapturously received by the railway heritage sector, although
they are being seen for what
Support
“InterRail passes are normally popular with heritage railway followers and railway volunteers.
“Faced with little opportunity to use passes in 2020, and contemplating a shorter-than-usual 2021 season, uptake of passes for 2021 has hit a record low.
“While operating costs remain as lean as possible, salaries, office costs and professional fees all still have to be paid.”
Steve said that the award was “much less than our revenue shortfall to date, but every little helps”.
He added: “Supporting our members’ post-Covid-19 recovery efforts means we have a huge amount of work under way, with more to come.”
In his March Budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £300 million boost for the CRF. Details of the third round of the fund are set to be released in due course.
they are – a lifeline to cover essential operational costs rather than windfalls to boost major
development projects.”