Bridgnorth shed appeal tops £360k
THE first phase of work to refurbish the Severn Valley Railway's Bridgnorth shed is almost funded, with an appeal having passed the £360,000 mark.
As reported last issue, the ‘Home and Dry' appeal aims to raise £475,000 to replace the shed roof, improve the lighting and install an overhead crane.
Shelagh Paterson, executive director of the SVR Charitable Trust, explained: “The roof has a very limited life span – just two years at most. It's critical that this is addressed as soon as possible, with the crane being installed after the building is made safe and dry. The total cost of this first phase is £380,000 and so we are already very close to being able to fund this in its entirety.”
The latest figure includes a grant pledge of £25,000 from the Roger & Douglas Turner Charitable Trust and pocket money donated by three young enthusiasts, as well as contributions from their parents.
One, six-year-old Nicholas Ragan, so enjoyed a recent visit to the SVR and the Engine House at Highley that he gave his £2 pocket money to the appeal, while his parents donated £50. SVRCT fundraising co-ordinator Gem Bilek said: “This is the loveliest donation I have ever had to process.
“It really reinforces my faith in human nature.”
Volunteer project manager Antony Bartlam is expecting planning permission for the alterations by midOctober. This is required because the new roof will change the appearance of the building by adding translucent sections to let in more natural light, while the colour of the roof and wall cladding, subject to the approval of Shropshire County Council, will be changed to anthracite.
Donations can be made at www. svrtrust.org.uk/home-and-dry
➜ A separate appeal for £5000 to replace the GWR bracket signal post at Bewdley is 60% of the way to its target, with £3110 raised. The new post has been delivered to Kidderminster and is being prepared for erection in the autumn. It has initially been paid for through the signalling department's budget to ensure that other projects do not have to be deferred. Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/ campaign/bracket-signal