Bitter blow for GCR
GCR boss slams decision to refuse emergency funding
THE managing director of Great Central Railway has blasted a decision by lottery bosses to reject its bid for £250,000 of emergency funding.
The Heritage Lottery’s Emergency Fund was set up to assist heritage ventures through the Covid-19 crisis and other heritage railways such as Severn Valley, Keighley and Worth Valley, Nene Valley and the Crich Tramway Museum have been helped by the fund.
Michael Gough, GCR managing director, said: “This is another bitter blow from the Heritage Lottery Fund – they don’t seem to like us very much, having turned us down for the museum grant three years ago and now this.
“I am stunned, to be frank. The bid was accompanied by a very thorough cash flow analysis.
“I was sure that they would see how we are running out of funds and would have helped us this time.
“For me, it really brings into perspective and a stark comparison the generosity of the folk who come here, enjoy the heritage we are protecting and write in enclosing a £10 donation to help us.”
In light of the decision, GCR has launched an emergency appeal to help it continue operating and continue with planned essential works.
Despite experiencing a successful 2019 and beginning 2020 “on a firm financial footing”, according to a spokesman, due to all trains stopping in March due to Covid-19, funds have been running low.
The railway line remained closed to visitors until late July. However, as the crisis continued, funds set aside for planned projects were used up for vital day to day cash flow.
Three areas of focus now need money to be carried out.
These include the replacement of a Bridge 341 just north of Quorn, as it is now more than 120 years old.
The station at Quorn and Woodhouse needs attention, including the resurfacing of the car park and conversion of a former goods shed into a classroom and education centre.
Finally, a significant amount of fencing needs to be reinstated along the railway to prevent people from straying onto the line.
Mr Gough said: “The enforced closure has impacted massively on our operations and cash flow.
“We are, however, committed to ensuring as we expand our activities, giving our customers the authentic heritage experience they have come to expect, it’s within an environment that is safe for staff and visitors alike.
“A successful appeal will help to ensure all of our operations are well maintained and we can enter into 2021 with renewed hope for our future and the preservation of our heritage.”
Donations can be made by visiting www.gcrailway.co.uk/ emergency-project-appeal/