Bredgar seeks £250k to secure future

Appeal launched to save the family-run 2ft gauge line in Kent.

A £250,000 appeal has been launched to save the Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway.

The 2ft gauge line near Sittingbourne, Kent, was started in 1975 by Bill and David Best. Initially the brothers realised their interests in steam engines and engineering by acquiring and restoring items to their former glory. They were joined by friends, and track was laid around the (then) farmhouse and fields that Bill lived in with his family.

The private half-mile running line has since held regular open days to show off as much of the collection as possible – which includes tractors, traction engines, vintage cars and a fire engine from the USA.

However, the line’s founding father Bill Best died on April 9, 2020 in his 90th year. His son, Bill Best (junior) managed to acquire the site and railway from his four brothers. To prevent the whole place being sold and physically dismantled, a number of valuable items had to be sold – including Schwarzkopf 0-4-0WT

Bronhilde (No. 9124 of 1927) to the Richmond Light Railway – although the bulk of the collection remains intact.

The appeal will cover the shortfall in funds to secure the delightful railway.

The process of becoming a registered charity has been started, however it is in its infancy and may be many months before that is in place and the railway is in need of support now.

The next two open events are set to be held on October 31 (Halloween Spooktacular) and December 11/12 (Christmas Weekend Special). Visit bwlr.co.uk/ for more details.