Swanage Railway launches £450k emergency appeal

THE Swanage Railway Trust has launched a £450,000 Save Your Railway appeal to boost the financial reserves of the railway through the early months of 2024 before the main trading season resumes in the spring.

The Swanage Railway Company, which runs the heritage steam trains on behalf of the trust, aims to reduce operating costs by £350,000 while also working on an initiative to attract more visitors to the Isle of Purbeck during 2024.

Swanage Railway Trust chairman Frank Roberts said: “While our passenger numbers are recovering they have not returned to 2019 levels – more than 141,000 people so far this year compared with more than 202,000 people for the whole of 2019. Inflation continues to increase our operating costs with the Swanage Railway having to pay more for coal, oil, water and other services.

Costs

“We have also had to carry out the upgrade and overhaul of a Victorian metal girder bridge, carrying the railway over a road, near Furzebrook.”

He said that in order to increase income, the railway will be repositioned into a “broader and more commercial visitor experience” while also maintaining its heritage train business.

“It’s a challenge as well as an opportunity to shape the Swanage Railway for the future,” he added. “We are working to make the Swanage Railway more efficient and effective as well as being capable of attracting increasing numbers of passengers.

Positive

“The longer term survival of the Swanage Railway depends on a positive and quick response to our call to arms.

“We have gaps in our management structure that need to be filled by willing volunteers with relevant skills and experience.”

Meanwhile, the railway has announced that a Winter Warm Up gala is to be held on January 6/7. The mixedtraction event will see also see the return of demonstration freight trains to the line.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the railway’s volunteer recruitment and retention officer Lisa Gravett by emailing iwanttovolunteer@ swanagerailway.co.uk or by calling 01929 475212. Details about volunteering can also be found at swanagerailwaytrust. org/volunteering.

Donations to the SRT’s appeal can be made online at swanagerailwaytrust.enthuse. com/saveyourrailway while cheques can be sent to the Swanage Railway Trust, Station House, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 1HB marked ‘Save Your Railway Appeal’.