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The Home & Dry appeal gathers speed…

By July 12, 2021No Comments
View inside the loco works, with water on floor from roof leaks.

The SVR Charitable Trust has announced an impressive start to its Home & Dry appeal, having already secured £250,000, just six weeks after the launch of the appeal. “The appeal has gained considerable momentum since its launch in mid-May,” said Shelagh Paterson, the Trust’s director of development. “We’ve received donations of more than £197,000, with over £70,000 raised in the last three weeks alone!

“We are thrilled with the support shown by members, donors and shareholders alike. We have a target of £425,000 to ensure all the necessary improvements can be made at Bridgnorth loco works and we’ve now secured almost 60% of this amount. From everyone at the SVR, a huge thank you for your amazing dedication to the future of this wonderful heritage railway!”

Proceeds from the Home & Dry appeal will go towards transforming Bridgnorth locomotive works, helping to fund a new roof, a travelling crane and energy efficiency measures.

As part of the appeal, the Home & Dry raffle raised a net total of more than £31,000. The raffle was drawn on 30th June by volunteer project co-ordinator Antony Bartlam and SVR head of engineering Martin White, who – most appropriately – drew the winning tickets out of the safety valve bonnet from locomotive 4930 Hagley Hall. Martin commented, “This is a fantastic result from the raffle, every penny of profit going towards the refurbishment and improvement of Bridgnorth locomotive works.”

Winners were spread across the whole of the UK with the £1,000 winning ticket going to a lucky supporter in Abergele, Wales. All winners will receive their prizes within the next few weeks.

There is still plenty of time to contribute to the appeal. Donations of £75 and above will not only pay for a steel purlin for the new roof, but will also secure the donor a signed, limited edition Alan Reade print of Bridgnorth locomotive works. All donations of any amount will be very gratefully received and can be made online at svrtrust.org.uk/home-and-dry.

Image:  View inside the loco works, with water on floor from roof leaks. Andrew Bartlam

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