Emergency Appeals during Lockdown

We at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway/Blaenavon's Heritage Railway currently have an on-going COVID-19 appeal. We have created a dedicated page on our new website (https://www.bhrailway.co.uk/covid19appeal) from where you can donate any amount either via the site, or through the GoFundMe appeal set up by Operations Manager Alex Hinshelwood.

Although we are somewhat fortunate in that our fundraising needs may not be as pressing as some other railways, we would nevertheless sincerely appreciate any donations that you may wish to make

- Jamie Warner
Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway Marketing Officer

 

With all the previous caveats, here's an appeals update from public info.

Patrick

 

The Bluebell appeal target is £300k, not £500k. Current level is £66,566.33 (the headline figure for Virgin Money Giving doesn't show the Gift Aid, but it is shown at the bottom of the page).

Tom

 

Thanks Tom, they don't make that total figure obvious on that page! Revised totals also for:

Avon Valley Railway Corona Survival Fund 12-May £9,677
East Lancs Railway Support Fund 12-May £93,487

Patrick

 

Llangollen railway appeal stated to be 75k here

https://www.denbighshirefreepress.c...s-campaign-save-important-llangollen-railway/

 

And £15,900 here! Thanks for the link. Master sheet is updated

I've been surprised at railways not publicising numbers, and some inconsistencies

Patrick

 

Epping Ongar Railway appeal here: https://www.eorailway.co.uk/the-railway/appeal/

£20k raised in just over a week.

 

Periodic update, I've added three railways' appeals and updated totals where I can find them, though it continues to surprise me how many aren't publicising their progress

Do post updates. Usual caveats, apologies and the like. I hope people still find this of interest

Patrick

 

Yes this is very interesting, appreciate the difficult task of collating info!

Gwili appeal stands at 14k now.

regards

Matt

 

The Railway Magazine* reports 50 appeals totalling in excess of £3m, sourced by direct contacts with the railways themselves.

Patrick

*Free, online from the library!

 

This heritage site, being something different - but it does have rails - is well worth support.

https://www.tramway.co.uk/contact/make-a-donation/

 

The East Lanc's appeal was highlighted on BBC North-West Today
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000jsmf/north-west-today-lunchtime-news-02062020 at 6.09. Chairman Mike Kelly said £100k had been raised so far. Mr Riley's Black 5 45407 features. Also for those of you out of the area the twin viaducts at Chapel Milton (Chinley) are seen in the intro shots.

Dave

 

Periodic update, I've added four more railways' appeals and updated totals where I can find them, I've also added a list of HRA members but haven't checked each to see if they too have appeals. Do please post updates of railways with appeals, or totals where the date and numbers are blank.

Usual caveats, apologies and the like. I hope people still find this of interest

Patrick

 

And again.

 

Thanks for your update Patrick! Much appreciated!

Knut

 

Beamish Museum has recently launched a appeal btw to add to the list.

National Lottery Emergency Fund grants are coming through slowly. Ones I've noted are:

Bala £40,000
KWVR £50,000
Nene Valley £47,000
North Norfolk £46,500
Welshpool and Llanfair £25,000
Wensleydale £50,000

EDIT 15/7/20 SVR £250,000

Do post others I've missed or as they happen.

Cheers

Patrick

 

A different take, railways with furthest to go to reach target (to 11 July)

West Somerset Railway -£311,016 (raised £188,984 target £500,000)
Epping Ongar Railway -£175,000 (£25,000/ £200,000) (no recent info since 9the June on amounts raised)
Swanage Railway -£122,568 (£237,432 / £360,000)
East Lancs Railway -£55,623 (£144,377 / £200,000)

Two have said what they want but I can't see how much they've raised
Mid Hants Railway £75,000 per month
Mid Norfolk Railway appeal target £75,000

Patrick

 

Strathspey Railway, the Highlands (£45,500)
Isle of Wight £39,300
Gwili £22,400

Thanks for the tip!

Patrick