News / Avon Valley Railway
Heritage railway launches £150,000 fundraising appeal
Avon Valley Railway has launched its £150,000 ‘Fit for the Future’ appeal.
The appeal aims to secure funding to support four key projects:
- £30,000 to stabilise the railway’s financial survival after significant cost increases
- £40,000 to support the restoration of a second locomotive, the Bristol-built Avonside
- £50,000 to expand and improve café offerings and catering facilities, generating new income for the trust
- £30,000 to upgrade the tracks’ ability to continue running trains for future generations
A glimpse into the 1976 operations of now defunct ‘Avonside’ train – photo: Avon Valley Railway Archive
After enduring a challenging few years of financial fraud and increased operation costs, the predominantly volunteer-run trust is empowered with stronger governance from new trustees, a flexible events programme and increasing visitor numbers.
Avon Valley Railway chairperson, Roger Enyon, said: “The past year has tested us in ways we could never have anticipated.
“Thanks to the incredible support of our volunteers, visitors, and community, we are recovering and hope to grow again, but we still need urgent help.
“Our longer-term vision to restore the line towards Kelston for Saltford, and Bath is an exciting part of that future.”
Restoration of the ‘Avonside’ train is already underway – photo: Geoff Clark
Part of the trust’s longer term vision is the trust’s ambition to transform Bitton station into a space for community groups and potentially other craft industries.
This would cement the station as a heritage destination even when trains are not in operation.
To donate to the Fit for the Future appeal, visit www.avrht.org/appeal
Main photo: Adam Bryant
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