An appeal for help

Martin Shaw

Western Thunderer
As Adrian has pointed out the target has been reached, two weeks after the appeals was launched. This is by any measure a major success and the Society is immensely grateful to all who gave so generously. In a year that has seen so much tragedy, upheaval, and as yet an uncertain future for so many people, that a little railway in Scotland should be so well thought of warms my heart tremendously. I would on a personal level like to thank all on WT for their donations and support, most of you don't know me personally and I offer my ramblings on model railways, fixing garages, and sundry other things, with trepidation sometimes, as part of this virtual club which I find a rewarding part of my life. Thank you all so very much.
Martin
 

oldravendale

Western Thunderer
Hi Martin.

That's truly super news! In my ignorance I thought you might struggle to raise the total amount so to succeed so quickly is a major achievement.

Well done to all involved and to all contributors. Perhaps one day I'll be able to make another trip to Scotland and will stop on the way this time.

(And please don;t give up on your ramblings, Martin.:D)

Brian
 

Martin Shaw

Western Thunderer
Brian
We would welcome you. I think we are all totally surprised by how this much has been raised in such a short time, especially given everything else going on at the moment, but undeniably pleased.
Best wishes
Martin
 

Lancastrian

Western Thunderer
Martin,

Excellent news.
Here's a Throwback Thursday: 13th October 2015, a birthday treat.



Had a lovely day on the railway and visiting the sheds/workshops.

Ian
 

Martin Shaw

Western Thunderer
Ladies and gentlemen, an update.

Over the last 6 weeks we have been amazed by the generous support shown by our members and visitors for our ‘Emergency Landslide Appeal’ that was launched to fix storm damage that occurred during August on the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway. To raise over £126,000 in such a short period of time, especially in such uncertain times, is an incredible feat for which the SRPS Board of Trustees is very grateful. Thank you to all, both organisations and individuals, who have contributed to the appeal.

We are now well advance with our preparations to repair the embankments and allow trains to once again run over the full length of the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway. A design for the repair of the embankments was completed by specialist engineers MHB Consultants Ltd in September and has since been let for tender. This process is due to conclude on the 9thOctober.

The Board of Trustees will then meet to discuss the tenders received and would hope to appoint a contractor shortly after to complete the repairs to the damaged embankments. We hope that the repairs may be complete in time to allow us – Coronavirus restrictions permitting – to operate Black Bun trains between Christmas and New Year.

The Emergency Landslide Appeal is still open, and should you wish to contribute, you can do so on our Virgin Money Giving Page at: Emergency Landslide Appeal .
 

Martin Shaw

Western Thunderer
A rather more general message, but you may be interested.

Enjoy a virtual trip behind C.R. 0-4-4T No. 419 from Bo’ness to just short of the landslide.

Today we are proud to announce we have raised over £200,000 in public donations since May across all our appeals including Gift Aid. This will help us repair the recent landslide and progress our other appeal projects including locomotives L.N.E.R 4-4-0 No. 246 Morayshire and diesel Class 25235, not forgetting the Gresley TK Teak coach, Railtour Coaches and the SOS appeal to help us through these extremely challenging times.

The Board of Trustees, Members and Volunteers would like to thank everyone who is helping us with our fundraising and we hope this video will help remind everyone what to look forward to once we are able to reopen, when it is safe to do so.

All of the appeals are still open and we should be able to offer an update on the landslide in the very near future!

Want to cast it in 4K to your TV? Go to srpsdiesel youtube - remember to subscribe to the channel!
 

Martin Shaw

Western Thunderer
There has been a momentous and most welcome piece of news today, cheering to say the least, hopefully we might be able to run trains next year.

It is with great elation that I can inform you all that as of today we officially have a fully functioning railway line between Bo’ness and Manuel for the first time since August! Our head of Civil Engineering, Andrew Anderson, confirmed with me today that after a successful line inspection of the full length of the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway is once again fit for traffic. A great deal of thanks is needed to all those involved in making this possible, and a personal thanks from the Operations Team to all those who donated to the Landslip Appeal without which we wouldn’t be in this position.
 
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