West Somerset Railway Association

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WSRA launches Landslip Appeal

Landslip Appeal Fundraising for the West Somerset Railway

The WSRA has launched a Landslip Appeal on behalf of the West Somerset Railway.

The clearance of the Combe Florey landslip, following the landslip on 20th December, is well under way.  The watercourse that brought the mud has been diverted, and we have made a start on clearing the mud. We are grateful for the help and cooperation we have received from our neighbours, whose gardens have also been affected by the mud.  Plans are now being finalised to stabilise the bank, which should allow trains to run safely in 2023 once the work has been completed.

However, we still need to replace the contaminated ballast, and replace those parts of the track which are worst affected. That will be done next winter, provided we have the funds.

So, today, the WSRA launches an appeal to buy ballast and track items for the Combe Florey landslip, and we are asking for your help. The estimated cost is £50,000.

If it sounds a big ask to raise £50,000, we are half way there already: the WSRA trustees have allocated £25,000 to match any amount you donate. Plus, if you are a taxpayer, by filling in a simple gift aid form, the government will add £2.50 for every £10 you donate. So, for example, if 2000 railway supporters donate £10, we can raise the total, with gift aid and match funding.

Jonathan Jones-Pratt, PLC chairman says “We are very thankful to the WSRA for drafting in the support at this critical time on our Railway. The fund raising will allow us to invest to protect. We were very saddened by the land slip and it’s great to see the Railway family coming together to protect our Railway for the future. I hope you can all get behind this appeal. “

Mike Thompson, Chairman of the Heritage Trust says “‘clearly this is a vitally important fundraising campaign for the whole railway family, and I encourage all of our supporters to help as much as they can, especially since the WSRA has generously agreed to match fund any donations up to a total of £25K”.

Donate to the WSR Landslip Appeal

For more information:

Jacquie Green WSRA General Manager – E: jacquie.green@wsra.org.uk

Geoff Garfield WSRA Chairman – E: geoff.garfield@wsra.org.uk

This is how you can help: A £10 donation will buy a ton of ballast, with gift aid and WSRA match funding. A £50 donation will buy a sleeper with fittings with gift aid and WSRA match funding. And if you are feeling generous, a donation of £500 will buy a rail, with gift aid and funding. To donate simply click on the donate button or Send a cheque to: WSRA landslip appeal, The railway Station,  Bishops Lydeard TA4 3BX Donations can also be made by Bank Transfer to: Sort code:  30-97-00 Account Number: 00443258 Account Name:  West Somerset Railway Association Reference: (Your surname) Landslip If you’re donating offline, please remember to complete a Gift Aid Declaration , so we can claim an additional 25% of your donation. On behalf of the West Somerset Railway, thank you for your support.
Donate to the WSR Landslip Appeal