Boosted by its ‘Survival on a Knife Edge’ video and lots of media attention this week, Swanage Railway says it has now managed to raise a massive £200k towards its £360k target to secure the future of the railway through the coronavirus crisis.
However, the railway says it isn’t out of the woods yet and in a second video called ‘Standing Together’ it calls on the MP, Richard Drax, Swanage Mayor, Councillor Mike Bonfield and the Chair of the Swanage Town Council tourism committee, Caroline Finch to add their voices to the plea for everyone to pull together to save the railway.
Josh Voch interviews the owner of Teabreaks, John Andrews about what the Swanage Railway means for his business
“If it wasn’t for COVID, I’m sure we would be running to Wareham now”
Also interviewed is the owner of the Teabreaks cafe in Station Road, John Andrews and one of the founder members of Swanage Railway, Martin Sheret, who explains more about the history of how Swanage Railway was resurrected back in the 1970’s. Martin Sheret says:
“There wasn’t a lot of money then, nearly fifty years ago and there isn’t a lot of money now. It would be such a shame if we don’t fulfill our original dream – we were so, so close to it. If it wasn’t for COVID, I’m sure we would be running to Wareham now.
“So any support, any financial contribution that we can get to get the railway through this dreadful time and running next year, is really, really essential and the people of Purbeck and all the enthusiasts would vastly appreciate it.”
“It’s beginning to look a little less bleak”
Swanage Railway posted this latest update on its financial position:
“It’s been a remarkable week with our new ‘Save Our Service’ videos and helpful coverage by the media giving our plea the much needed exposure we were hoping for. We’ve now passed the £200,000 milestone and are so humbled by the support you’ve shown to get us there!
“Thank you so much for your donations and helping us in our most desperate time of need. Some railways are already safe and we really hope to join them soon! Our existence is reliant on us achieving the £360,000 target and it’s beginning to look a little less bleak but we must keep pushing for our survival together.
“Please continue sharing our message, we still urgently need assistance. Any contribution, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated and will make a difference!”
Save Our Service appeal
For details of how to donate to the ‘Save Our Service’ appeal, please go to the Swanage Railway website.
