PROVIDING FUNDS FOR: | ||||
LOCOMOTIVES | CARRIAGES | |||
0-6-OPT | 1369 | Auto Coaches | 225, 228 & 240 | |
0-4-2T | 1420 | Collett | 1285 1295 | |
0-6-0-PT | 5786 | Collett | 1645 | |
2-6-2T | 5526 | Collett | 6515 | |
4-6-0 | 4920 | Hawksworth | 7377 & W2180 | |
2-8-0 | 3803 | Collett Super Saloons | 9111 "King George" | |
9116 "Duchess of York" |
TO IMPROVE AND REPAIR THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY.
TO FINANCE GREAT WESTERN STYLE DEVELOPMENTS AND IMPROVEMENTS ON THE SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY.
BACKGROUND
The Trust's surplus from trading and from donations during 1994 was a little over £35,000. This is very easily swallowed up in funding just a part of all we would like to do in a year. We have also been very successful in raising funds for particular projects - such as the footbridge at Totnes. But we can't go on borrowing money as this must ultimately be repaid.
What we need to do is to accept that in order to indulge our hobby to the full we need to be willing to put more money into it to achieve these goals. We all have pet projects but are all too well aware that a long wait may be on hand before whatever it may be comes to fruition! To this end we have decided to launch a GREAT WESTERN DEVELOPMENT FUND to provide cash towards the various projects.
CAPITAL PROJECTS PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE
Since its launch the fund has so far assisted in the restoration of three of our GWR Locomotives, namely 1420, 5786 and 5526, Only 5786 is presently operational (as L.92) since both 1420 and 5526 are now in need of extensive boiler repairs.
The Great Western locomotives need Great Western coaches to haul. The acquisition of Hawksworth BCK 7377 from the Dart Valley Railway Plc in exchange for a spare Collett 4000 gallon tender was assisted by the fund. Now we have the basis of a complete Great Western set – it just needs restoration. We have Hawksworths 7377 (which is a brake vehicle) and W2180 (which will be a wheelchair enabled buffet), two Collett Excursion coaches 1285 and 1295, as well as a “Toplight” brake 1645 and 6515. This latter vehicle was formerly a Brake Composite but was initially converted for engineering use but was subsequently restored, with help from the fund, as a vehicle with wheelchair carrying facilities for wheelchair bound visitors together with their helpers however this vehicle is now out of service awaiting a full rebuild.
To complement these passenger carrying coaches the railway also has two Super Saloons “King George” and “Duchess of York” which form part of the SDR’s prestigious Dining Train.
Members of the SDRA London Group have completed the restoration of GW full brake No 276 which is used annually as Santa’s Groto on Santa Specials run each December and are presently working to rebuild W2180. Work has also been completed on the restoration of Auto Coach 225 and 228 but more funds are needed to return Auto Coach 240 to service on the Railway.
Collett Toplight Brake Third 1645 was purchased from the Dean Forest Railway using money from the fund and has been restored to full working order.
Other projects, which will require funding, are the developments around Totnes Littlehempston, here we are serious about our intentions to complete the work to enable trains to depart from platform two including a whole set of sidings and signalling. A signalbox, water tower and water crane have already been errected on site.
All these projects need money and plenty of it. In addition there is a need to have funds available to cover opportunist purchases as and when they come to our notice – items of GWR rolling stock or other equipment.
At the moment we have to look at our bank balance long and hard before accepting any such offers when they occur. Very often we have to say, “Sorry, no, we can’t afford it”
Funds are needed to build safe accomodation for our assets to keep the weather out and reduce the rate of deterioration because restoration isn’t a one off activity; our locomotives and carriages form part of a living museum and wear out.
ADMINISTRATION
HOW WILL WE RAISE THE MONEY
IS £lO PER MONTH TOO MUCH TO ASK?
You can also make a one off donation of £10 to the Foundation Fund by SMS from your mobile phone, just text SDRT01 £10 to 70070.

BENEFITS
INFORMATION ON Gift Aid
WHAT IS A Gift Aid
ARE THERE ANY SNAGS?
HOW LONG DOES GIFT AID RUN FOR?
CAN I GIFT AID ANY AMOUNT?
HOW CAN I PAY ?
WHAT IS THE EFFECT ON HIGHER RATE TAX PAYERS?
OTHER WAYS TO HELP FINANCIALLY
CAN I PAY A LUMP SUM
HOW ELSE CAN YOU HELP?
Other donations - Any donations, be it items of use to the operating of the railway, railwayana items to add to the overall ambience of the railway or just railway books and magazines for resale in our shop are all gratefully received.
Legacies - When someone leaves money or railway items to the Railway, the Trust benefits enormously. If you are able, please include the South Devon Railway Trust when you list the bequests you wish to make in your will. A Solicitor will be able to advise you if necessary.
If you need any further information about covenants, gift-aid or the South Devon Railway itself, please contact the Fund Administrator or the General Manager of the South Devon Railway.
COMPLETING THE GIFT AID & BANKERS ORDER FORM's
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