Severn Valley Railway launches new Resilience Fund

The heritage railway has launched the SVR Resilience Fund to help its "operational resilience" in the coming years. 

The new fundraiser will replace its Survival Fund which was set up last year. 

The SVR's managing director, Jonathan 'Gus' Dunster, said: "It raised a very substantial £500,000 and has helped us turn things around from what was, without doubt, a time of crisis.

"We've now wound up the Survival Fund but there's still a long way to go before we can say we've fully recovered.

"We're going to need ongoing support to meet our running costs for some time to come so that we can build the railway's resilience and confidence and safeguard assets such as rolling stock and infrastructure."

Volunteer ticket inspector Alex Cleall (Image: Severn Valley Railway)

The SVR Company Limited is leading the new SVR Resilience Fund. 

The volunteer-run member of the SVR family of companies is separate from SVR (Holdings) Plc, the train operating company. 

Diane Malyon, the chair of the SVR Company Limited, said: "Because we're a volunteer company, we're able to keep overheads to a minimum. That means we'll be able to pass on to SVR (Holdings) every penny possible to support the railway's operational resilience and secure its future for many years to come. 

"The costs associated with running a heritage line can be very high. For example, the railway has to spend £500 on coal for a steam locomotive's return trip along a 16-mile line and a new set of points will be an eye-watering £10,000.

"Those are some of the higher costs, but donations of all sizes will help and will be very welcome."

The fundraiser is replacing the SVR Survival Fund (Image: Severn Valley Railway)

A 1,600-strong volunteer team carries out most of the roles at the SVR and they have echoed the importance of maintaining it for future generations. 

Alex Cleall, aged 17, who recently qualified as a volunteer ticket inspector, said: "Seeing how much people enjoy themselves when they visit tells me just how important this place is."

Volunteer guard, Dawn Adams, aged 32, added: "The SVR really is something special and I'd like to think it'll be here for our children and generations to come." 

Volunteer guard Dawn Adams (Image: Severn Valley Railway)

Next year, The heritage railway is set to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the SVR pioneers coming together to save the line. 

The aim is to ensure the railway stays running for at least another 60 years. 

Mr Dunster added: "We suffered a huge loss of income during Covid when we had to shut down for extended periods.

"Operating the SVR is a costly business, and we need every bit of help we can find right now.

"Next year, we’ll be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the SVR pioneers coming together to save this wonderful line. Will we be running in another 60 years? We think so and we hope we’ll get the support we need to achieve that ambition."

For more information or to donate visit www.svr.co.uk