Trust Appeal
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The Downs Light Railway is financed, owned and operated independently by the Downs Light Railway Trust. The Trust is made up of volunteers not directly connected with the |
Trust Fundraiser
Peter A. Smith Esq.
C/O The Downs School
Colwall, Malvern, Worcs. WR13 6EY
The problems we face!
As one of the oldest miniature railways in existence, much of the layout consists of the original track-work laid during the 1920s and 1930s.
Our major concern at the moment is the increasing need for the professional repair or replacement of our point-work.
In the past, we have continued to extend their life through regular maintenance, however after 70 years this is sadly no longer possible. |  |
With the interaction of young children, an increasing attention to Health and Safety has meant that much of our funds must to be spent on maintaining safety standards to safeguard the railway's future. For the steam locomotives alone, this amounts up to £500 a year just to have our boilers tested, and extends onto our workshop environment and insurance policies. | |
Visual results!
New safety compliant carriages
In the autumn of 2004, the first of several kind gestures were warmly recieved, in the form of passenger carriages.
The Halifax and Bank of Scotland Foundation kindly sponsored two new heavy duty passenger carriages, to meet the safety requirements for public passenger carrying.
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Locomotive Overhaul Programme
In 2002, the Trust commenced a five year programme to overhaul its three locomotives. This involved extensive boiler work to the Steam Locomotives, modification/repair/rectification of the Chasses and in two cases a repaint.
The cost of the programme was extensive, but was nevertheless essential for the continued use of these machines. Above all it was made possible by various donations and help by many benefactors.
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We were also very grateful to the BT Champions who donated funds, two years running towards a new terminal on Brock Meadow, allowing continuous operation around the field on big open days.
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Donations to the Downs Light Railway Trust are a major source of income for the Railway. Whether it is 50p or £50, it is greatly received. With the current Gift Aid scheme, we are able to claim an additional 20% of what we receive in donations back from the Inland Revenue.
£10 could help go to purchasing material for fishplates £50 could help go to purchasing several sleepers £100 could help go to purchasing new rail £500 could help go to having our annual boiler inspections £1000 could help go to purchasing/refurbishing pointwork |
Project Financing! Invariably, some people are more interested in financing particular projects than simply providing a donation. We have some major projects that benefactors may be interested in. These are:
Refurbishment of the Hoyland Down Workshop. Replacement Engine Shed. Carriage Shed Expansion. Replacement Point Work Restoration of the railway to the White House Station.
Should you be interested in any of these projects, please do get in contact with our Fundraising Trustee, who will be more than willing to provide more information.
Surplus equipment! Invariably, some people have surplus machinery or equipment that they no longer have use for. We are particularly interested in machinery, or surplus railway equipment. The DLR's track gauge sits between two of the Please note however, that some machinery such as pressure vessels are subject to HSE Regulations and may not be suitable for anything other than domestic use without valid inspection certificates.
New! Donate by Self-Assessment Returns
From April 2004 any individual may nominate the Downs Light Railway Trust, as a charity, to receive their tax repayments instantly as a donation.
If you are interested in utilising this new scheme quote
GAR96QG
in your Inland Revenue Self-Assessment Return.
Please download the form at the bottom of this page if you wish, with several different payment options available.
You will require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view
Please return by post to the Trust Administrator
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