In May 2024, the Nene Valley Railway launched an urgent appeal to raise £300,000 to keep the railway running in the face of stark financial challenges. These challenges came about due to a combination of COVID-19 leaving a deficit over a two-year period and also operating costs rising sharply.
The railway is not in immediate danger of closing. We are running as normal and will continue to do so. The £300,000 fundraising target is there to refill our reserves. It will enable the railway to maintain operations, conduct essential repairs and embark on vital infrastructure upgrades and restoration projects to ensure its long-term viability.
The railway needs to be able to manage unforeseen events such as equipment failure or another pandemic. Without rebuilding reserves in this way and in the sum suggested, operations may have to be scaled back or otherwise revisited in order to de-risk/reduce the contingency needs catered for by reserves at the level targeted.
Initial response to the appeal has been fantastic with over £87,000 having been raised so far. We have seen donations coming in from around the world, and there have been people carrying out their own sponsored challenges to support the railway too.
In addition to donations, the NVR has been applying to a variety of benevolent organisations.
The first response was from the Garfield Weston Foundation, which allocated £20,000 towards NVR’s core costs, including overheads and non-capital spending. The Garfield Weston Foundation is a family-founded grant-maker which gives money to support a wide range of charities across the UK. In total they donate around £90 million each year. We are of course very grateful for this generosity. The money is not being used for a specific purpose, but is making a significant contribution to the general funding level within the railway, keeping wheels turning and boilers steaming.
Although the initial response to our appeal has been great, we must keep the momentum going.
Donations are just one way people can support the Nene Valley Railway. As well as our standard travel days, we run many special events throughout the year.
Attending such events, riding the train on standard travel days and making purchases from our gift shop are all ways to support us financially, while having a wonderful day out.
Thanks to a very generous donation, our gift shop now has a wide range of stock, with new lines of NVR branded goods, Thomas toys and books, as well as many other new and old favourite items.
"Nene Valley Railway is more than just a railway attraction; it's a community of volunteers, a legacy, and a symbol of our industrial heritage” said Michael Purcell, Chairman of Nene Valley Railway. “We are calling upon all those who cherish the heritage and charm of Nene Valley Railway to join us in this crucial effort. Your contributions will not only help us weather the current storm but will ensure that the railway can continue to inspire and delight our visitors and volunteers for years to come."
Please help us through this very difficult period by making a donation to the railway.
Bank Transfer:
If you would prefer to donate directly into our bank account, rather than through our online donation system, please use these details:
Account Name: Nene Valley Railway Ltd
Account Number: 97253308
Sort Code: 54-21-38
Reference: General Donation
If you wish to Gift Aid your donation, please download this form - Downloadable Form - and return to our office at Wansford. Please clearly mark when your donation was made.
Nene Valley Railway
Old Great North Road
Stibbington
PE8 6LR
Everyone at NVR thanks you for your kindness and generosity.
Online Donation System:
To donate via our online system, please tick your donation amount below, add to your basket and follow the payment instructions.