Shropshire Star

Full steam ahead for heritage railway event in Ludlow

It is full steam ahead for a spectacular fundraising event in aid of one of Shropshire's premier visitor attractions.

Published

A race day in aid of the Severn Valley Railway will be held at Ludlow Racecourse on April 17.

The main aim of the event will be the safeguarding of the railway's long-term future. Co-organiser Christopher Morley said it would provide much-needed funds to preserve the railway's infrastructure.

He said: "Many people believe the SVR is a self-sustaining operation, which survives through ticket sales on the railway. This is simply not the case.

"This unique and wonderful facility, which operates between Bridgnorth and Kidderminster, attracting around 250,000 visitors each year, is dependent on the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust and a huge team of volunteer staff for its maintenance and development.

"This fundraising campaign is crucial if we are to guarantee the survival of the railway. If we don't adopt a proactive attitude it could fall into decay and Shropshire would lose a much-loved feature."

The SVR Trust has committed to raise £10 million to establish a Heritage Skills Training Academy to create apprenticeships, refurbish the engineering works and enhance the visitor facilities in Bridgnorth.

Mr Morley said: "The Ludlow Charity Race Day promises to be enormous fun. Every pound raised will be matched by a pound from the Heritage Lottery Fund."

Tickets cost £70 and include a Champagne reception and a three-course lunch with wine. There will also be a promises auction. For tickets contact Shelagh Paterson on (01299) 406502 or 07812 570942.

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