Charity status of the Trust and other matters
While this is just a minor update to our news section this time around, it’s a significant step for the trust. The LNWR George the Fifth Steam Locomotive Trust has successfully achieved registered charitable status and has been entered onto the Register of Charities with the Registered Charity Number 1153991.
The higher status as a Reigstered Charity means we achieve a higher profile and are subject to a more rigorous operating regime supervised by the Charities Commission. In short this should help give the public confidence in the way the charity conducts its affairs and it may help the Trust to access grants from elsewhere. Only about half the charities in the UK are scrutinised solely by HMRC, the top half in terms of income have the additional prestige of being assessed by the Charities Commission.
In other news, we would like to take this opportunity to being to our members and readers, the little railway that could – the marvellous Wells and Walsingham Light Railway coursing its way through the idyllic countryside of north Norfolk from the seaside haven of Wells Next-to-the-Sea through to the picturesque and historic hamlet of Walsingham, which was a site of medieval pilgrimmage. The members of the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway have been great supporters of our endeavours and we in turn, are great supporters of them. Beyond significant donations, Richard Coleby who is the designer of their latest new-build Garrett, has been assisting us with the evaluation of the LNWR’s George’s Joy Valve gear. You might recall that we introduced him back in February in a post which can be found here.
The Wells & Walsingham Light Railway was born out of one man’s passionate dream, hard work and sheer determination. Lt. Cmdr. Roy Francis had already built the mile long 10¼” gauge Beach railway at Wells. In 1979 he started to construct the WWLR on the four miles of old Great Eastern track bed from Wells to Walsingham. Work was completed in 1982 and on 6th April services began on schedule making it the longest 10¼” narrow gauge steam railway in the world.
We heartily recommend the WWLR for an enjoyable day out with family, friends or for whatever society or organisation you might belong to. The WWLR accepts group bookings and a wide variety of refreshments are available from Christine’s Station Buffet at Wells Station. Whilst visiting, you might consider making a donation or volunteering for this wonderful and unique little railway. Information on the WWLR and how to get there can be found here.
Lastly, we hope to send out a newsletter soon and make further announcements about the build and the next stage of construction. We humbly ask you to tell your friends and colleagues about us. Help spread the word. The more supporters, the quicker the progress.
