December 2023 Chairman’s Chat

By Neil Taylor

Dear Members, Observers and Supporters,

In this short update I thought that I would close the year with some very positive news and some views on the year ahead.

In our mission to build the next class 82xxx locomotive there are several of us Trustees who are doing our bit for fundraising, and I guess I get the positive role of communicating on the success of the most recent drive. About 18 months ago we set about raising the funds to purchase last essential materials for the locomotive’s boiler. Raising of over £90,000 towards these critical items seemed daunting given the fact that the UK was in a “cost of living” crisis and was only just coming out of a pandemic. However, thanks to some hard work and huge chunks pf generosity we have achieved our target. Whilst we will use some retained funds, over 65% of the funds have been raised by individual donations and here are some of the wonderful statistics:

• 779 individual components have been sponsored
• Over 90 individuals have been recognised for their specific contribution
• £7,500 raised by the sales team across a number of events

I know that I have said it many times but I would like to say it again “Thank You”! And that may be the last time on this appeal that I say thank you, as I propose now to close the appeal at the end of the year. However, we are not quite there yet and I would draw your attention to the following items that you might still wish to sponsor:

• 31 Crown Stays @ £50 each
• 12 Wash-out plugs @ £60 each
• 3 Mud-doors @ £150 each
• 54 Stay nuts @ £5 each
• 4 Flue Tube Assemblies @ £600 each
• 6 Super Heater Elements @ £1000 each
  

We will also be having a stand at the Winter Gala, and these funds will go towards the Boiler Account. Following the closure of the appeal we will consolidate our position before launching the “Final Push” appeal. This will be initiated later next year.

In other news we have had a couple of Trustees meetings recently and we have been very positive in these meetings. Discussion topics included future fund-raising options, SVR involvement in the build, revitalising the clothing range and rationalising the accounts.

Picking up on a couple of these themes, we are investigating the production of a limited edition print of the locomotive in an SVR setting. These will be sold in the run up to the locomotive launch. The current clothing range has not changed for some years, so we hope to make some investment in new designs and fresh stock. For those of you wanting a bargain, we will almost certainly be having a sale both online and at the Spring Gala.

There is a lot to look forward to next year and the Trustees would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a positive New Year for 2024.