National Lottery players who have a love for heritage railways have a treat in store at the Severn Valley Railway, but you have to act quick!
On Thursday 28th November, the Severn Valley Railway are giving players the chance to head behind the scenes at the Kidderminster Carriage & Wagon Department.
All that's needed to gain entry to the depot is a National Lottery ticket or scratch card, but places are strictly limited and must be booked in advance.
The tour will feature some rolling stock that's currently under restoration and will provide an opportunity to watch railway skills in action.
Volunteers and apprentices will be on hand to talk about their work and the tour will end over tea and biscuits in the Carriage & Wagon office.
This opportunity is part of the #ThanksToYou week which runs between 23rd November and 1st December.
The Severn Valley Railway has benefitted from grants from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in recent years. Its project to restore the 142-year-old Falling Sands Viaduct in Kidderminster has been boosted by an award of £925,000 and it won £95,000 towards the restoration of its flagship locomotive No 4930 Hagley Hall.
Additionally, the railway received £500,000 from The National Lottery, which matched, pound for pound, money donated by supporters. The resulting £1 million acted to kick-start an investment fund to help secure the railway's future.
All applicants for the tour must have a National Lottery ticket or scratch card, and must book their place in advance by phoning 01562 757940. There are more details at www.svrtrust.org.uk
What did the officials say?
Ros Kerslake, chief executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“This year the National Lottery turns 25, and what better way to say thank you than offering special offers at some of places that players have helped fund. The UK's diverse and exciting heritage has been transformed by £8 billion since National Lottery started in 1994. This is a small gesture of thanks and a way of giving something back to the people who buy tickets.”
Nick Ralls, the SVR's outgoing general manager said:
“Keeping the SVR in such good shape has been helped hugely by the grant funding that's been made possible by National Lottery players. For example, we're about to start major renovations to Falling Sands Viaduct, an essential link in the line's infrastructure. By putting right all the years of wear and tear to this huge Victorian structure, we'll secure our operational viability for the future.”
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