The WSR plc’s main Coronavirus emergency appeal now stands at £50,983, comprising: £26,715 via website donations, £1,868 in cheque donations, share purchases of £6,400 and station group donations of £16,000).

There is an additional £14,395 from the WSRA/WSSRT for Rail Renewal 2020, comprising offline donations of £12,241 and online Justgiving of £2,154.

This brings the grand total to £65,375 which is an even better figure than the last of course and an increase of £10K in just a couple of days, so 13% of the estimated £500K that’s likely to be needed!

These trading figures will show a considerable and significant uplift in the WSR plc’s fortunes which has been transformed from near bankruptcy in 2018 to profitability again in 2020 during an 18 month period under the Chairmanship of Jonathan Jones-Pratt and a new Board of directors.

Steam Trust Chairman Chris Austin said

“The Steam Trust fully supports the WSR fundraising appeal and, along with the Association, we are happy to accept donations for investment in the railway where we can, in most cases, claim gift aid which will increase their value by 25%.We look forward to seeing you when the trains start running again, to travel in our beautifully restored coach and to welcome you to the museums at Blue Anchor and Bishops Lydeard, where you will be able to see the stunning new displays for the first time.”