More than Ten Percent of Funding in Place for Reunification Stages Three and Four – The Great Central Railway
Brand new book telling the story of the work so far published
More than ten percent of the funds for the next two stages of the Great Central Railways epic Reunification project have been raised by generous supporters. Three hundred and twenty thousand pounds is now in place towards an expected three million pound cost.
Reunification will see two separate halves of the award winning line reconnected to create an eighteen mile heritage railway across the East Midlands. Five hundred metres of new railway needs to be built including bridges and embankments. Millions of pounds have already been raised and spent building one new bridge and completely refurbishing another ready for trains. The current appeal will pay for the next two stages which will be built together to reduce costs.
The Chairman of the Friends of the Great Central Main Line, Andy Fillingham said, “We’re obviously delighted to have reached another milestone in our fundraising. Donations continue to flow even though we are seven months into a pandemic. We receive contributions large and small and everything makes a difference and is humbling. It’s amazing what we have all achieved together and shows how people power is getting the two railways reconnected.”
Meanwhile a brand new sixty page colour book has been published which chronicles the story of the work carried out so far. It has been written by award winning journalist, broadcaster and long term Great Central supporter Tom Ingall. With many previously unpublished photographs, its production has been sponsored by the Friends of the Great Central Main Line and every penny from sales will go to the appeal.
Tom said “What a privilege it has been to write this book. Unseen photographs and untold tales from the UKs biggest heritage railway project! Who could resist? We’ve already come a long way towards a project many said was impossible. At £10 each every copy will help push our fundraising total even higher. We’ve cheekily called this ‘volume one’. The sooner we sell out, the sooner I hope to be writing ‘volume two’ as the story continues!”
The book is available now and can be ordered via email to blycett.gcr@gmail.com
Consultant engineers have now been engaged to guide the railway towards the construction of the next phases of the Reunification project including the necessary paperwork and permissions required. Building work will only resume once the majority of the funding for phase three and four are in place.
You can find out more about the project and how to donate at www.gcrailway.co.uk/unify