The Bluebell Railway needs your help! Platform 1 at Horsted Keynes needs a significant restoration.
From rebuilding the platform wall to replacing the deteriorating platform edging, the work is indeed tasking but rewarding. The Bluebell Railway Trust has been instrumental in supporting us, especially with the funding. The charming 140-year-old coping stones adorning our platforms are nearing their end. Their century-long service has left them cracked, brittle, and worn out, especially the ones on Platform 1.
We initially considered replacing only the damaged stones, but this would lead to a mismatched mixture of old and new stones. So, we’re choosing to replace all the stones on Platform 1. This doesn’t mean the older stones go to waste; many are still usable and will serve in future repairs. Finding suitable replacements wasn’t easy, but we’re set to replace the 150-metre platform with 180 new stones. A restoration of this magnitude requires financial support. The total cost is estimated to be £26,000, with each stone (made from a modern composite stone material, but having the texture and form of the originals) costing £115. We’re inviting members and friends to ‘buy’ a stone for £115.
These purchases are essentially donations, eligible for Gift Aid claims. We’re also offering to number each stone and honour donors on an ‘Honours Board’, keeping donors’ details confidential if they wish. We’re grateful for an early donation covering 20 stones, and we’re optimistic about exceeding our target, so any surplus from this appeal will be applied to further work required on Platform 1. Let’s bring Platform 1 back to its glory together.
