Despite the less than ideal autumn weather, it’s being reported that construction of a brand new building at Ruddington’s heritage railway is proceeding well – with new roof beams recently lifted into place {top photo by Tom Ingall} and the halfway point of the fundraising target now reached.
As we reported in the summer, £40,000 was awarded to the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Ltd (GCRN) ‘Carriage Shed Project’ from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). This money, combined with match funding from East Midlands Railway Trust and LNER (GC) Heritage Trust, mean the long-term project, which had stalled through lack of funds, has restarted – and should now be completed by the end of this year.
This substantial new structure will protect four, 1950s-built carriages from the weather and vandalism, so they can run on the line from Ruddington. There is also room for a small workshop.
With the new steelwork in place, the block-work walls have since been built and the roof panels have gone into place. The inside of the building can now dry out, ready for the final work on the polished concrete floor.
Andy Fillingham of GCRN says: “We’re very grateful for the support we have received from so many quarters. The shed will help the railway thrive in future and because it will have a level concrete floor inside, when it isn’t being used for storing carriages, will be an event space for visitors. As we continue to work towards connecting our railway to the Great Central in Leicestershire, creating an eighteen mile heritage line across the midlands, the shed will be a tremendous asset.”
GCRN is halfway to its £15,000 target, with £7,500 raised: “We need to find another £7,500 to install a roller shutter door and fit out the electrics. We want to have the building in use by early 2024, so please consider a donation if you can by clicking the link. Every pound counts!”
The link to donate to their Carriage Shed Appeal is >>HERE<<.
You can watch Tom Ingall’s latest video update below…
