Bluebell Railway hit £500,000 fundraising target

The heritage line hits the initial target for restoration work at Horsted Keynes Station.

The fundraising appeal was launched last autumn and will see repairs to the roof and replacement of rotting beams at the station.

At the end of 2021, the appeal total had reached £513,000 and with £30,000 expected to be reclaimed from HMRC as Gift Aid, the current total stands at £543,000.

Appeal co-ordinator Trevor Swainson said: “What a wonderful way to start the new year. This is a late – and great – Christmas present for all the staff, volunteers and visitors to the Bluebell Railway.

“We would like to thank members, shareholders and friends of the railway who have contributed to the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ appeal to put the sparkle back into the Grade II listed 140-year-old station at Horsted Keynes.”

The look and feel of Horsted Keynes Station means it is often used by film crews and TV production companies for period dramas. Most recently, the location was used in The Larkins on ITV last year.

Sabrina Bartlett in The Larkins, with scenes filmed at Horsted Keynes Station. Image © Mick Blackburn

Initial work is expected to start in the spring with repairs to the station and platform 5.

More information about the appeal and how to donate can be found at www.bluebell-railway.com/donate