Our ‘Fit for the Future’ Launch Video, going into the detail of our appeal. Make sure to turn your volume up!
The Avon Valley Railway has always been Bristol & Bath’s Heritage Railway, providing a heritage visitor attraction for all of the community. However, over the past couple of years, the railway has faced some serious challenges, including financial fraud, and significant increases in operating costs. In response, trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters have taken decisive action. We now have stronger governance with new volunteer trustees, a refreshed and more flexible events programme, and steadily growing visitor numbers including a particularly strong Christmas season and successful half‑term operations.
We have come through a difficult period, and we are now focusing firmly on building for the future.
Rather than running multiple smaller appeals, the trustees have agreed to launch one clear, forward‑looking campaign with a single £150,000 target, focused on four core priorities:
All donations will go to the appeal as a whole, supporting recovery, resilience, and future growth.
Our aim is to reach the £150,000 target by the start of the Santa season, but this appeal is about more than finance alone. It is also about rebuilding trust and confidence after recent difficulties, demonstrating that the railway is community‑supported, and showing that the Avon Valley Railway has a clear, credible and investable plan for the future.
All donations large and small are greatly appreciated. Thank you.
