Dear Members,

I’m writing to share an important next step for the Avon Valley Railway and to let you know about a major new appeal that will help secure its long‑term future.

On Friday 1 May, we will be launching a £150,000 “Fit for the Future” appeal, designed to stabilise the railway, invest in essential infrastructure, and create a stronger, more resilient organisation for the years ahead.

As a member of the Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust, you play a vital role in our wider community of supporters. Before the appeal is launched publicly, we wanted to explain what it is, why it matters, and how you may wish to support it.

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:

• £30,000 to help stabilise the railway’s finances following significant cost increases

• £40,000 to make meaningful progress on restoring the Avonside locomotive and our carriage fleet

• £30,000 to invest in the permanent way, ensuring the track remains safe and fit for purpose

• £50,000 to improve catering facilities, helping to generate new income streams and keep Bitton Station attractive even on non‑running days

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.

If you feel able, we would be very grateful for your financial support. You may also wish to help by encouraging friends, family, or colleagues with an interest in heritage or railways to support the appeal. Talking positively about the appeal and sharing updates on social media will also make a real difference.

There will be posters, QR codes and information around the railway, along with regular updates so supporters can see how the appeal is progressing.

Ultimately, this appeal is about ensuring that the Avon Valley Railway is not just surviving, but thriving — with Bitton Station as a vibrant heritage destination, resilient day‑to‑day operations, and longer‑term ambitions, such as restoring the line towards Bath, remaining achievable.

Thank you for your continued interest in and support for the railway. It truly matters, and it is greatly appreciated as we begin this next chapter.

If you have any questions about the appeal or would like to share ideas, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Further details can be found at https://www.avrht.org/appeal.

With thanks and best wishes,

Roger Eynon
Chairman
Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust

A message from the chairman to our members: