“We are sorry to hear the news about the Llangollen Railway. It’s a huge loss for the preservation movement,” says the 4709 group’s Richard Croucher.
“And, as if we needed reminding, COVID is still with us, so the need for funding is now more important than ever.”
4709 is emerging from a lengthy period in the doldrums, which started with component delays, being locked-in at Llangollen, the search for a new engineering partner and finally, starting to collect the thousands of components that when assembled, will eventually grace Britain’s main line.
“Llangollen has failed for lack of funds, so we’re watching our own situation very carefully. Our recently announced donation scheme is already beginning to show some positive response and if that trend continues, it won’t be long before we’re starting to think about that huge no. 7 boiler we’ll be needing.”
Richard smiles and says that the time is actually ideal for donations; “A pint costs a fiver in most pubs these days, but you can’t go to the pub and enjoy one, so better give it to a worthy alternative instead.”
Donations toward the 4709 project can be made via the 4709 Web site - there’s a click-through at the bottom of every page and we’ll be delighted with just a few pounds coming from each and every visitor.
