Promising start to Epping Ongar SOS appeal

Essex’s Epping Ongar Railway says it has had a promising start to its £200,000 Covid-19 appeal. The appeal has raised nearly £14,000 in its first week, thanks to the support of well-wishers.

Due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, the railway has been closed since March 20 and has therefore been unable to generate any income. However, it still needs money to undertake basic maintenance to track, bridges, stations, locomotives and carriages and to ensure that it is ready to operate safely and efficiently when it reopens.

Fundraising co-ordinator, Jeff Mesnard from Billericay, said: “I have worked as a volunteer for many years and I am very concerned that the Epping Ongar Railway will struggle to remain viable during this long enforced shutdown. This is why I have worked with other volunteers to get this fundraising appeal off the ground.”

How you can help

Since launching the appeal, almost 200 people have made donations ranging from £10 to £2,000 but the railway still needs a lot more to reach its target of £200,000.

The easiest way to donate is to visit the railway’s website. Alternatively, donations can be made by a direct bank transfer to us using the railway’s special appeal account:

• Account name: Epping Ongar Railway Holdings Ltd
• Sort code : 60-18-01
• Account number : 47606576

About the railway

The standard gauge Epping Ongar Railway runs for 6½ miles (10.5 km) between Ongar and Epping. It is the only heritage line which operates on a former part of the tube network – the section of route having been closed by London Underground in 1994. In addition to steam and diesel-hauled trains, visitors can experience travelling by vintage bus to Ongar and Shenfield, as well as Epping, where connections are provided with London Underground’s Central Line. For more details, visit the https://www.eorailway.co.uk/ .

Further reading

• Epping Ongar: The line that refused to die
• Life in the Booking Office
• Pitchford Hall creates Collett preservation ‘first’ after overhaul brings new livery
• Records tumble as public flock to heritage lines