Volunteers running a miniature railway to raise funds for a children’s hospital are overwhelmed by the response to their own crowdfunding appeal.  Riley’s Miniature Railway, based at the Lavender Line, Isfield, had been promised £90 but then more donations followed including a generous £1,000 which took them over their first target.  Now the target, and the deadline for fund-raising, have been stretched to £2,000 and October 27.

The railway raises funds for the Evelina Children’s Hospital in London which provides ongoing support for children and a local lad Riley.  Those who have donated are asked to please make themselves known so they can be thanked personally, and perhaps given a personal tour of the railway and show them what we intend to spend the money on.

A Volunteer with the railway said “we gain great enjoyment running the railway, socialising with each other and meeting people from all walks of life. Volunteering also offers some escapism from the daily grind and can be a great way of reducing stress and unwinding.  However, maintaining the railway and keeping it safe puts enormous pressure on the few volunteers both physically and financially.”

Below is a list of things that will be required imminently and things that will be needed in the future:

• Public liability insurance (annually)
• Rail
• Sleepers
• Screws
• Ballast
• Points
• Turntable rebuild
• Replacement parts for RMR locomotives including batteries, electronic and control replacement or repair
• Replacement parts for passenger and driving trucks such as wheel or bogie replacement
• Tickets
  • Wood preservatives
  • Paint
  • Gardening tools, such as shears
  • New loco/carriage shed
  • Roofing material for station canopy
  • Printing costs for our leaflet when required
  • Any other miscellaneous items

  New Volunteers Welcome

  Riley’s welcome those who would like to join to help with the operation and maintenance of the railway such as track work repairs, cutting back foliage, painting, driving, etc.  Or if you have your very own 5 inch gauge locomotive you’d like to run on our railway.

  Riley’s Miniature Railway will be open on Sunday, September 29, and again during the Lavender Line’s gala on Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6.

If for any reason Riley’s Miniature Railway was to close, the remaining money would be donated to the Evelina Children’s Hospital.

This article has been shared by the Uckfield News.