Bluebell Railway 50^th Anniversary Appeal

This Appeal celebrates the founding of the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society in 1959, the commencement of steam operated services in 1960, and 50 years of volunteer support for the operation of the Railway, which has been recognised by the granting of The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2010.
Funds raised by the Appeal will help secure the Railway’s future by seeing it connected to the national railway network and preserving its unique collection of locomotives and rolling stock.
The target remaining to be raised is £3million.  Donate now

Northern Extension Project – destination East Grinstead
To secure the future of the Bluebell, the Northern Extension Project will see the Railway steaming back into East Grinstead over Imberhorne Viaduct, thus achieving the ambition of the pioneers who 50 years ago formed the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society.

With your help, our dream in 1960 can be realised in 2010
The Northern Extension Project (NEP) will see the municipal waste, which was dumped in the late 60s/early 70s, cleared from Imberhorne Cutting.  It will also see the building of the Bluebell Railway’s own platform at East Grinstead and provide a connection to the national railway network.

Keep steam railways alive
As well as extending the Railway, the 50^th Anniversary Appeal will provide much-needed funds to maintain the current infrastructure and rolling stock.  The Railway is already engaged in Operation Undercover, the current phase being a National Lottery (HLF) supported project to provide a new carriage storage and museum building at Sheffield Park.

The Fundraising Target
Of the £5,000,000 needed in 2008 to clear Imberhorne Cutting, install the track and signals, and build the new platform that will establish Bluebell in East Grinstead, we have already raised a staggering £1.5million from our dedicated supporters. We have also found ways to reduce the costs. Our current target for the Appeal is therefore £3,000,000. This will also provide for other preservation projects, such as Operation Undercover plus carriage and locomotive refurbishment.

How you can help:

• Donate now – the easiest and quickest way to help us reach our destination
• US donors can use our 510(C)(3) affiliation with 
     The American Fund for Charities
• Other ways you can give
• Fundraise for the Bluebell Railway

Companies can help us as well:

• Consider Payroll Giving by your company
• Adopt the 50^th Anniversary and the Bluebell Trust as your charity of the year
• Hire the “Golden Arrow” Pullman for a corporate party
• Sponsors events, either existing or specially created