650 Appeal

The GW(SVR)A's next project after the completion of Collett Saloon 9103 will be the restoration of GWR Excursion Brake 650. Built in 1940 this Brake Open has an attractive Art Deco style interior giving a fascinating contrast to the other Great Western coaches on the Railway.

Some structural work has already been undertaken on the coach but the interior requires complete reconstruction, so to try and get a little ahead of the game we would like to continue manufacturing pieces for this distinctive interior. A good deal of work has already gone into acquiring and making parts as can be seen on the 650 restoration pages. Many patterns have been made, largely in Bridgnorth's volunteer pattern shop, and some have already been cast, but we still have many more parts to make.

To help finance this we are looking for sponsors for many of the component parts as possible, from large to small, so hopefully there is something within the price range to suit most pockets.

In addition we have contracted out mechanical repairs on the underframe to the SVR in Kidderminster Carriage Works and would welcome donations towards this work. The Association is having to dig deep into its cash reserves to finance this work. Donators towards this project will have the double satisfaction of not only hastening 650’s return to traffic, but also helping the SVR during a very difficult period.

We do hope you will be able to support this appeal. 650 will not only bring a distinctive look to the SVR fleet but as a 40 seat open brake will be an extremely useful vehicle on the Railway.

A GWR publicity shot of one of the distinctive Art Deco style excursion coaches.

We are lucky enough to have two of the original Art Deco style glass lamp-shades. We need a further 10 of the larger shades (6x6in) and 14 of the smaller (4x4in) ones. So if you have any of these that you would be willing to donate (or sell) that will help towards the completion of 650.

Here’s the initial list of parts available for sponsorship:

Please send, with cheque payable to 'Great Western (SVR) Association', to:
Rob Massey - Secretary
9 Shandon Close, Harborne, Birmingham B32 3XB

The value of your sponsorship can be increased by 28% through Gift Aid, at no extra cost to you. Please sign the declaration below if you pay UK income tax.

Gift Aid declaration
Please treat all donations and subscriptions that I make today and in the future as Gift Aid donations.

Signature: ................................................................... Date: ...............................

You must pay an amount of income tax and/or capital gains tax in each tax year at least equal to the tax that the GW(SVR)A will claim from HM Revenue & Customs on your Gift Aid donation(s).

On-line donations

Credit and Debit card donations towards this appeal can be made securely on-line via the Charities Aid Foundation. There's a big advantage here, any Gift-Aid will be added directly to your donation. If you pay tax in the UK just tick the Gift Aid box and, at no extra cost to you, the reclaimed tax will be added directly to your donation, so a £10.00 donation becomes (after the admin fee) a £12.18 donation to the Association.The 'additional information' field can be used for your sponsorship details on the Charities Aid Foundation site.

Charity Registration No 1078718