BACK ON TRACK
EMERGENCY APPEAL
In 2023, the Mid Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust launched an appeal for funds to make a significant contribution to the overall infrastructure work required to fully reopen the line.
The focus of the Appeal was to secure the funds required to reopen Crownthorpe Bridge to all rail traffic and other associated infrastructure work.
Crownthorpe Bridge appeal - road view
May 2024 Update:
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A special exclusive Donors Day event will be run on 1st June 2024 (delayed from 13th April) when an exclusive return trip to Wymondham South Junction from Dereham ran. The day included lunch for all qualifying donors at Dereham.
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What's been happening?
At the beginning of April, our Permanent Way team removed the old way beams and track. Rather than just put the track straight back, a much more calm approach has been taken. An inspection of the bridge was carried out by our Structural Engineer who concluded that while there was work to do, the bridge was in good condition for its age.
We were extremely fortunate to be put in touch with a Contractor who cleaned the bridge down and painted the bridge in just over two weeks for us. During this time, the bridge was inspected again.
Our Permanent way team are now in the process of installing the new beams and replacing the track, and the line is expected to reopen to passengers over our Diesel Gala Weekend.
The target of £95,000 wasn't acheived which means that we have used general funds to make up the short fall. The Emergency Appeal will remain open for a period of time, as there is still some non essential work to do on the bridge.
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Donations can be made through the following means:
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If you wish to make a donation via PayPal - click here
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Directly by bank transfer to MNRPT at NatWest Bank -
Sortcode: 60-07-47, Account Number: 52109003
- using the reference ‘Emergency Appeal’ - when using this method, please email info@mnr.org.uk with your contact details and confirming the amount donated and the date and confirm your Gift Aid status (if you pay enough income or capital gains tax)
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By cheque made payable to MNRPT to: Mid-Norfolk Railway Emergency Appeal, The Railway Station, Station Road, Dereham, NR19 1DF. Please include your name and address with your donation along with your GiftAid status.
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On train running days, cash in person at our ticket offices.
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