WYMONDHAM ABBEY
SIGNAL BOX APPEAL
This public appeal is to raise funds to restore and equip the former Spooner Row Signal Box that will be used by the Mid-Norfolk Railway at Wymondham Abbey station.
The signal box was gifted by Network Rail in 2012 but only in 2021 was the box released from the mainline.
2021, Spooner Row signalbox being removed from the mainline.
The appeal having raised the initial £15,000 and everyone at the railway would like to thank our supporters for their generosity. Now however the railway is looking to raise an additional £5,000 to meet increased costs and also contribute to the signalling of Wymondham Abbey Station.​
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Mid-Norfolk Railway Chairman: "The arrival and the commissioning of the signal box at Wymondham Abbey, will mark the first stage in a long-held aspiration of the railway to create a new station for the railway in Wymondham. This new appeal is designed to raise the funds to begin turning that aspiration into a reality and I encourage all who support our efforts to donate as much or as little as they can, every pound will help."
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Update - November 2022 - The restoration team has made good progress on the restoration of the box. The timber fabric of the box has nearly been completely refurbished. The original lever frame has been restored and work on the roof is underway. Much of the exterior painting is also complete.
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Update - March 2022 - The restoration team started work on clearing the box of items left from its time on the mainline, with some items given back to Network Rail for spares. The box has now been cleared and is ready for redecorating work.
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Update - February 2022 - The signal box was successfully moved to Wymondham Abbey from its storage location in Spooner Row since its removal from the mainline in Autumn 2021.
In addition to donations we are offering a sponsorship option to 'Sponsor a Signal Lever' for £200 each. The sponsor's name will be recorded on a plaque that will be mounted on the signal box wall, additionally the sponsor will receive a pair of tickets for standard operating day travel on a day of the sponsor's and will be invited to visit the box upon commissioning and to operate the signal lever they have sponsored.
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A sponsorship package for larger donations is also available, details of this package are available through the signal box's refurbishment project manager, Peter Singlehurst, contactable directly via peter.singlehurst@mnr.org.uk
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Donations of £100 will be recognised by a name plaque on the signal box wall and a pair of tickets for standard operating day travel on a day of the sponsor's choice.
All donations will be eligible to receive an occasional electronic e-mail update on the progress of the project from the project manager.
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Donations can be made through the following means:
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Directly by bank transfer to MNRPT at NatWest Bank, Sortcode: 60-07-47, Account Number: 52109003 using the reference ‘Wymondham SB Appeal’ - when using this method, please email info@mnr.org.uk with your contact details and confirming the amount donated and the date.
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By cheque made payable to MNRPT to: Mid-Norfolk Railway Wymondham Abbey SB Appeal, The Railway Station, Station Road, Dereham, NR19 1DF.
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