Newsletter: April 2017

Waffle Shack

More Attractions

Spinney Trail Bluebells

Spinney Trails Bluebells near to the den building area

On Good Friday we opened further areas of the site.
The Spinney Trail with den building area has proved a great hit with children and adults alike. This trail is currently a sea of blue with Bluebells carpeting the ground.

The “Waffle Shack” opened over the Easter weekend selling drinks and ice creams. It will next open on Sunday 30th April, and the Bank Holiday Monday, selling freshly baked waffles.

The Railway Museum and Exhibition Buildings have seen a steady stream of visitors although we have been short of volunteers to look after our visitors on some days. If you would like to help take a look at http://heritage-centre.co.uk/help-us/how-to-volunteer/

Finally we have introduced a 4:30pm last orders/entry time for the site. This is to allow late visitors at least 30 minutes to explore the site or to finish their drink/food by our 5pm closing time.

Elsewhere ….

Granite wagons refurb

Granite wagons being refurbished

Our Granite Wagons have spent the last eight years outside and need a little TLC. Visitors to our Railway Museum will be able to see the refurbishment in progress.

… and Opening Soon

Garden Railway progressing

Garden railway construction

Now that the majority of the site is open our volunteers have been concentrating on getting the garden railway completed.

Sometimes I’m not sure if this is for the visitor’s benefit, or so they can have a play themselves! We don’t have a firm date when the railway will be ready; we will keep you posted on progress.

Swithland Signalling Upgrade Appeal

Our fundraising is going well but there is still a gap that needs filling. The overwhelming majority of raised funds have arrived by post and internet transfer, which is excellent, because we can then claim Gift Aid back from the Tax man. Those who want to give should do so now, we’re almost there!
The Crowdfunding appeal is still live at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mountsorreltrains or can be reached via our website at http://heritage-centre.co.uk/donate/ where you can also find donation and gift aid forms.

If you want further information about the work that will be necessary at Swithland then send an email to Malcolm at donate@heritage-centre.co.uk. Malcolm is also your point of contact if you wish to donate other than via Just Giving (e.g. for donations where you wish us to reclaim Gift Aid).

Thank you for your support.