Updated November 2011

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Plc (the GWR) and the charitable Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Trust Ltd (the GWRT) are appealing for £1million in shares purchases/donations to help fund the repair of the embankment collapses at Gotherington (now complete) and Chicken Curve and associated preventative drainage works.

The registered address of both is The Railway Station, Toddington, Gloucs GL54 5DT. Telephone 01242 621405.

The GWR Company Registration No is 1576947 and the GWRT 7065498.  The GWRT Charity Registration Number is 1133186.

The GWR Chairman is Malcolm Temple and the GWRT's Henry Howard. Please address any questions/comments to either in writing or by E mail to emergency.appeal@gwsr.com.

Position Statement

The response to the Appeal has been magnificent with contributions from our shareholders, volunteers, railway enthusiasts, steam lovers, other heritage railways and those who value the preservation of our heritage. By early November 2011 the total stood at just over £800,000 - fourth fifths of the way there but still a mountain to climb!

Making a Donation

The best way to do this is via GWRT. If you are a taxpayer this enables the Trust to take advantage of Gift Aid and the Government will enhance your donation - presently by 25%.

The quickest and easiest way to donate is to click on the "Make a donation" link below.

Don't worry if you are not a taxpayer; your donation will still be much appreciated.

Make a donation

Buying Shares in the Plc

The legal form of the company which owns and controls the railway is a Plc. You must be aware that it is not a quoted company such that there is no measure of its market share value nor is there a ready market for onward sale. Further, by virtue of AGM resolution dividends are not payable on the shares and all profits are used to support the repair, improvement and development of the railway.

Shares ownership is therefore about the satisfaction of supporting a heritage steam railway, the opportunity to receive the Annual Report and Accounts and to attend and/or vote at the AGM plus special travel concessions only available to shareholders.

A copy of the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31^st January 2011 is available on application.

Travel Concessions

Shareholders are entitled to free travel according to the value of their share holding. This does not apply to Special Events that can be identified in the annual Timetable.

The scale is:

£100 - £500 - three free round trip vouchers per annum

£501 - £1000 - four vouchers

£1001 - £3000 - five vouchers

£3001 - £5000 - free unlimited travel plus two guests

Over £5000 - free unlimited family travel (two adults and two children) and valid for special events except those for which one has to book.

The 300 Club

As part of the Appeal only there is a special offer to the first 300 to buy £1000 or more shares. Membership is still available.

Members enjoy:

Life time free personal travel on the railway (this is in addition to the concessions above) - a tremendous lasting gift for grand children

An exclusive membership certificate

A 300 Club members tie

Membership is identified automatically on purchase or if you purchase by instalments when the total reaches £1000.

Buying shares

A purchase application form can be downloaded here and an instalment form here. Cheques should be made payable to GWSR Plc. The forms explain where to send and the information required.

A FAQ on shares purchase can be downloaded here.

If you would like further information including a copy of the latest Plc accounts, please e mail info@gwsr.com.