Ref.: thisisbath - 15:28 - 16 April 2006
Link to online source
------------------------------------
TV STAR BACKS BID TO RESTORE STEAM RAILWAY
By Anna Mansell
The team at the Avon Valley Railway are working to raise ú250,000 to extend and improve the Bitton tourist attraction.
Now West Country raconteur Fred Wedlock, who lives in Timsbury, and actor Timothy West have signed up to support the appeal.
West, most recently seen as Sir Lester Dedlock in the BBC's adaptation of Bleak House, has a passion for walking old railway routes.
He said he had recently discovered the charms of the Bristol to Bath Railway Path and the voluntary work carried out there.
He said: "I'm delighted with what the Avon Valley Railway has achieved so far, and I'm very pleased to lend my support to their future plans."
Mr Wedlock lives only a short drive from Bitton, but said that he had not known the extent of what was on offer there until he paid his first visit to the railway recently.
He said: "I couldn't believe what a brilliant job they've done.
"Like a lot of people, I don't always realise what's on my doorstep.
"But it's such a friendly place, I'm definitely going to be a regular visitor from now on.
"I've also seen their exciting ideas for the future and they deserve all the support we can give them. So dig deep everybody."
The Avon Valley Railway is one of the area's major tourist attractions and a registered charity, but it does not receive any funding to secure ongoing success.
Volunteers are determined, however, to provide new spaces for repair, restoration and educational projects, a museum and better catering and sales facilities.
And all this is geared towards the attraction's eventual aim of extending the track as far as Bath.
Development co-ordinator David Cole said: "Our most immediate need is to improve the buffet and catering areas and to provide more under-cover seating.
"This will be the first phase, and we are initially looking to raise ú250,000 to get the project under way.
"We already attract thousands of visitors each year, but to make sure that the railway continues to flourish and attract future generations, we need to invest a large amount of money in improving and developing the facilities that we offer.
"Without help, this won't happen."
Anyone wishing to donate to the appeal or help to support the plans in other ways can call in at Bitton station or contact volunteers by calling 0117 932 5538.
a.mansell@bathchron.co.uk