Welcome to 2026, our 35th year of fundraising

Well, who would have thought we would still be standing on cold and draughty platforms 35 years after we started!

This year marks the 35th  anniversary of the Fenchurch Fund.  Having started as a whip round following the passing of Matthew Wood, a young, popular and talented fireman who would have made an excellent driver.  he is long remembered by many at the Bluebell.

Our anniversary year began with  having Fenchurch carry a new headboard cast to be carried on Fenchurch when it is working on special events.  a few pictures of the event are below. 

Fenchurch at East Grinstead with the LNWR Observation Coach

Fenchurch on Platform 2 at Sheffield Park

Another view at Sheffield Park

A pause at Kingscote on the return to Sheffield Park

It was a great event put on by the team at the Bluebell Railway, and very successful too.

We have plans for 2026, to commemorate our anniversary and details of these will be released as they become a bit more organised.  

However, we can say that there will be a special train with Fenchurch pulling a train of 4 wheeled carriages at some time in the summer, hopefully around the end of July.  This is in the planning stage currently and details will be published as soon as we are able to.  However, if you would like to register your interest in the train to receive details as they become available please email thefenchurchfund@gmail.com and we will add you to our list.

We will be updating this blogspot a little more frequently this year than we have in the last couple of years, so keep popping back!