Thirty years of the Fenchurch Fund, Who'd have thought!

I was reminded over the weekend that THE FENCHURCH FUND has been in existence for 30 years!

We were originally formed as the "Chip Wood Fund" as a tribute to Matthew Wood who tragically died at the age of 25 in June 1991. It was intended to create a lasting legacy and memorial for Matthew. As it happened, Fenchurch was his favourite loco and it needed an overhaul, including a new wheel set. So the die was cast, we had money from the whip round that was organised for a memorial and this was used as a springboard to open an "official BRPS fundraising group" known as The Fenchurch Wheel Appeal and later The Fenchurch Fund.  We are now a Sub-Committee of the BRPS.

From this small beginning we assisted in the overhaul of Fenchurch by raising funds for a new wheelset as part of the required works.
Once Fenchurch was working we decided that it would be great to continue looking after the small locos in Matthews name and as a result PROJECT 27 emerged!
The Fenchurch Fund decided that sponsoring the restoration of SECR Loco No.27 fell squarely within the remit of the group and was a great option.  The physical works are being carried out by the LITTLE LOCO GROUP at Sheffield Park. Every penny of the restoration is self funded and fundraising must continue to pay for it, it would be great if you could help with the aim of remembering Chip Wood and restoring Loco No.27 to working order in the next few years.

If you are able to help, please make a donation via the Bluebell Trust's own donation page at https://www.bluebell-railway.com/make-a-donation/
You will then need to select "P27 - Restoration of SECR P Class No27" from the pull down menu.

The Picture above shows Matthew standing on Loco No.75027 at Sheffield Park (taken by the late Gerry Butler).

Edit

11

Like

Comment

Share

Comments

Comment as Project 27