The Avon Valley Railway in Bristol has been on a path to recovery following a devastating £50,000 fraud incident that shook the volunteer-led heritage site to its core. Roger Eynon, chairman of the Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust, has been leading the charge to restore both the financial health and collective spirit of the railway.
The fraud, perpetrated by an individual using the alias Matthew Smith, resulted in unauthorized purchases and financial losses. The discovery of the deceit left the volunteers and staff emotionally affected, creating a sense of betrayal and disappointment within the community. However, the railway has since implemented new safeguards to prevent such incidents in the future.
In response to the adversity, the community has rallied behind the Avon Valley Railway, contributing to the Bounce Back Appeal which has already raised over £14,000 in public donations. A series of themed fundraising events has been planned, with the Charity English Wine Festival being the first on the agenda at Bitton Station. Through his connections in the wine industry, Roger Eynon has assembled an extensive selection of English wines for the festival, showcasing the region’s offerings.
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Additional fundraising events and celebrations, such as a wine and cheese pairing evening and a Railway 200 celebration weekend, are in the pipeline, aiming to bring both financial and strategic improvement to the railway.
With a strong volunteer base and the support of the local community, the Avon Valley Railway is on the path to a successful recovery, bolstered by the dedication and resilience of its supporters.