The West Somerset Railway (WSR) is pleased to announce a new voluntary post – that of Legacy Officer.
Legacies have become increasingly important to the West Somerset Railway in recent years. The day-to-day income from passenger fares covers the cost of running the trains, including normal maintenance and renewals but it does not generate enough income to invest in development projects. In recent years legacy income has helped finance locomotive restoration, the purchase and protection of heritage carriages and the installation of the turntable at Minehead.
The new post will be filled by Roger Stobbs. Roger recently retired from a long and varied career at the Met Office where latterly he was responsible for relations with the Ministry of Defence. Roger already volunteers on the West Somerset Railway as a Travelling Ticket Inspector. He lives near Taunton.
Roger said: "Remember, only one in three people make a Will, and without one there is a risk that your estate may end up with the government. A legacy via the railway’s two registered charities can enable a real saving in inheritance tax. We will be working closely with a number of local solicitors who support the WSR. Just by making your Will with them, they will make a donation to the WSR. We have many plans for the future to continue the improvement of one of the UK’s finest heritage railways and your legacy could help us with that."
Thinking of making a Will? Roger will be holding his first ‘Will Surgery’ at Bishops Lydeard station on the West Somerset Railway on Saturday 12 July from 11 am until 4pm. If you are interested e-mail Roger at legacy@wsra.org.uk or telephone Bishops Lydeard station on 01823 433 856
Remember… legacies fund investment for the future, not day-to-day operations!
WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare added "As an illustration of what a difference a legacy can make for the future of the Railway the overhaul of our steam locomotive 7828 “Odney Manor” has been greatly assisted by a very large amount left to us by a well-wisher. Not merely did this make a major contribution towards the three quarters of a million pound costs of buying the engine and its tender and the subsequent overhaul but also improved our reserves ahead of the major commitment of contributing towards the turntable installation at Minehead."
The Railway appoints a Legacy Officer...
