A Statement from the Board of Trustees of Helston Railway Preservation Company Ltd (Registered Charity No. 1217390)

The Board of Trustees of Helston Railway Preservation Company Ltd is pleased to announce that the organisation is now a Registered Charity (Charity No. 1217390).

This marks an important milestone in securing the long-term future of Helston Railway and represents the culmination of many months of planning, consultation and hard work by our trustees, volunteers and supporters.

Helston Railway

Our new charitable status enables us to maximise the value of donations through Gift Aid, reclaim eligible VAT, develop our own membership scheme and fundraising activities, and ensure that funds entrusted to us are applied directly towards the operation, maintenance, preservation and future extension of Helston Railway.

As part of this new chapter, Helston Railway Preservation Company Limited will now manage its own membership, communications, fundraising, website and public engagement.

Over recent years it has become clear that there are fundamental differences in governance and direction between Helston Railway Preservation Company Limited and Helston Railway Preservation Society (Charity Number 1146711). Following careful consideration, our board has concluded that it is in the best interests of the railway, its volunteers and its supporters for our organisation to operate entirely independently.

We therefore wish to make it clear that Helston Railway Preservation Company Limited and Helston Railway Preservation Society are separate legal entities, with separate trustees, separate governance arrangements and separate financial responsibilities.

Supporters who wish to contribute directly to the operation, maintenance, restoration and extension of Helston Railway are encouraged to make donations or become members through Helston Railway Preservation Company Limited, where those funds will be applied directly to the railway and its future development. Membership of the company will provide some benefits which are only available through this scheme.

We recognise that many supporters have longstanding friendships and connections with both organisations. This statement is not intended to diminish the valuable contribution made over many years by volunteers and supporters associated with either organisation. Its purpose is simply to provide clarity regarding the governance, operation and future direction of Helston Railway, enabling members of the public to make informed decisions about where they wish to direct their support.

There are currently a number of matters relating to Helston Railway Preservation Society that have been referred to the appropriate regulatory authorities and other external agencies. As these matters remain ongoing, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further. Our Board believes it is important that those processes are allowed to take their proper course without public speculation.

Our focus is, and will remain, entirely positive.

We are committed to operating Helston Railway safely, preserving its unique heritage, extending the line for future generations, developing educational opportunities, welcoming visitors from across Cornwall and beyond, and providing a rewarding and enjoyable experience for every volunteer who gives their time to the railway.

The enthusiasm and dedication of our volunteers has always been the driving force behind Helston Railway, and we are enormously grateful for their continued commitment. We also thank our members, donors, neighbours, local businesses and the wider community for the encouragement and support they continue to show us.

This is an exciting new beginning. With our own registered charity, our own membership, and a clear vision for the future, we look forward to building an even stronger Helston Railway together. To follow our progress and to ensure finding out what happens at Helston Railway please view our new website at www.helstonrailway.com or follow us on Facebook at The Helston Railway Page, Instagram at officialhelstonrailway and also on X (Twitter) at @HelstonRailway These are the only official sites. No other site is authorised, sanctioned by or affiliated to Helston Railway.

You can also email us at info@helstonrailway.co.uk or telephone on 07895 500545.

The future of Helston Railway starts here, and we warmly invite everyone who shares our passion to be part of that journey.

From the Board of Trustees

Helston Railway Preservation Company Limited

Registered Charity No. 1217390

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