Auction to boost railway

2:54pm Wednesday 5th September 2007

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PEOPLE can earn the chances to be a keeper at West Midland Safari Park for a day or take lunch at the House of Commons.

The offers are among prizes up for grabs in an auction to boost Severn Valley Railway's Flood Damage Appeal, on Monday, September 24.

The Kidderminster to Bridgnorth steam heritage railway has been unable to run through trains since June 19, when the line was ravaged by floods and ongoing repairs are expected to cost more than £2.5 million.

Although steam trains have continued to run between Kidderminster and Bewdley, the full line is unlikely to reopen until February next year. The SVR is expected to lose £1.8 million in revenue.

The auction, at the Ramada Hotel and Resort, beginning at 7.30pm, is being run to help make up an expected shortfall of around £250,000 in funding the repairs.

The railway is appealing to local businesses and other visitor attractions for more auction prizes to be donated.

Auction organiser, Lisa Meredith, who normally co-ordinates group travel visits to the SVR, explained: "The Flood Damage Appeal auction is another example of self-help by the railway - we're trying to get back on our feet as quickly as possible - but we can't provide all the prizes ourselves, so we've been asking local industry, businesses and leisure attractions to donate prizes as lots.

"We want to make it a thumping good auction and raise a really worthwhile amount."

Estate agent, Andrew Grant, has volunteered his services as auctioneer and admission to the auction is free but available space dictates a maximum of 200 bidders, so entry is by ticket only.

Prospective bidders and prize donors are asked to contact Lisa Meredith at Bewdley Railway Station, on 01299 403816 or e-mail: grouptravel@svr.co.uk.

A buffet will be provided and bidders will be entertained by sleight of hand coin and card tricks, demonstrated by two magicians.