One of the biggest challenges facing preservation today is how to bring forward the preservationists of tomorrow to enthuse them about a world that disappeared long before they were born and to transfer skills to them before they are lost forever.  The Swanage Railway is fortunate in having a strong youth group, known as the Sygnets, with a proven record of delivering committed young volunteers to most if not all departments across the line after they reach 16. However, they really need a base to provide a focus for their activities and team-building as well as provide storage and display space for training purposes.

The Railway was fortunate to obtain a Southern Railway B Van from the former Pullman works at Preston Park near Brighton and this will provide a permanent base for the group. This is ideal for them as it provides both space and light via droplights in each of the doors. However, before it can be fitted out for them – by them – it needs extensive bodywork repairs. Preparatory work on the van has already started at Swanage but most of the work will need to be completed off-site. This restoration is expected to cost around £16,000 and we are therefore appealing to those who share our commitment to supporting our young people to help us raise this sum.