Online auction set to bring in cash for heritage railway

The North York Moors Railway faces an income loss of up to £2million as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been revealed.
The North York Moors Railway will be holding an online auction with the deadline for bids Friday, May 29 at 5pm.The North York Moors Railway will be holding an online auction with the deadline for bids Friday, May 29 at 5pm.
The North York Moors Railway will be holding an online auction with the deadline for bids Friday, May 29 at 5pm.

Now, in a bid to generate some income because of the shut down of the popular holiday attraction which runs between Pickering and Whitby, an online crisis appeal auction is being held.

Among the items is a priceless original painting by John Austin, a three-night luxury break in the Flying Scotsman apartment at the Whitby Engine Shed, a Pullman dining Car lunch and a steam driver experience at Scarborough’s North Bay Railway.

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The painting by John Austin, President of the Guild of Railway Artists, depicts a B1 1264 hauling a rake of LNER coaches across the 120 year old bridge at Goathland, which has recently been replaced.

The Flying Scotsman prize will be in a two bedroom apartment of the Flying Scotsman.

Other donated items for the auction include a footplate ride on one of the railway’s locomotives, a seven-day holiday at the newly refurbished Levisham camping coach and a photography day with Charlotte Graham. The auction closes on Friday, May 29 at 5pm.

Already more than £10,000 has been raised by the charity so far, said general manager Chris Price.

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He said: “The support for the railway has been overwhelming and it’s great to see the local community pulling together.

“We’re projecting a loss of £1m to £2m if we are unable to operate until later in the holiday season.”

Mr Price said: “In view of the current Government advice, we have made the difficult decision to delay opening the 2020 season.

“The NYMR is a registered charity and without operating this would have a substantial impact ion its future.

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“We are asking the public to help by making a donation to give the railway a fighting chance to be able to ‘steam on’ in its current form once the pandemic is over.”

○ Visit www.nymr.co.uk/appeal/nymr-crisis-fund if you would like to support the heritage railway.

People can also text: ‘NYMR’ to 70085 to donate £10. This costs £10 plus a standard rate message. Alternatively, they can opt to give any whole amount up to £20. ‘NYMR 20’ = £20.

They can also support the appeal on the website by purchasing a virtual cuppa.