Big changes at Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

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The Yorkshire railway, famous for its’ starring role in the iconic film The Railway Children, has safeguarded its future after undergoing a significant reorganisation.

The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway has incorporated its’ Preservation Society and transformed its’ status into a company limited by guarantee.

The Railway is now able to access different funding sources, guaranteeing the Railway’s future.

Dr Matthew Stroh, chairman of the Preservation Society explained:

“The Railway was one of the first such societies to be established and at the time there were very few options for corporate structure that fitted with the requirements of the then new organisation.

“Legal developments over recent years have allowed us, with support and guidance from specialist lawyers Lupton Fawcett and financial advisors Grant Thornton, to be able to effect significant changes which open up these possibilities.

“We’re all fiercely proud of what has been achieved by the Railway’s volunteer workforce to date and it is vital that our hard work is preserved and protected.”

Giles Clegg, head of the corporate team at Lupton Fawcett LLP, said:

“We’ve been delighted to work with a Yorkshire icon in helping to modernise the constitutional structure of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.”

The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Preservation Society has around 5,000 members, and following confirmation at the last Annual General Meeting, their membership will be transferred to the new company limited by guarantee on 1 July.

The Railway is operated by a pool of 400 working volunteers, who staff and manage the Railway day in day out, supported by only five full-time administrative and engineering staff.

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