Ward Goodman, Chartered Accountants and Independent Financial Advisers, is pleased to count Swanage Railway Trust as one of its esteemed clients. The award-winning steam railway has been a client of the firm since 2013 and act for them in respect of audit, accounts preparation and business tax for the trading subsidiary.
The Swanage Railway Trust is currently raising funds towards the restoration of the exciting T3 Locomotive Project; a unique Victorian steam locomotive, No. 563, built in 1893, that escaped the scrapman’s torch, thanks to the centenary of London’s Waterloo station almost 70 years ago. Thanks to a generous donor, it is to take an important step forward towards possible restoration to full working order. Having spent a short period on display at Corfe Castle Station, No. 563 has been taken to the Flour Mill locomotive workshops at Bream, Gloucestershire, to be stripped down and fully examined to establish if restoring the T3 to full working order is possible – mechanically and financially.
The Swanage Railway Trust has started to raise funds from the public to raise the money required should a restoration to full working order be possible for No. 563.
Matt McManus of the Swanage Railway Trust, said: “No. 563 is one of our most prized assets and we are committed to its on-going care and conservation with the hope that the T3 can be returned to steam. On initial inspection, No. 563 looks eminently restorable to full working order and that is our aim. Should the results of the detailed mechanical examination of the locomotive rule out its return to steam, the T3 would be reassembled and returned to a showroom exhibition condition with appeal money being used to fund its ongoing conservation.”
Ian Rodd, Managing Partner at Ward Goodman, explained:“Working with The Swanage Railway Trust, and particularly most recently with respect to the T3 Locomotive Project, is fascinating for everyone involved in the audit. The restoration of this historic locomotive will be both beneficial and of great interest to the local community as well as visitors to the area.”
Andrew Moore, Finance Director and Treasurer of Swanage Railway Company Ltd, said:“Ward Goodman provide us with first rate professional advice and guidance. We have found all the staff to be helpful and friendly and very willing to assist us to grow our business and to ensure our financial systems are fit for purpose. For those wishing to donate to the T3 Locomotive Project, they can find out more at www.swanagerailwaytrust.org/giving.”
