Our ultimate aim is to see 3837 steam for the first time in well over 40 years. We are realistic and although we have membership subscriptions we realise that more has to be done to raise the necessary finance.
In 2011, four members walked from Leatherhead Leisure Centre to 3837's new home at The Lavender Line at Isfield in East Sussex. The walk raised over £2000 and gave us a solid financial base on which to build. In 2012 the sales stall, ably manned by our volunteers has sold over £4000 of stock, most of which has been donated by members and friends. In 2013 we shall need more volunteers for this as it has become increasingly difficult to ensure volunteers are available. As in many societies of this kind our number of "active" members is quite small.
2012 saw the sales stand present at 18 events in the South East of England, sometimes at 2 events at the same time. Events in the Leatherhead and Isfield areas are relatively easy to organise but those further afield have becoming increasingly difficult as the year has progressed.
The Salestand at The Lavender Line Vintage Transport Weekend Oct 2012
A real positive has been the cameraderie and friendship that has come from this and I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to those that have travelled the necessary distances, put up and/or dismantled tents in pouring rain and howling winds. I would also like to thank the long suffering "other halves", for without you we are nothing.
2013 will be a challenging year and one which we shall face head on. Behind the scenes we are continuing with our application to the Heritage Lottery Fund and looking for other sources of funds. We have already booked our first showstand dates for 2013 and have been "invited" to the home of Sir William McAlpine for their open day, so we are looking at another full year. A sponsored bike ride is planned for June or July from Corby where 3837 worked for 0ver 35 years to Isfield and perhaps one other sponsored event.
2014 Has seen the Salestand at many events raising money towards the restoration cost of 3837
The Salestand can also often be found at Isfield by 3837 on the last Sunday of the month weather permitting
Thank you to all those that have helped us raise funds and keep us on the straight and narrow and thank you to all those that have renewed their membership or donated (either cash or items for sale).
