There was a flutter of excitement at The Watercress Line in Hampshire on Friday 20 February as South Western Railway’s much-loved ambassadors, Wes and Sandy, swooped into Ropley Station for a very special afternoon of celebration.
The feathered friends were on board the Railway 200 Inspiration train to present the Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust with a cheque for £4,000, raised from sales of the popular Wes and Sandy plushie toys. The other half of the money from the sale is going to Scotty’s Little Soldiers, South Western Railway’s charity partner. A limited number of the Wes and Sandy Plushies are available for purchase at https://watercressline.co.uk/wes-and-sandy/
Trust Chairman Stephen Evans was on hand to receive the cheque on behalf of The Watercress Line, South Western Railway’s Heritage Railway Partner. The £4,000 donation to the Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust will help support the ongoing preservation and restoration of the historic railway line, ensuring it can continue inspiring future generations through heritage, education and community.
Rebecca Dalley, CEO of The Watercress Line, said:
“We have had great fun setting up our online shop and dispatching Wes and Sandy all over the country to fans. It is hugely generous of South Western Railway to donate the proceeds to The Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust, which supports the railway through fundraising. There couldn’t be a better time to celebrate all these initiatives as the Inspiration train graces our Ropley station.
“Behind the scenes, the Network Rail team has been working hard to make sure we could have this opportunity, and we can’t thank them and the South Western Railway team enough for the various upfront commitments to our partnership.”
Tom Desmond, on behalf of South Western Railway and Network Rail, said:
“We’re very proud to support the communities we serve, and this charity sale has given our customers and partners across the network a fun way to support two very deserving causes. We’re incredibly grateful for the generosity shown in such a short time and delighted our fluffy bird mascots could help raise money for Scotty’s and The Watercress Line.”
