"As a Patron of the Bluebell Railway I am very proud to be here talking to you about this very important appeal.

The Bluebell Railway is very important to me because over the years I have actually filmed down on the stations, on the platforms and inside the trains as my alter-ego, Hercule Poirot.

I have filmed many times at the Bluebell Railway and every time I visit I feel a certain sense of nostalgia and I am aware that there are so many people of all ages coming to the Bluebell Railway Line to enjoy the unique experience, a very special experience of actually travelling on a steam train. The volunteer-run Bluebell Line was the UK’s first standard gauge preserved passenger railway line reopening part of the Lewes to East Grinstead line of the old London/Brighton and South Cost railway in 1960. Since then it has developed into one of the largest tourist attractions in Sussex. Yet it still remains true to its objectives of the preservation of posterity of a country branch line with its steam locomotives, coaches and goods stock, signalling systems, stations and operating practices.

The line currently runs between Sheffield Park, Horsted Keynes and Kingscote. The Bluebell Railway is currently in the middle of a huge fund-raising initiative to raise the £4million needed to complete the final mile of the Bluebell Line to the historic town of East Grinstead.

This is a very important project. It will, when completed, bring travellers from afar to the town, eager to experience the evocative sounds and romance of a gentler age. We will be able to travel again on these wonderful steam trains as they make their way through beautiful countryside to East Grinstead and finally bring a long-held dream of so many to life. Can you please help us to complete that final mile by making a generous donation to the Bluebell Railway Appeal?
Thank you very much."

This article was taken from the current issue of the Nikon Owner magazine (issue #30).

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