THE GRESLEY SOCIETY
President: John Cameron CBE & Chairman: Philip Benham FCILT
November 2024
Dear Member
We really need your help: The N2 Overhaul Completion Club
Two years ago, we had to appeal to you, our fellow members, for help with the cost of overhauling the N2. Regrettably, again we need your financial support if our Gresley class N2 is to run again.
You will read in the current edition of the Gresley Observer about the issues that we have faced with the overhaul of No. 1744 and the true scale of the financial challenges we now face has become abundantly clear.
Almost every locomotive overhaul will identify additional items of work, as problems often only become apparent during dismantling, but the number that emerged in 2021 were exceptional, hence our earlier appeal. We subsequently discovered that a new fire-box wrapper was required together with associated backhead work – apparently as a result of defective attention many years ago, and thus well outside our ability to obtain financial redress.
Based on the estimate received, when the overhaul commenced, we believed the budget was sufficient, including a contingency for unplanned work that would inevitably arise. However, this and the funds raised from our last appeal are now exhausted.
At a recent meeting with the overhauling contractor, Northern Steam Engineering, we agreed a plan of work which will see the boiler steam tested and then the locomotive moved to the North Norfolk Railway for the completion of the remaining work. We have signed a 25-year operating agreement with the NNR and are working with them to get No. 1744 back into traffic for the start of the 2025 season next Easter.
The stark truth is that we now face a huge financial shortfall. So, we are launching a fresh appeal to raise £100,000 by the end of 2025 to complete the work and meet our financial obligations – The N2 Overhaul Completion Club.
Special benefits for those supporting the club include:
• Certificate signed by our President and Chairman
• Exclusive opportunity to visit No. 1744 under overhaul at the NNR
• Opportunity to buy a ticket (seat already reserved) on one of the first trains hauled by No. 1744
• Exclusive Limited Edition print (100) of No. 1744 in GNR livery by Matthew Cousins (GRA)
• One year’s free membership of The Gresley Society Trust
No 1744 is the oldest Gresley locomotive still in existence and belongs to all of us. She may have missed out on her centenary year, however, with your help at last she will steam again next year, and for many more years to come.
Please help if you can by joining The N2 Overhaul Completion Club and together let’s get our locomotive back on the rails where she belongs – thank you!
John Cameron Philip Benham President Chairman
The Gresley Society Trust
A Company Limited by Guarantee No. 3852084 Registered Charity No. 1081581
THE N2 OVERHAUL COMPLETION CLUB
Please send the completed form to: Mark Allatt, The N2 Overhaul Completion Club,
The Gresley Society Trust, Flat 3, Dinsdale Hall, Dinsdale Park, Middleton St George, Darlington DL2 1UB
Title: First name: Surname:
Address: _____________________________________________________________
Postcode: ______________________
Email: ________________________________ Telephone: _____________________
I agree to donate towards the completion of the overhaul of class N2 No. 1744 and:
□ I/We have enclosed a cheque for £1,000 made payable to The Gresley Society Trust or
□ I/We have arranged to pay by bank transfer (please quote membership number) to:
The Gresley Society Trust, Sort Code: 20-32-06 Account Number: 70060399 or
□ I/We would like to make eight (8) payments of £125 (please fill out Standing Order below)
To set up a Standing Order, please complete the following:
Bank address:
Postcode:
Dear Sir/Madam
Please pay monthly on the 10th of each month, the sum of £_________, for ________ months –
commencing with the first payment on the 10th of (month) ____________ 202__, to The Gresley Society Trust, Barclays Bank plc, Sort Code: 20-32-06, Account Number: 70060399 and charge my Account Number: __________ and Sort Code __-__-__
This order is in addition to any existing order that is in favour of The Gresley Society Trust.
Yours faithfully,
Signature: ________________________________ Date:
Membership number: ________________________ Printed: __________________
By declaring you are a UK Taxpayer, we can claim gift aid, which adds an additional 25% to your donation.
I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax in the current tax year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations it is my responsibility to pay any difference. If you pay Income Tax at the higher or additional rate and want to receive the additional tax relief due to you, you must include all your Gift Aid donations on your Self-Assessment tax return or ask HM Revenue and Customs to adjust your tax code.
□ Yes: I want The Gresley Society Trust (Charity No. 1081581) to reclaim tax on all my donations I make on or after this
declaration until I notify them otherwise.
□ No: I am not able to claim gift aid, or I do not wish the Trust to reclaim the tax on my donations.
Please confirm you are happy for The Gresley Society Trust to hold your contact details provided in the box at the top of this page, and send you updates by: □ Post □ Email.
The Gresley Society Trust
A Company Limited by Guarantee No. 3852084 Registered Charity No. 1081581
