Full steam ahead again for historic railway line

A cherished steam railway is making a dramatic comeback after falling victim to an alleged £50,000 fraud that left volunteers reeling and its future hanging in the balance.

- Lewis Clarke

But from the darkest of times, a fresh determination has emerged, fuelled by the unwavering spirit of community and the power of English wine.

Roger Eynon, chair of the Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust, has been the driving force behind the railway’s Bounce Back Appeal. Now 77 and a familiar face among the volunteer team at Bitton Station, Roger is spearheading efforts to restore both the trust’s finances and its morale.

He recalled the devastating moment the suspected fraud came to light. "An employee known to us as Matthew Smith, but to the police as Nathan Scott Hudson, created accounts and email addresses without our knowledge and purchased goods and services without our permission," Roger explained.

"He was always first in in the morning and opened the post, so we were not aware of any of this."

The irregularities were only discovered when the employee went on sick leave and other team members began handling his correspondence. "It was as if a dark cloud had settled on the railway," Roger said. "Morale plummeted."