Swanage Railway News Gallery Page 256

GRAND PRIZE DRAW AT SWANAGE ON 20TH NOVEMBER 2004

Photo Report from Andrew P.M. Wright - dated 20th November, 2004.
Official photographer & press officer, Swanage Railway.
Photographs are copyright Andrew P.M. Wright. To view a larger version of any photograph on this page, just click on the thumbnail photograph and subsequently use the Back button on your browser to return to this page.

Grand Prize Draw at Swanage station on Saturday 20th November, 2004 - photo copyright Andrew P.M. Wright

Mayor of Swanage, Councillor Tony Miller with the keys to the Star Prize car at Swanage station on Saturday 20th November, 2004. Alongside him is Mayoress of Swanage, Pam Miller holding the winning ticket belonging to Rex and Alison Parfitt of Blandford Forum, Dorset .

Saturday 20th November, 2004, saw the Grand Prize Draw at Swanage station in aid of the 257 Squadron appreal. Some 30 prizes were drawn, but the holders of the winning ticket - Rex and Alison Parfitt of Blandford Forum, Dorset - for the star prize of the new car worth £6,000. were not present to see their winning ticket drawn by the Mayoress of Swanage, Pam Miller.

Mayoress of Swanage, Pam Miller together with Mayor of Swanage, Councillor Tony Miller drawing winning tickets at Swanage station on Saturday 20th November, 2004.

The winning ticket holder comes from Blandford in Dorset, and the photograph shows Alan Maynard with draw promoter Mick Hatton on his mobile ringing the lucky winner and leaving a message on their answerphone. To see over 30 photographs showing the prizes being drawn, please scroll down to the bottom of this page.

Alan Maynard with draw promoter Mick Hatton on his mobile ringing the lucky winners - Rex and Alison Parfitt of Blandford Forum, Dorset - and leaving a message on their answerphone.

Proceeds from the grand draw are going towards the major overhaul of Battle of Britain-class Bulleid Pacific steam locomotive No. 34072 - named 257 Squadron after the Royal Air Force squadron that fought in the Battle of Britain during the summer of 1940 and flew out of the old Warmwell airfield near Dorchester.

The 120 ton Leviathan of steam was built in 1948 at Brighton and spent its life hauling prestige express trains at up to 100 mph across the south of England until it was withdrawn by British Railway in 1964 and sent to a Welsh scrapyard at Barry. The super prize draw raffle is part of a push by Swanage Railway volunteers to raise £100,000 towards the £250,000 needed to overhaul 257 Squadron's massive boiler after the locomotive spent 12 years hauling trains on the Swanage Railway following its restoration from scrapyard condition during the late 1980s.

Swanage Railway Trust Chairman, Bill Trite (extreme right) with the Mayor and Mayoress of Swanage, Tony and Pam Miller at the Prize Draw. Bill played a major part in the rescue of 257 Squadron from the Barry scrapyard.

Even though the draw has taken place, the appeal is continuing toward the £250,000 needed for the restoration. If you can help the appeal with a donation, or by offering practical help, contact the Swanage Railway's fund-raising officer Alan Maynard on 01929 425800 extension 34.