Legacies

Legacies - ensuring the Railway goes on after you.

Leaving a legacy to any charity is a much appreciated method of passing funds on to a cause you feel strongly about. The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway has benefitted greatly from a number of legacies over the past few years which have enabled the purchase of properties and land without which we would have much less confidence in the project to reconstruct the line. Leaving a legacy to the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway will ensure the effect of you generosity will be appreciated for many years to come and have a real benefit.

The following will explain the process and results of leaving a legacy. We would refer you to our ‘Leaving a Legacy’ leaflet for more information.

Leaving a Legacy leaflet download

The stated objective of the Trust is to acquire preserve and restore for the public benefit

items of historical architectural engineering or scientific value in connection with the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway and others. This includes rebuilding so far as is possible the world-famous railway between the two towns in the title. The line passes through the varied and delightful countryside of the deep Yeo Valley, climbing to almost 1000ft above sea level around the edge of high Exmoor before descending to Lynton, once branded “Little Switzerland”.

The Trust is always grateful for and benefits greatly from gifts and legacies received, however small. In recent years these have enabled a range of projects to be undertaken, not least of which has been the acquisition of substantial lengths of trackbed in preparation for the rebuilding of the line. Other projects include the development of locomotives, rolling stock, locomotive and carriage workshops and storage facilities and the restoration of station buildings.

Please be reassured that legacies and bequests are not spent on administration or day-to-day operation.

Making a will is the most secure way of planning for the future and leaving a gift towards a cause you believe in as well as providing a tangible memorial to your support. Although the writing of a will does need to be carefully considered, it is neither difficult nor time-consuming. However, as your will, once properly signed and witnessed, will be an important legal document, we strongly recommend you ask a solicitor or other regulated professional to prepare it, to ensure that, it is valid and gives effect to your wishes.

It is our firm policy to honour and respect specific bequests and if for some reason we are unable to do so, the correct wording will prevent the whole legacy from being invalidated. However if you’re not happy with any of the examples given, please feel free to contact us to discuss your wishes in more detail.

Your enquiry will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.