Helston Railway charts a new course as charity status lands

For years, two organisations have kept the little green engines running at Helston Railway, sharing the same platform and the same stretch of restored track. Now one of them has stepped out from behind the other, with a new legal status and a pointed statement about why.

A new charity for Helston Railway

The Board of Trustees of Helston Railway Preservation Company Limited has announced that the organisation is now a registered charity, Charity No. 1217390. The trustees describe it as an important milestone in securing the railway’s long-term future, and the result of many months of planning, consultation and work by trustees, volunteers and supporters.

Charitable status brings practical benefits. It lets the Helston Railway Preservation Company maximise donations through Gift Aid, reclaim eligible VAT, run its own membership scheme and fundraising activities, and put funds directly towards the operation, maintenance, preservation and future extension of the railway.

Running its own show

As part of the change, the Company will now manage its own membership, communications, fundraising, website and public engagement, rather than sharing those functions elsewhere.

A split from the Helston Railway Preservation Society

The statement is direct about why this mattered enough to spell out. The trustees say it has “become clear that there are fundamental differences in governance and direction” between Helston Railway Preservation Company Limited and Helston Railway Preservation Society, a separate charity (Charity No. 1146711). After what the board describes as careful consideration, it concluded that operating entirely independently was in the best interests of the railway, its volunteers and its supporters.

The statement is at pains to set out that the two are separate legal entities, with separate trustees, separate governance arrangements and separate financial responsibilities. Supporters who want their money to go directly to the operation, maintenance, restoration and extension of Helston Railway are encouraged to donate or become members through the Company, which says some membership benefits will only be available that way.

The trustees are careful to add that the statement is not meant to diminish the contribution of volunteers and supporters connected to either organisation over the years. Its purpose, they say, is simply to give the public clarity on governance and direction so people can decide where they want to direct their support.

What the statement doesn’t spell out

The statement goes on to say that a number of matters relating to Helston Railway Preservation Society have been referred to “the appropriate regulatory authorities and other external agencies”. The board says that because those matters are ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further, and that it believes the processes involved should be allowed to take their course without public speculation. No further detail on what those matters are, or which agencies are involved, was given in the statement.

Staying positive

Despite the split, the trustees frame their focus as “entirely positive”: operating Helston Railway safely, preserving its heritage, extending the line for future generations, developing educational opportunities, welcoming visitors from across Cornwall and beyond, and giving volunteers a rewarding experience.

The statement thanks volunteers for what it calls the driving force behind the railway, along with members, donors, neighbours, local businesses and the wider community for their continued support.

📷Credit: Helston Railway

The board points supporters towards its own channels for updates: the website at www.helstonrailway.com, the Facebook page “The Helston Railway Page”, Instagram at officialhelstonrailway, and X at @HelstonRailway. The statement is explicit that these are the only official channels, and that “no other site is authorised, sanctioned by or affiliated to Helston Railway.” Anyone with questions can email [email protected] or call 07895 500545.