SEEKING FUNDS TO COMPLETE THE RESTORATION OF THAMES VALLEY BRISTOL LL 556 (FMO938)

The Centenary of the Thames Valley Traction Company Ltd (TVTCo.) registration was on 10^th July 2020. The COVID pandemic has so far thwarted TV&GWOT’s attempts to celebrate the anniversary with a running day.  However, thanks to the generosity of Supporters in response to the 556 Appeal in 2020, the Trust has made significant progress restoring LL 556 to provide an ongoing celebration of the TVTCo. heritage for enthusiasts and the wider public to enjoy in years to come.

The bodywork restoration planned for the first restoration phase is complete.  Remarkably the opportunity has arisen to replace later incorrect seating with sets to the original configuration including new frames and upholstered seats.  With ongoing COVID restrictions delaying the return to the road to carry passengers, there is a window of opportunity to complement the external restoration with this internal refurbishment.

…..This is where you can help make the vision a reality.

The Final Push Appeal, launched in August 2021, quickly gathered momentum so work has commenced but the more funds we can secure, the more comprehensive the work can be.

Further information on the body restoration to date and history and significance of 556 for TV&GWOT and the TVTCo heritage can be found below.

Current seats of a later design with a combination of more modern moquette and velvety red fabric, all rather different from 556’s original specification.	Newly acquired seat frames of the correct design are being polished and painted by Supporters.	New moquette has been donated so the remaining task and cost is to manufacture seat bases and backs, and make and upholster seat back rests and squabs.

MAKING A DONATION

We have a limited window of opportunity in which to raise the funds to restore 556 to its former glory. You can help us achieve this goal by either:

•              Making a one-off donation, or

•              Making a regular monthly donation over a period of 25 months

Those making single donations of £1,000 or more or a monthly donation of over £40 will be enrolled as a Supporter of 556 and be:

•              added to the authorised drivers’ or conductors’ roster (subject to assessment / licence qualification).

•              invited to ride on the inaugural run of 556 restored and under TV&GWOT ownership.

Please give generously to help us to preserve this important vehicle for the future, keeping Thames Valley Traction alive in the Thames Valley.                                      Thank you

Donations may be made via PayPal or by cheque (payable to TV&GWOT) sent to the registered address and marked “556 Final Push” on the reverse. The Final Push Appeal leaflet includes a Gift Aid declaration so a further 25% will be added to your donation by HMRC.  It also gives details of alternative standing order and BACS arrangements.

All donations to the 556 Appeal will be held in a restricted fund so will only be spent on 556 and cannot be diverted to other causes or administrative costs.

Find out more about the history of 556 and its significant to TVTCo. heritage here

Find out more about the restoration achievements here

(C) Copyright The Thames Valley & Great Western Omnibus Trust

Company Registered in England No. 5035702.  Registered Charity No. 1125980