Remember those reminders we kept putting out encouraging you to vote for the Isle of Wight Steam Railway in the 2010 National Lottery Awards.
Well, they only gone and won it!
Yes folks, last night (Saturday) on national TV, the Isle of Wight Steam Railway received a lovely cheque for £2,000 after gaining the most votes for the UK’s Best Heritage Project.
Accepting the award for Best Heritage Project, Steve Oates of the Isle of Wight Railway Restoration project, said: “It is an absolute honour to have won this award and for everyone involved in the project to receive national recognition for their hard work and dedication. Lottery funding has been crucial to our project, ensuring we can continue to restore, preserve and operate these unique railway vehicles for future generations to enjoy.
“Our unique collection of historic steam locomotives, Victorian and Edwardian carriages and other rare rolling stock is recognised to be of national importance, and the Awards have given us a great platform to highlight how we’ve put our funding to good use. They show anyone who has ever played the Lottery, the difference their money makes.
“We have received fantastic support throughout all stages of the competition and I would like to thank everyone who has voted for us.”
Congratulations to the Steam Railway, we look forward to hearing more about the restoration project and well done to everyone who voted.
Image: Amir Khan presents Peter Vail and Steve Oates (left-to-right)
