Shareholding
Share Application Appeal
Share subscriptions have somewhat subsided of late but the need to maintain our income levels has never been more important. It is now more widely appreciated, certainly for steam locomotives, that no reliance can be placed on commercial income to both maintain them in running order once restored and also fund the next major overhaul. The SVR funds the regular maintenance of locomotives during operational service and also the major overhauls when resources permit, but this is usually not within a short timeframe. Long spells out of service could result, unless the supporting fund can, with voluntary physical efforts on restoration and fund raising, make it more attractive to the Railway to enable an earlier return to service. It is the availability of this kind of support, together with having at hand a largely overhauled replacement boiler, that has enabled the Fund to see Bradley Manor returned to service following major overhaul in the unusually short time of 18 months. This support needs to continue, even be stepped up, to also return Erlestoke Manor to service sooner rather than later, and to help fund future major overhauls. These cost over £100,000, even with the levels of voluntary effort that we have provided. Manor Class locos come close to matching the ideal for preserved lines such as the SVR, being of ideal size and hauling capacity with light axle loading. They look at home on single line branch lines yet they carry a certain glamour and 'sex appeal' for the wider public who seem to appreciate named engines, painted in green and gilded with gleaming brasswork. They are also reasonably economical to run and appreciated by footplate crews, even more so now with the fitting of hopper ashpans and rocking grates for ease of disposal after service.
Our two locomotives need our continuing active support, and existing shareholders are invited to consider extending their shareholdings with a further subscription, either with a lump sum, or by bankers order. It almost goes without saying that ALL funds raised by the Fund, whether by share subscription or sales, pay directly for costs incurred in restoring the locomotives. Fund members activities in support are given freely and voluntarily.
SHARE APPLICATION FORM
I would like to support the "ERLESTOKE MANOR FUND" and become a part owner of Nos 7802 "Bradley Manor" and 7812 "Erlestoke Manor" by purchasing shares in the Fund. I accordingly wish to apply for .............. shares at £5 each (min holding 10 shares which may be purchased by 10 monthly standing order payments; maximum holding 1000 shares).
I enclose a cheque to the value of £............... (payable to the Erlestoke Manor Fund). I understand that I shall qualify for receipt of a share certificate entitling me to part ownership of the Fund's locomotives, newsletters of the Funds activities and other privilege facilities. I, the undersigned, being over 18 years of age, acknowledge the Management Committee of the "Erlestoke Manor Fund" as Trustees of the Fund and the Fund's locomotives and assets. I accept that, if I wish to assist the Fund with any restoration, operation, maintenance or sales work, I must comply in full with such insurance indemnity and safety requirements as may be determined by the Trustees.
Name................................................................ (block capitals please)
Address..............................................................................................
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Postcode...........................................................Telephone No .................................................................
Signature ................................................................
Date .................................................................
If you would like to participate in EMF's share subscription scheme. Subscriptions of £5.00 or more (in £5 increments) can be paid at monthly intervals towards the purchase of shares, email the fund representative via the menu page of this web site or write to the address below for a Banker's Order Form. (please note the shareholding limits above). Upon completion, please forward this form with your remittance or write requesting a Banker's Order to;
Erlestoke Manor Fund, c/o 13 Fort Mahon Place, Bewdley, DY12 2PB.
Benefits of being a shareholder of The Erlestoke Manor fund include
1. Chance to work on both Erlestoke Manor & Bradley Manor
2. The opportunity to jointly own two ex-GWR engines
3. News Letters & Share Certificates