THE WEARDALE RAILWAY TRUST
The members of Weardale Railway Trust support the educational activities, operation and preservation of the railway infrastructure and rolling stock on the railway line which operates between Stanhope and Bishop Auckland in County Durham.
Financial health, per its FY2026 accounts
The accounts state that the Trust achieved a net surplus of £7,491 for the year, with total income rising to £62,378 from £27,645 in the previous period. The Trustees confirm that free reserves are sufficient to meet their stated policy of maintaining three to six months of operating costs, and the Trust remains in a stable financial position.
What the accounts disclose
“The Trustees’ policy is to maintain between three and six months of operating costs in reserve in order to cover unforeseen expenditure relating to the Trust’s charitable objectives.” — page 12
“During the year, a loan previously provided by G Mudd, a Trustee of the charity, with a balance of £24,927 at the start of the year, was formally waived by the lender and donated to the charity.” — page 24
Trustees
- Dr David Smith
- Dr MICHAEL RICHARD DUNCAN WOOD
- Dr Peter Hoare
- Dr Robert John Dingle
- GERALD CHRISTOPHER MUDD
- Jean Clarke
- Kevin Kimber
- Logan Smallwood
- Mark Woodhams
- Thomas John Hatton
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/01/2026 | £62k | £55k |
| 31/01/2025 | £28k | £43k |
| 31/01/2024 | £22k | £18k |
| 31/01/2023 | £27k | £22k |
| 31/01/2022 | £29k | £33k |
Common questions
Is THE WEARDALE RAILWAY TRUST financially healthy?
Per its FY2026 accounts: The accounts state that the Trust achieved a net surplus of £7,491 for the year, with total income rising to £62,378 from £27,645 in the previous period. The Trustees confirm that free reserves are sufficient to meet their stated policy of maintaining three to six months of operating costs, and the Trust remains in a stable financial position. Its FY2026 accounts were independently examined.
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 09/09/2005 | £4k | publicity information |
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 05/01/2004 | £49k | "Restoration of the Stanhope Railway Station" |
| Northern Rock Foundation | 09/12/2003 | £53k | Grant awarded to Weardale Railway Trust Limited (Durham) |
| Northern Rock Foundation | 11/11/2003 | £15k | Grant awarded to Weardale Railway Trust Limited (Durham) |