Donate today
Support the future of the GCR by donating today
Your generous contribution will help safeguard this vital piece of railway history for future generations to enjoy. The David Clarke Railway Trust (Registered charity number 1104839) is the charitable support body for the Great Central Railway and is an essential part of its success story. The DCRT works tirelessly to attract donations and grants which can then be used to help develop the Railway. Donations play a crucial role in ongoing developments, including our exciting Reunification project, which will reconnect two separate heritage railways to create an eighteen-mile line, stretching from the north of Leicester to the south of Nottingham.
By giving, you are helping to ensure the continued growth and preservation of one of Britain’s most cherished heritage railways, allowing future generations to step aboard and travel through time to the golden years of rail travel.
Every donation, no matter the size, will help us keep the spirit of the Great Central Railway alive.
A New Way to Support Your Railway
Now on Patreon
How many times have we heard someone say, “If everyone who loved the GCR just gave a couple of quid a month…”?
Now we’re giving people exactly that opportunity.
We have launched a Patreon scheme – a straightforward way for those who care about the railway to offer a small amount of support each month and, in return, feel a little closer to what’s going on behind the scenes. Patreon is an online platform that allows people to support organisations they value through small, regular monthly contributions. Support options start at less than the cost of a cup of coffee, so people can get involved at a level that suits them. It’s about steady, reliable backing from people who value the GCR, and making sure that support is recognised and appreciated.
More Information
For anyone not familiar, Patreon is an online platform that allows supporters to sign up to make regular monthly contributions. In return, you receive exclusive content, behind-the-scenes access and recognition for your support. Many other heritage organisations use it to great effect, and for the GCR, it offers something increasingly important: a reliable, year-round donation stream that highlights the hard work volunteers do around the railway.
One of our key objectives is to grow public interest in GCR’s operations, history, and engineering while building a loyal digital community that we hope will also lead to volunteer recruitment and increased engagement and understanding of some of our bigger projects, such as Reunification.
Many of you already follow us online, watch our videos and keep up with developments from afar. Some of you cannot visit as often as you would like yet still want to feel involved. Patreon lets you become active participants in the railway’s story and helps us harness global support.
Supporters will receive benefits such as early access to new videos, behind-the-scenes features, Q&A sessions, and exclusive updates; it’s a two-way relationship: we share more of the railway’s inner workings, and in return supporters help sustain it. Over time, this consistent engagement will also help us document the everyday goings-on at the railway, supporting our archiving aims.
Importantly, this is not simply about fundraising. It is about building a stronger connection with those who value what we do. Patreon can keep supporters informed about future projects and fundraising initiatives, encourage long-term commitment, and turn online followers into ambassadors for the railway.
We invite everyone who loves the Great Central Railway to consider becoming part of this new chapter. Small, regular contributions can make a remarkable difference. Together, we can ensure that the story of the GCR continues to be told – and continues to thrive.
Ways to donate to the GCR
Ways to donate
Online
Using your credit or debit card you can donate here: donate
In Person
All of our stations using our donation boxes or contactless donation devices for easy donations.
By Post
Send cheques to The David Clarke Railway Trust, Lovatt House, 3 Wharncliffe Road, Loughborough, LE11 1SL. Please make cheques payable to The David Clarke Railway Trust.
By Standing Order
A great way of giving a little every month (for example, £10) which over a year adds up to a very special donation. It’s easy to do. Download the donation form (DCRTLeaflet), fill in the standing order section, pop it in the post to us at Lovatt House, 3 Wharncliffe Road, Loughborough, LE11 1SL and we’ll do the rest.
By Leaving a Legacy in Your Will
Leaving a gift in your Will to the David Clarke Railway Trust will help us to continue our work, cherishing the legacy of our volunteers and ensuring the future of the Railway for generations to come.
Your gift doesn’t have to be financial. Your shares in GCR plc can be transferred to DCRT, or you may have a collection we can either display or sell to raise funds.
No matter how big or small a gift, your donation will make a real difference to the Railway.
To find out more about leaving a legacy please email dcrt@gcrailway.co.uk
We understand that choosing a solicitor can feel like a big decision, but having the right support can make writing your Will a simple, affordable and stress-free experience. There are many solicitors who specialise in Will writing and you should take the time to find someone that you are comfortable talking with. A number of our supporters have recommended the services of:
Kayleigh Brown, Partner at Wilson Browne Solicitors.
“At Wilson Browne Solicitors we’re passionate about looking after what matters — whether that’s Leicestershire’s history or your family’s future. That’s why we’re proud to support the Great Central Railway, a heritage railway that keeps the magic of the past alive for generations to come.
Just as the railway safeguards its story, we help you safeguard yours. A professionally prepared Will ensures that your wishes are respected, your loved ones are provided for, and your legacy is secure.”
kbrown@wilsonbrowne.co.uk
0116 251 7181
www.wilsonbrowne.co.uk
6 Peacock Lane, Leicester LE1 5PS
Barry Halliday LLB (Hons) Aff SWW
“Secure Inheritance Legal Services helps you reduce inheritance tax and care home fee costs, ensuring your legacy is protected. Based in Market Harborough, Barry offers home visits to discuss your needs and create the right Will for you. As a proud GCR supporter, Barry also donates part of his fee to the GCR charity for every client he helps.”
07538739117
Gift Aid
If you can make a donation, please consider ‘gift aiding’ it. Gift aid is a scheme where the government will add 25% to your donation as long as you are a UK taxpayer. It costs you nothing. You tick a box and we do the legwork. It can make a huge difference to our fundraising. (For your donation to be eligible for gift aid you must pay an amount of UK Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax at least equal to the tax the charity reclaims on your donations, in the appropriate tax year.)
