Help Us

RVP is entirely volunteer-run organisation and is a registered charity. We can continue our work only with the support of our membership and the general public.

While any offers of help are welcome this list details specific ways in which we need assistance at the present time.

FINANCIAL

Although our work is largely voluntary, we do need funding for the materials we use. As a guide it costs around £25,000 in materials alone to rebuild one of our vehicles, and then there are ongoing maintenance costs. There are several ways you can help us financially;

  • MEMBERSHIP - Why not join us? Membership is a flat £15 per year. Members receive our newsletter twice a year, have the right to attend our AGM and can join our volunteer teams if they wish.
    You can download a Membership Form by Clicking Here.
  • REGULAR DONATION - As a charity we can use gift aid on donations from UK tax payers. Regular donations can be made by standing order for any amount as often as you like. Donate more than £5 a month and you automatically become a member.
    You can download a Standing order form by Clicking Here
  • GENERAL DONATION - We are always happy to take donations, large or small. Simply send cheques payable to "Railway Vehicle Preservations Ltd" to the address on the Gift Aid donation form or contact us for other methods to make a donation.
  • SHARE PURCHASE - For those with a deeper interest, shares can be purchased in RVP Ltd. Minimum initial share purchase is £100 - the share price is £12.50 each.
    You can download a Share Application form by Clicking Here.
  • SPONSORSHIP - We welcome suggestions from companies who may want to sponsor restoration work in return for benefits and / or publicity. Please contact us for details.

PHYSICAL ASSISTANCE

Even with the finance we still need people to do the work! The vast majority of our restoration is carried out by volunteers. Occasionally we do use contract labour for specific items, but this is kept to a minimum in view of the costs involved. We always need volunteers – normally working at Rothley shed on Mondays  (9:30am to 3:30 pm) on Saturdays (10:00am to 3:00pm) by  agreement. On Thursdays (10:00am to 3:00pm) at Swithland shed by agreement with Paul Harrison telephone 07414252818. Anyone can be found a job, skilled or unskilled. If you think you can help out please email info@rvp-ltd.org.uk or turn up at Rothley at the times mentioned above.

In addition we currently have a specific need for the following:

  • CARPENTERS - We have an urgent need for carpenters to work on the body of our wooden bodied vehicle. Most of this is voluntary, but we also have some opportunities for paid contract work. If you are interested, please email info@rvp-ltd.org.uk

ITEMS NEEDED

We are always looking for materials - and if we can re-use unwanted equipment from elsewhere so much the better. We have limited storage space so we have to be quite specific. Currently we are looking for the following; if you can help with any of these please e-mail me at info@rvp-ltd.org.uk.

  • TPO RELATED ITEMS - With the withdrawal of TPOs (Travelling Post Offices) on the National Network we are interested in any items of interest from these trains for inclusion in our museum.
  • ANY LNER CARRIAGE PARTS - large or small if you have anything lurking in the garden shed that may be off an LNER coach, please let us know.
  • PAINT - we always need paint. Particularly useful is primer, undercoats and gloss black / maroon (suitable for metal and / or wood). Part tins or obsolete stock always welcome.