Down Cathedral concert boosts flood-hit railway

Down Cathedral concert boosts flood-hit railway

16 October 2024

THE Downpatrick and Co Down Railway has received a generous £2,650 donation from Down Cathedral following a highly successful fundraising gala concert held in June. 

The cross-community concert drew strong support from the community in aid of the railway’s ongoing Flood Relief Appeal in the wake of last November’s devastating town centre flood.

The heritage railway and a number of town centre businesses was severely impacted by heavy flooding, with rising water levels causing significant damage to tracks, rolling stock, and heritage infrastructure.

A charitable organisation run by hard working and dedicated volunteer-run social enterprise and important local tourist attraction, the railway faced substantial repair costs, with estimates suggesting a need for upwards of £250,000 to cover restoration and preventive measures against future flooding.

The gala concert, hosted within the historic walls of Down Cathedral, featured a diverse programme of music, including performances by Down Youth Community Choir, led by Kyle Bradshaw.

Also taking part was Ballygowan Concert Flute Band conducted by Mark Douglas, Downshire Brass under the direction of Professor Michael Alcorn, St Patrick’s Choral Society, with arrangements specially written for the event by Geoffrey Cherry and the Ballyblack and Quoile Area Women’s Institute combined choir directed by Dr Judith Harper, who was instrumental in the event’s organisation.

The recent cheque presentation was made in the railway’s Carriage Gallery by Dr Harper, who was joined by Brian and Wendy Poxon from Down Cathedral’s Board, who have been longstanding supporters of the railway.

Railway chairman, Mr Robert Gardiner, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Down Cathedral and the local community for their solidarity and support.

“We are incredibly thankful to everyone at Down Cathedral, especially Judith Harper, and everyone who contributed to making this concert such a success,” he said.

“This generous donation will significantly help with our ongoing efforts to repair the flood damage and protect the railway for future generations. The support we’ve received truly shows how much the railway means to the people of Downpatrick.”

Canon Chancellor of Down Cathedral, John Auchmuty, described the fundraising concert as a “very important event in demonstrating to the Downpatrick community that they remain in our thoughts and prayers as they rebuild and look to the future.”

The local railway has been working tirelessly to repair the damage caused by the flooding, which not only impacted its physical infrastructure, but disrupted its schedule of heritage train events. However, with the continued support of the community and local organisations like Down Cathedral, the volunteers of the railway say they found the strength to repair the heritage line to full operation.

It was revealed last week that railway had been given the green light by the Northern Ireland Rail Safety Authority to resume train operations in time for the annual Halloween “Phantom Flyer”, although more flood repair work will be ongoing in the background.

Tickets are available at www.downrail.co.uk/halloween while for more information on how to support the Flood Relief Appeal visit www.downrail.co.uk/appeal