To create possibilities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to grow, learn, and live.
Our mission is to use sports as a vehicle to take the Gospel to places it has never been, is not allowed, or the delivery of it has been previously ineffective. We serve around the world as well as in prisons in the southeastern United States.
As the End of Steam approached in August 1968 there were no plans for the official preservation of a Stanier 8F 2-8-0 heavy freight locomotive, despite over 600 having served with British Rail (BR). It was the early days of the heritage railway movement but the 8F Preservation Society decided to purchase one of these fine locomotives. No 48773 was chosen because of its all round condition, but by good fortune the locomotive proved to have a fascinating history of service abroad during World War 2 when in the care of Railway Sappers of the Royal Engineers. Moving directly from BR to the Severn Valley Railway (SVR), 48773 operated on its Re-Opening in May 1970. Equally well known as LMS 8233 and BR 48773, the locomotive has been based on the SVR apart from periods on hire to other heritage railways and a mail line career stretching from Penzance to Carlisle and many locations in between. 48773 remains in the ownership of the Society which became The Stanier 8F Locomotive Society Limited in 1970. Charitable status followed later that year. In 1941 the loco was shipped to Iran, was derailed by a camel in 1942, operated on Egyptian State Railways and returned to the UK in 1952. National Treasure status was achieved in 1986 when Dedicated as the Royal Engineers Memorial Locomotive in memory of over 400 Railway Sappers who died in WW2. Names are recorded on a Roll of Honour and Society website. For 40 years, apart from overhauls, 48773 was in regular use on the SVR. Out of traffic since 2008, a heavy price has been paid for achieving the highest standard gauge mileage. Provisional estimates suggest expenditure of £850,000 (a far cry from the original cost of £3,000).The Society is committed to funding £250,000 over 5 years. SVR retain income from operations. Meanwhile, the Society seeks support to restore 2 ex ICI limestone hoppers - sight of 8F hauled limestone trains to Northwich inspired the 1968 8F appeal.
We help save lives by connecting donors and patients with the gift of blood.
Girlguiding London South West is part of Girlguiding, the UK’s leading charity for girls and young women. We offer girls a space where they can be themselves, gain life skills, develop self esteem and discover new opportunities whilst making a positive difference to their community and the world.