The Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway have announced that they have received £210,000 thanks to the second round of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund.

The railway is among 2,700 organisations benefitting from the latest round of funding.

Almost £400m has been awarded in the latest round of support to help museums, venues and heritage sites reopen after the coronavirus lockdown.

The Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway have joined the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd, Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway and the South Devon Railway in announcing similar grants.

Danny Martin (RH&DR General Manager), said: “Our railway is held very dear in the hearts and minds of its customers, its staff and supporters and the community it serves. The Culture Recovery Fund has ensured we have survived this most challenging winter in good shape. The award just announced will ensure we can provide as many services and great days out as possible from the 12th April.”

“Our aim is to work towards welcoming 100,000 visitors over the course of the rest of this year and for every one of them to have experienced the nostalgia of steam, seen the wonders of Romney Marsh and Dungeness and become engaged by the very special welcome the people of our railway are famed for. We are all so grateful for this financial help that makes this possible.”

“In addition we’re grateful to the RH&DR Association for the support in writing the bid for this grant and the general support of their trustees.”

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said: “Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced.”

“Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors – helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”

Ros Kerslake, CEO of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Spring is definitely here, bringing not only sunshine but that sense of optimism and hope for the future. We are all looking forward to heritage places and other visitor attractions reopening and I am very pleased that we have been able to support DCMS in delivering this vital funding to ensure the UK’s heritage sector can rebuild and thrive, boosting local economies, creating jobs and supporting personal wellbeing.”

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said: “The value of our heritage sites and the people who run them has been amply demonstrated, as they have provided an anchor for so many of us through the dark days of the last year. Vital grants from the Culture Recovery Fund have helped them survive and will now help them recover, as the places we all cherish start to reopen in the months ahead.”

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