Washington museum targeted by vandals launches fundraiser to protect new Royal Metro train
“We have not yet cleaned the graffiti off as we are worried about a repeat attack”
A volunteer run Washington museum whose new exhibit of the Royal Metro train used by Queen Elizabeth II was vandalised less than 48 hours after going on display has launched an appeal to raise funds to purchase an industrial tent or to extend their current hanger to include the carriage.
On Wednesday July 1, Washington’s North East Land Sea and Air Museum (NELSAM) celebrated the arrival of the Nexus Metro train which had been transporting passengers for over 40 years. The carriage was used by Queen Elizabeth in 1981 when she officially opened the network, as well as on further visits to Tyne & Wear.
Speaking following its unveiling, NELSAM founder and chair of trustees, David Charles, hailed the “nationally significant” locomotive as “marking the completion of the transition from an aircraft museum to a transport museum”.
However, less than 48 hours later David and his fellow volunteers were left “gutted” after vandals are reported to have illegally entered the venue and scrawled graffiti across the carriages.
Speaking today (July 13) at the launch of the appeal, David said: “We were annoyed and disappointed by what happened. We knew it was a risk, as other exhibits have been damaged in the past, but this was a major part of our region’s heritage coming to Washington and we had hoped people would respect that.
“We have not yet cleaned the graffiti off as we are worried about a repeat attack.”
David has today (July 13) launched a Crowdfunding page to initially raise £20,000 to “provide cover” for the train with the hope further funds can be raised to extend their current hanger to incorporate the carriage.
David said: “£20,000 would cover the cost of an industrial size tent to house the carriage and provide safe access for visitors and school groups.
“£150,000 would enable us to extend our current hanger to include the carriage which would give us a permanent roof and provide protection for the Metro train.”
David also revealed ambitious plans to create an immersive Metro experience.
He added: “By 2030, on the 50th anniversary of the networks opening, we would like to create a replica Metro station, platform, and visual interactive driver and passenger experience.
“To do this, we would need an additional £100,000. We don’t need to generate all this from Crowdfunder donations, as once we can show there is an interest from the public we can look to apply for funding from other organisations such as the National Lottery.
“We already have plans drawn up by an architect and every pound people can donate helps. The Metro system is such an important part of out history and heritage and it’s vital we don’t let it die.”
You can donate to the museum’s cause via its fundraising page.