Friends of Black Prince
HISTORY
In 2016 the North Norfolk Railway bought former British Railways 9F No. 92203 Black Prince from wildlife artist David Shepherd. As part of the railway's commitment to keep the engine running as much as possible a support group was formed, named Friends of Black Prince.
WHY WE'RE HERE
Black Prince is a 140 ton, 66 foot-long steam locomotive – essentially an obsolete piece of technology designed more than 60 years ago without the benefit of today's modern technology. But it brings joy to us and thousands of people each year because it reminds us of a bygone age which has a certain romance about it. For those reasons, we want to keep it running for ourselves and future generations to enjoy.
The 'Friends of Black Prince' is a group which aims to promote, protect and champion the engine, ensuring it continues to run as much as possible and as reliably as possible.
HOW WE OPERATE
To achieve our aims we work with the engine's owner and home base, the North Norfolk Railway. Our primary activities include fundraising for the engine through events and product sales, generating support and publicising our work through traditional and social media, accompanying the engine on visits to other railways and maintaining the 'Friends of Black Prince' support group. You can find our more on our 'What we do' page.
The money we generate through our activities is used for maintaining No. 92203 and administering the 'Friends of Black Prince' group. When repairs are done on the engine the NNR sends us a breakdown of the costs and asks us to make a grant towards the work.
WHO WE ARE
Ben Boggis
Designer and administration
Edmund Crosthwaite
Publicity and social media
Ali Doe
New 'friends' administration
Simon Holyfield
'Friends' database
Mark Powley
Events co-ordinator and finances
THANK YOUS
It takes a lot of time and effort to keep the Friends of Black Prince running – just as it does to keep the engine going! Along with all those listed above, there are a few extra people/organisations we would like to acknowledge:
Steve Allen and Leigh Caudwell, for the use of their photos.
Friends of Black Prince logo artwork © Ian Allen Publishing. Drawing by A. N. Wolstenholme reproduced from the front cover of abc British Railways Locomotives, Summer 1954, with permission of Ian Allan Publishing Ltd.