YACWAG received its first bequest at an early stage in the charity’s history.
The gift was unexpected, as the individual who named YACWAG in his will, Mr Allport, was neither a member nor known to the YACWAG committee.
Mr Allport regularly walked the Strawberry Line and was aware of YACWAG’s role in managing the section of the former railway line between Yatton and Congresbury. At that time, YACWAG was actively involved in maintaining the route through volunteer work parties and strong community engagement, while also delivering measurable improvements to the biodiversity of the Local Nature Reserve.
Mr Allport’s bequest of £10,000 provided a significant boost to YACWAG’s finances at a point when the charity had very limited income. The funds were used over several years to support essential work, including ditch re-profiling and maintenance, the installation of signage, and other operational costs associated with managing the Strawberry Line.
This early bequest played an important role in enabling YACWAG to continue its work on the Strawberry Line and to contribute substantially to the management of this section of the route. The Strawberry Line is special, not only to local people as a valued amenity, but as part of a nationally important wetland Site of Special Scientific Interest.
