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November 2024
75069 and 13268 at Bewdley during the Halloween Ghost Trains. BOB GREEN
Welcome to your latest edition of Express Points!
We’ve entered that ‘twilight’ time when the regular services are over, and we’re poised to start Christmas services, and there’s a definite sense of expectation across the Railway. But it’s not entirely true that we’ve closed down, because this weekend we have an HST set making three daily trips along the line!
Of course, behind the scenes, everything is very busy as always, and you’ll get the inside track on what’s going on with construction work at Bridgnorth, lots of rolling stock news and updates, a scrap drive at Bewdley and a long-awaited update on what’s been happening with the hydroshunter project at Kidderminster Diesel Depot.
We hope you enjoy your November edition of Express Points!
Lesley Carr, editor
The Express Points team is Lesley Carr, Karen Crick, Amy Baker, Gary Essex, Pete Cherry and Nicola Fox.
Contents
Scroll down or click on the item to be taken straight to it
What's new?
The Hydroshunter project gathers pace
For three-and-a-half years, the Railway has been working with Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions and the University of Birmingham on a truly ground-breaking project – to create the world’s first hydrogen-powered shunter.
The SVR’s cameras recently visited the Diesel Depot at Kidderminster to catch up with the people behind the project, and to find out what’s been going on.
With dynamic testing in the yard now on the near horizon, followed by further testing out on the line, the team share some of the ups and downs they’ve faced.
NR volunteers are building a new shower block at Bridgnorth
The SVR’s partnership agreement with Network Rail is yielding another positive development at Bridgnorth, where the shower facilities for volunteers have been in dire need of improvement for some time.
Thanks to a superb initiative to marshal some intensive Network Rail volunteering, a new shower block is being constructed, next to the car park entrance, at a fraction of the £100,000 cost that was originally quoted to the Volunteer Accommodation Committee.
The idea came about when NR’s Phil Slawson attended a volunteering day at Bridgnorth earlier in the year, as the SVR’s volunteer civil engineer Antony Bartlam explains:
‘Phil enjoyed the day so much he asked if there was anything he or his building team could help with, and the shower block offered the ideal opportunity. Network Rail employees can take five paid volunteer days each year, so with Phil’s support and careful co-ordination, his team of bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers and electricians could tackle all aspects of the build, as volunteers.
The SVR’s volunteer architect Ben Wright had drawn up plans for a three-bay shower room and a changing area. After a review of the specification and a simplification of the materials, the material costs were greatly reduced, helped by the supply of free materials from within the Railway for fire doors, tiles and various other items. The volunteer skills and labour from NR is worth around £30,000. So our overall costs will be around the £25,000 mark.’
The cost of the materials for this project has been met by the SVR Company Limited (which provides the Railway's volunteer staff from its membership), and the Volunteer Accommodation Committee (which provides and maintains facilities for volunteers who work on the Railway.)
Work started on the ground on 4 November, as NR volunteers laid the first bricks. The superstructure blockwork is now up and work has started on the roof at which point the internal fit-out can commence with completion anticipated just before Christmas.
Antony added, ‘It might take a while to finalise and commission, but this is a huge step forward. Without Network Rail’s help, this project would have taken two to three years to complete.’
Network Rail volunteers at the start of the shower block project. ANTONY BARTLAM
The walls are rapidly taking shape for the new shower block. PHIL SLAWSON
SVR awarded INclusivity status
The SVR has been awarded the status of INclusive Worcestershire Leader as part of a county-wide initiative.
Launched at the inaugural INclusive Worcestershire Forum in October, this initiative is run by Worcestershire County Council, Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and Worcestershire Growth Hub. It’s designed to help organisations promote and enhance equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace, and aims to embed inclusion into every business in Worcestershire. The Railway’s HR manager Miranda King said:
‘It’s wonderful to receive the status of INclusive Worcestershire Leader, along with several other organisations across the county, in recognition of our commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Railway is once again proud to be leading the way as we continue to strive for positive change.’
One very clear example of SVR inclusivity comes from the new Relaxed Santa Trains, which are operating on selected dates for the first time ever this season. They feature reduced sound levels and seating capacity, so everyone can enjoy the magic of Christmas at the Railway.
The Severn Valley Railway's HR manager Miranda King with the INclusivity Leaders Award
Bradley Manor returns for 2025
The Erlestoke Manor Fund has announced that 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’ will become its resident locomotive on the Severn Valley Railway upon its return to service in early 2025.
The loco’s overhaul is now nearing completion. Meanwhile 7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’ will return to the West Somerset Railway from May 2025 until the end of 2027.
However, before that, 7812 will be back at the SVR for Santa operations and will stay until after the Spring Gala, between 18–21 April.
The EMF expects that the season will begin with both 7802 and 7812 in service at the SVR. Adrian Hassell, Chair of the Erlestoke Manor Fund commented, ‘This is an excellent arrangement that will ensure both these Manor locomotives can be seen in regular operation over the next few years, whilst accruing sufficient income to support the overhaul of our third engine, 5164, along with 7802 and 7812.’
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions..
Christmas has arrived in the online shop
If you’re looking for an unusual gift this Christmas, then why not browse the online shop?
For those on a countdown to the big day, the new SVR advent calendar features a wintry Arley station and retails at £4.99.
There are also Christmas cards (pack of 10) at £5.99 and a limited-edition glass Christmas bauble which can be pre-ordered for £14.95.
The 2025 steam and diesel calendars are proving a popular choice. There’s only limited stock now remaining, so hurry to buy while stocks last.
For those who enjoy a gin and tonic, there’s SVR coal-infused gin, retailing at £39.95.
Finally, for something a little different, how about a vintage steam-train diffuser? Retailing at £38.99, there is a choice of two colours and an aromatic experience guaranteed!
All profits go towards supporting the work of the Railway, so browse the online shop and order now in plenty of time for Christmas delivery.
As a volunteer, you can claim a 10% discount. Please enter the code SVRVOL24 in the discount code box, and add your volunteer number (which is on your working member’s pass) in the notes section at the checkout. Remember, this discount is a privilege to you as a working member, so please do not share it with non-SVR staff.
Discount does not apply to model railway items or alcohol.
Volunteers needed for Santa services
Running at weekends from Kidderminster, and starting on 30 November, Santa trains are a key part of the Railway’s Christmas income. There are still some gaps in the roster for volunteers to help make sure visitors get their perfect start to the festive season.
There are on-train roles such as train managers and present distributors who’ll start their shifts at Kidderminster. Meanwhile, at Arley, more volunteers are needed for the marquee where the panto takes place.
Charlie Delaney is co-ordinating volunteers for the Santa trains, so please get in touch with him on Charlie.delaney@svrlive.com as soon as possible and let him know when you can help.
Santa train dates are 30 November and 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 and 24 December.
Other news
Half-term and spooky successes on the Railway
Half-term saw a busy nine days operating on the Railway and included a Christmas Gift Fayre at The Engine House visitor centre at Highley, plus three spine-chilling nights of Ghost and Scream trains.
Passengers were able to enjoy autumn colours along the Severn Valley, and a giant train-set at The Engine House proved a big hit for young visitors.
The Christmas Gift Fayre started the festive season with some 50 stalls selling hand-crafted and locally sourced products.
The Fayre was popular with visitors and Bewdley Got2Sing choir performed Christmas classics on both days, to get everyone in the festive spirit.
Ghost and Scream Trains are a popular event on the SVR calendar each year and a great, but scary and frightful time was had by all.
One passenger posted on social media to say:
‘Just wanted to congratulate you all on the best Halloween event we've been to, big thanks to your wonderful staff and volunteers. We screamed, we laughed, absolutely superb. Can't wait for next year.’
We couldn’t agree more and a big thank-you goes to all those involved in this year’s event.
Ghost and Scream Trains return in 2025 on 30, 31 October and 1 November.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions..
Bridgnorth Station Steams up!
Over the weekend of 2 and 3 November, Bridgnorth Station again welcomed Wolverhampton and District Model Engineering Society (WDMES) and the County of Salop Steam Engine Society's (COSSES) miniature steam section for an autumn mini gala.
WDMES brought their portable 7 ¼ inch- and 5 inch-gauge track and engines, offering rides to the public, with COSSES displaying a line-up of road-going steam engines, including a Foden steam lorry, Burrell steam roller and Fowler ploughing engine.
The many visitors to Bridgnorth station saw impressive examples of miniature engineering in operation, including the quarter-scale Fowler ploughing machine dragging a steam roller backwards on the car park using its winch.
On the miniature railway, three different steam locos performed over the weekend carrying a steady stream of visitors of all ages.
The Bridgnorth Station team have built a very good relationship with both societies and look forward to holding more events in the future.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions..
O Gauge Get Together proves a big crowd-puller
Celebrating its fourth year, the ‘O Gauge Get Together’ returned to The Engine House on the weekend of 19 and 20 October, welcoming more than 1,200 people.
Eight layouts attended, with Luton O Gauge Group’s ‘Stodden Hundred Light Railway’ forming the centrepiece for the event. Organisers Tom Clarke and Harry Bradley displayed their ‘Burlish Road’ layout, featuring several Engine House residents, including 46443, 80079, 4566, and ‘The Lady Armaghdale’.
Nine traders attended, with Ellis Clark Trains donating a Black 5 for the raffle, and Dapol donating a 64xx Pannier and Autocoach. The raffle raised £1,850 for the SVR Resilience Fund.
A limited edition of 60 ‘Burwarton’ Wagons was launched by the SVR O Gauge Group, and a few are still available, priced at £56.95 from harry.bradley@svrlive.com
Plans are underway for the 2025 event on 18 and 19 October, once again at The Engine House. This will include eight layouts, ten traders, and another limited-edition wagon.
What's coming up?
HST running weekend
There’s still time to secure one of the few remaining tickets for two days of High Speed Train action along the SVR this coming weekend, 16 and 17 November.
The HST set, kindly provided by GWR, will be working three return trips each day, starting from Kidderminster at 10.15 am with the final return trip arriving back at 5.55pm.
The trains will call at Bewdley only, with Highley, Hampton Loade and other intermediate halts being closed.
As this is a weekend when the Railway would normally be closed, not all facilities will be open. The King & Castle and the Railwayman’s Arms will both be open, and refreshments will be available during the day, but The Engine House will be closed.
SVR Shareholder and working members passes are valid and SVR Member discounts are available.
Online sales close at 4pm the day before travel, and any remaining tickets will be sold on the day at the Bridgnorth and Kidderminster booking offices.
There’s more information at svr.co.uk.
The GWR HST that will run at the SVR on 16 and 17 November. DAVID BISSETT
Swinging Sixties evening at the King & Castle
The King and Castle pub in Kidderminster is ready for an evening of swinging sixties-themed music, care of The Vibe on Saturday 16 November!
Featuring hits from some of the 1960’s biggest artists including the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Chuck Berry, the Kinks and the Hollies, you’re guaranteed a night to remember!
The Swinging Sixties Evening is on Saturday 16 November at 8pm. A limited number of tickets are on sale at just £4 each (booking fee applies).
We’re on the countdown to Christmas
There are just a few weeks to go until the festive season begins at the Severn Valley Railway!
Over the past week, many Network Rail employees have spent their volunteering days, helping to decorate carriages ready for Christmas, in another great example of the mutually beneficial NR/SVR partnership agreement.
Santa Trains will be departing Kidderminster on selected dates starting Saturday 30 November. Passengers experience a magical steam train journey to Arley where they disembark for an all-new pantomime.
There are thrills, spills and plenty of laughs with a fabulous live panto show, featuring a host of festive characters alongside Father Christmas as he prepares for the biggest night of the year. Firm favourites Jingle and Jangle are back again and they will be joined by Monsieur Poirat for ‘Jingle, Jangle and the Great Christmas Mystery’.
You may have seen the newly launched Relaxed Santa Train in previous e-newsletters and due to popular demand, the Railway has added an extra date on Sunday 15 December.
The Enchanted Express promises a magical journey for all the family, and the first trains depart from Bridgnorth from Saturday 30 November. The voice of Dame Julie Walters narrates, and passengers meet Santa and a host of costumed characters on board the train, in an interactive experience inspired by the festive tale ‘Twas the Night before Christmas.
If you haven’t yet got your tickets for the Enchanted Express, please don’t delay, as there is very limited availability, with most train times fully booked.
Carol Trains are also fully booked, but there is availability on the Festive Dining Experiences. There’s a fantastic selection to choose from, including an Enchanted Afternoon Tea, Evening Santa Pies, a Festive Spice Train, Evening Yuletide Dining Experience and Festive Gin Trains.
Preparations for the festive season are well underway as the Railway is transformed for Christmas.
To celebrate the most wonderful time of year on the Railway, book tickets at svr.co.uk.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions..
Across the Railway
Bridgnorth Camera Club snaps the SVR
Earlier this month, Alan Gwilt, one of the SVR’s volunteer photographers, arranged a special behind-the-scenes visit to the engine shed at Bridgnorth for more than a dozen members of the Bridgnorth Camera Club.
He’s planning to extend the offer to other camera clubs and wants to arrange a trip on the line to incorporate locations at Bridgnorth, Bewdley and Kidderminster.
Bridgnorth camera club at the SVR. ALAN GWILT
Out with the old at Bewdley
On Friday 11 October, a working party of nine Bewdley-based volunteers met to tackle the job of sorting through over 10 tonnes of wagon components. These had been stored for more than three decades in Mink G covered goods van 112889.
The components had recently been removed from the Mink in preparation for its restoration by the LNER Fund group, and placed on pallets in front of the goods shed before being marked up for keeping or disposal by members of the Wagon Repairs dept.
Around 80% of the components were consigned to the scrap bin, and the task was greatly assisted by the JCB telehandler and the careful positioning of a large scrap skip adjacent to the yard gates.
Some items had to be cut into sections prior to being put in the skip, and the requisite manual handling was accomplished in a safe and efficient manner by the volunteer team, sustained by regular tea breaks.
The money raised by weighing in the parts will go towards the restoration of the Mink van, which is owned by the 813 Fund. Bewdley yardmaster Clive Thompson said:
‘As conservationists we all dislike throwing stuff away, particularly if it ‘might be useful one day’. However, sometimes we must face up to the fact that things we have kept, in readiness for that mythical day, really must be consigned to the scrap heap. It’s an added bonus when scrapping these components can financially assist a project which will hopefully come to fruition in a matter of years.’
Simon Brooks drives the telehandler whilst Dave Penn acts as banksman during clearance of wagon parts in Bewdley yard. CLIVE THOMPSON
New sign for the CAMRA-recognised Railwayman’s Arms
The Railwayman’s Arms at Bridgnorth Station has once again been recognised by the Good Beer Guide for 2025.
Published by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the recognition of the Railwayman’s Arms is a boon to the Railway and testament to the hard work of the team.
That work extends beyond the staff to include regular drinkers too.
Some of them recently set about putting together a new sign for the celebrated pub. Painter of the new sign Ronan O’Brien said:
‘Around February it was noticed by some regulars that the pub board on the platform side was starting to look a bit shabby.
After much discussion and arm twisting, it was decided that a new one would be made. Just as well as, when Phil Bilboe took the shabby one down it started falling apart in his hands!’
The team sourced a suitable piece of hardwood from Kidderminster carriage works and Andy Williams, of Bridgnorth pattern shop, cut and planed it in preparation for painting.
Although the painting was done by Ronan, the design for the new sign originated from Roy Baker, a talented painter and signwriter whose work adorned the SVR for many years, including a former sign for the Railwayman’s Arms, which now hangs in the bar beside the fireplace. Roy passed away in the late 90s, but his legacy lives on in this recreation of his design. Ronan used some of Roy’s own brushes for this new version.
Ronan gradually worked on the design in his own time, which is now finished and installed at Bridgnorth.
‘It's been a pleasure to be involved with this project’ added Ronan. ‘Along with Andy Williams, Phil Bilboe and Andy Darby, we’re keeping tradition and Roy's legacy alive for the future. You may notice one side is slightly different - that's my twist – with a more SVR-today take on things, which hopefully will raise a smile or two!’
Samantha Hayward, Andy Williams, Phil Bilboe, Andy Darby, Ronan O'Brien with the new sign for the Railwayman's Arms
October’s Q & A session is available to watch
If you missed the live Question and Answer session on Wednesday 9 October, you can access it online in two parts, either via Teams (go to the SVR TODAY channel and select the Videos tab) or by using this link.
You will need your svrlive.com log in to view the video, which is only available to working members.
On this occasion, there was a technical issue which means the recordings are available with sound only.
It’s all going on at Kidderminster Station
Kidderminster Station has been a hive of activity during the last few months. During the running season, volunteers from ‘The Friends of Kidderminster Station’ have been working hard maintaining and restoring various buildings and replacing both platform screens.
The work is being carried out using funds raised from the Friends’ stall during the running season and partly funded by the Station Fund generated from the concourse book sales.
Meanwhile, the Wednesday maintenance team have been busy maintaining the flowerbeds on the platform and restoring the platform benches. They’re now constructing the Christmas displays ready for the Santa services.
‘I would like to thank everyone for their hard work over the past few months,’ said station master Geoff Smith.
‘It's been great to see the changes to the station. I would like to mention and thank the contracted painters for painting the front canopy and a few other of our buildings, with the volunteer's assistance.’
SVR features in local geology app/ SVR Rocks!
The SVR now features as part of a free-to-download smartphone app, that aims to reveal the hidden world within the geology of the landscape.
The Geopark Way app covers a walking trail that stretches 109 miles from Shropshire to Gloucestershire, encompassing the SVR, with some routes close to the line.
Developed by local geologist Mike Brooks, the app makes it possible to receive information about the geology of these trails while following the route on foot, or for SVR passengers, from a train!
The app lets users discover a snapshot of millions of years of Earth history, with a series of mapped walking routes, audio stories, and graphics. Kidderminster geologist Dr Peter Oliver who has also been involved in the app’s development explained:
‘This is a wonderful user-friendly way for passengers on the SVR and walkers to learn about and understand the rocks alongside and beneath the track. It’s exciting because this is the first time the geology and landscape of a railway in the UK have been delivered within an app.’
Tailored to accompany the journey along the line, the app also includes up-to-date photographs of locations along the route, which link to diagrams of past environments, giving a very clear picture of what was happening millions of years ago. The SVR’s managing director Gus Dunster added:
‘We’re delighted that the GeoPark team has created this app, which will add an extra dimension for our visitors. It’s fascinating to discover more about what lies beneath the surface of our line and its surrounding area.’
The Geopark Way app is free to download from the App Store and Google Play, and the developers recommend installing it on a smartphone and downloading relevant walks in advance of a visit.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions..
Rolling stock
New Road Railer arrives at Kidderminster
The permanent way team has taken delivery of a Komatsu 138 road rail vehicle (RRV) to replace the ageing Case machine, now 30 years old and in service on the Railway since 2007.
The machine has been purchased by SVR (Holdings) plc at a very advantageous price, thanks to the negotiating skills of PW manager Paul Ingram. It will join the SVR's existing Komatsu 160 RRV, which arrived in 2022. The previous company branding has been removed and it now awaits its new SVR livery.
These versatile machines are used by the PW team for numerous jobs on the line. They can operate with a variety of buckets for digging or levelling work, as a crane for lifting tasks or with a brush cutting flail for clearing lineside vegetation.
The machine will first assist at Foley Park, where a storage siding is currently being laid, to accommodate rolling stock on contract storage.
New Komatsu RRV. BRENT CLEETON
Foley Park siding PAUL INGRAM
A plan for 2857’s overhaul
The 2857 Society has confirmed it has a plan in place for the loco’s overhaul. Following a meeting with SVR (Holdings) Plc and the Society’s AGM, there’s been agreement on a proposed date for work to commence. The Society will contract out a full bottom-end overhaul and is obtaining quotes.
The Society says it needs to raise around £100,000 to carry out the overhaul and will shortly start a fundraising campaign. Standing order forms are available from harry.bradley@svrlive.com .
The aim is to return 2857 to traffic by 2030. The trustees have highlighted a number of significant anniversaries they would like to commemorate, including in 2031 the 60th anniversary of the formation of the ‘28xx Society’, in 2034 the 70th anniversary of its withdrawal from BR service, and in 2035 50 years since it hauled the last unfitted steam-hauled goods on the mainline network, which will coincide with GWR 200.
Over the last few months, working parties have stripped the smokebox, splitting the loco and tender to facilitate the tender’s hire to the Erlestoke Manor Fund for use with 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’.
They’ve started initial preparations for boiler tube removal and removed the cab floor. The next working party intends to finish the boiler tube removal in preparation for a boiler inspection. Meanwhile, the cab underfloor area has been cleaned and painted.
An original John Austin painting, ‘Imminent Departure’ has been donated to the 2857 Society to raise funds for the loco overhaul. It depicts 75069, 46443, and 47383 at Highley and was featured on the cover of the SVR 1994 timetable.
The painting has been valued, and is being offered via a sealed bid auction, with a reserve of £1000.
Sealed bids should be sent to ‘The 2857 Fundraising Office’, 10 Maple Gardens, Leeds, LS14 2FA, no later than 28 February 2025. Bids should include a name, address, phone number, and the bid amount.
2857 in April 2021, as the SVR reopened post-Covid. GARY ESSEX
John Austin's painting, 'Imminent Departure'
Nothing taken for granted at MPD
Behind the scenes, Bridgnorth Motive Power Depot is bustling, but as our volunteer shed master Martin White writes, there are many ways to ensure the future of a locomotive:
With the Ghost trains and the October half-term running season over, the SVR has entered a brief period of quiet, but only from the perspective of public operations.
All over the Valley, work continues in all departments; at stations, at the lineside, and the MPD is no different.
\With the Christmas services just a few weeks away, the works at Bridgnorth are busy with repairs and scheduled maintenance to ensure that the steam fleet is in the best possible condition, so we can operate during a period of the year when the weather conditions can present additional challenges.
Pannier Tank 7714 is in fine fettle having had various recent repairs including a re-machined brake valve. This locomotive will operate from Bridgnorth hauling the Enchanted Express services at weekends commencing 30 November.
Meanwhile, 4930 ‘Hagley Hall’ has undergone its annual mechanical and boiler examinations, and is scheduled to have a run out on 11 November for an appearance in a one-day filming contract.
The Santa trains will be handled by 4930, 75069 along with 7812, ‘Erlestoke Manor’, with 13268 hopefully acting as a spare. ‘Erlestoke Manor’ returned from its summer hire period at the West Somerset Railway on 4 November and was off-loaded at Kidderminster the following day.
Due to infrastructure works, we expect it to remain at Kidderminster until 17 November. It will then move to Bewdley, taking advantage of the Railway being open for a special weekend of HST operating. Enchanted Express services will be hauled by 7714.
The SVR is fortunate to have a varied fleet of steam locomotives, both those in service and others in store or exhibited in The Engine House. Sometimes their existence could be taken for granted, forgetting that most of them were originally purchased and restored by various funds and groups which were formed in the 1960s and 70s.
Some of those groups remain very active in fundraising, publicity and providing volunteer labour to support their engines, while others have waned or ceased to function as they once did. Some have subsequently been rejuvenated and are attempting to regain momentum.
Many of the more senior readers of Express Points may well be members of one or more these loco-owning groups, but I suspect that many younger members may never have even considered it.
At a recent meeting of duty shed masters, the idea arose that if more people joined in to support the various locomotive owning groups, it would be very helpful.
If you have a favourite engine, one that’s currently serviceable, or one that isn’t, then why not enquire if there is a supporting group or fund that you can join? You’ll be following in the footsteps of those who saved the locomotive from the scrapyard all those years ago.
On 25 October, 7714 gets a loaded test run after repairs. ALAN CORFIELD
Return of 1450
The Railway will be kicking off its 60th anniversary year with the return of a very popular locomotive. GWR 0-4-2T 1450 is returning to the SVR in time for the Winter Steam Gala which takes place on 4 and 5 January 2025.
Subject to testing and availability, the loco will be working local services during the gala, with the possibility of some still-to-be-confirmed double headers. The SVR has extended thanks to Pull Push Limited for the use of the loco.
There’s more information about the Winter Steam Gala at svr.co.uk.
1450 to return for the Winter Steam Gala. LEWIS MADDOX
People
In memoria
Keith Lucas We are very sad to report that Keith has passed away after a long and difficult battle with dementia. A long-standing member of the SVR, Keith also volunteered at the works at Bewdley and Bridgnorth. He was a shareholder in the Erlestoke Manor Fund and fiercely passionate about the GWR. Keith grew up in Tyseley and cut his teeth trainspotting there with his great friend Bernard Rainbow.
The funeral will be held at: St Michael’s and All Saints Church, Rushock, Droitwich, WR9 0NR at 1pm on Thursday 14 November.
The family, to whom we send condolences at this sad time, would welcome your attendance and after at Hampton Lovett Village Hall following the service and burial.
Barry Moreton, VLO
Space precludes fuller obituaries appearing in Express Points. These appear in internal NBIs and later in SVR News.
v1 14th November
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Any opinions or views expressed in this newsletter are entirely the opinions of the contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Directors of Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) PLC. which owns the Severn Valley Railway, Severn Valley Railway Company Limited, the members of which are responsible for its operation, or the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust.