.png)
October 2024
Visitor Black 5 44932 at Little Rock, 19 September 2024. ANDY TAYLOR
Welcome to your latest edition of Branch Lines!
​
Fresh from the success of two wonderful autumn enthusiast events, we bring you a round-up of both the Steam Gala and Diesel Bash, together with some stunning photographs from our volunteer photographers.
​
Recently we celebrated an extremely fruitful year of partnership with Network Rail, and we highlight the very tangible benefits that it’s brought to the Railway. And, we report on the much less-welcome news that the SVR was prosecuted by the Office of Rail and Road last month following a fall-from-height incident in 2021. As our managing director Gus Dunster says, whilst many think of the SVR as a heritage attraction, it is first and foremost an operational railway, and is held to account in exactly the same way as the main-line railway.
​
On a happier note, there’s news from many different corners of the SVR this month, including the King & Castle, Bridgnorth MPD and the Diesel Depot. There’s so much going on, as always, at the Severn Valley Railway!
​
Lesley Carr, editor
The Branch Lines team is Lesley Carr, Karen Crick, Amy Baker, Pete Cherry,
Gary Essex and Nicola Fox.
Contents
Scroll down or click on the item to be taken straight to it
What's new?
SVR celebrates first anniversary of pioneering partnership with Network Rail
Last week, Network Rail and the SVR came together to celebrate 12 months since they signed the first official partnership between NR and a heritage railway.
The occasion was marked by the latest in a series of volunteering days, which saw NR employees tackling the task of cleaning carriages, in preparation for the Autumn Diesel Bash.
The partnership has so far seen a host of benefits for both organisations. These have saved either time or money, or have helped to make on-the-job training safer by taking place on a heritage railway when trains aren’t running.
One example of partnership working took place earlier this year. A NR drone inspection of the SVR’s iconic Victoria Bridge saved almost £10,000 in inspection costs – money which could then be spent in other areas.
In return, NR engineers have used the heritage line as a test environment to further develop longer and more challenging drone flights ahead of potential future use on the main network. At the SVR, NR engineers have refreshed and upskilled on semaphore signalling which is still in use on parts of the network in the Worcester area.
Denise Wetton, NR Central’s route director said: “I’m pleased we have been able to help such an important heritage railway which is loved by so many people. It’s an important community asset which now plays a key role in allowing us to trial new technology and train our staff in a safe railway environment. I’m excited to see the relationship develop even further over the next 12 months.”
Gus Dunster, the SVR’s managing director added: “'When we set out on this partnership a year ago, we knew it was going to be a positive thing, but we didn't realise quite how beneficial it would turn out to be!
 
“The Severn Valley Railway has seen huge benefits in terms of generously shared advice and expertise from Network Rail as well as significant donations of surplus track assets. In return, we've been proud to facilitate training and testing opportunities for them. It's a win-win situation which we look forward to continuing to develop going forward.”
In the next 12 months, NR volunteers will help to build a new shower block at Bridgnorth for the use of SVR volunteers, and a new high-tech visual inspection train will be tested at the SVR, which Network Rail can then use to monitor track and infrastructure conditions in the region.
Denise Wetton of Network Rail and Gus Dunster of the Severn Valley Railway with a Network Rail volunteer team on carriage cleaning duties. LESLEY CARR
​Carrying out the drone survey at Victoria bridge. NR
SVR fined £40,000 plus costs after ORR prosecution
Last month, the Severn Valley Railway was fined £40,000 plus £48,000 costs by Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court, following a guilty plea, in a case brought by the Office of Rail and Road. The SVR admitted that failures in its safety management system three-and-a-half years ago contributed to an employee falling from the roof of a carriage on which he was working and sustaining significant injuries as a result. 
​
Managing director, Gus Dunster, said: 
​
‘Now proceedings have been completed, we have the first opportunity to express publicly to the person affected and their family how sorry we are that this accident happened. We accepted the findings of the judge outlined in court.  
‘The Severn Valley Railway fully acknowledges that shortcomings in our safety management system existed when the accident happened in February 2021.  
​
‘In the three-and-a-half years since the incident happened, we have put in place a raft of measures to try and prevent anything like this happening again. An established health and safety department is now driving safety improvements across the railway and there has been a universal step change in safety culture at the SVR, transforming the way our paid staff and volunteers work. 
​
‘As part of our continual improvement process, we regularly review our internal policies and procedures, and are providing a significantly greater level of training and supervision for our paid staff and volunteers. 
​
‘Although the SVR is seen primarily by many people as a heritage attraction, we are first and foremost an operational railway, and must abide by the same regulations and safety standards as the main-line railway. 
​
‘We were encouraged that the District Judge acknowledged the important role played by heritage railways in general, and the SVR in particular, to education, the community and the regional economy. He stressed that he wanted the fine to be appropriate in relation to the incident but not to damage our ability to continue our work and our ongoing recovery.‘
ASG proved ‘ambitious, exciting and successful’
Increased passenger numbers, a timetable that ran smoothly and a smart solution to what could have been a major hitch have given the Severn Valley Railway the prize of yet another highly successful enthusiast event.
​
The Autumn Steam Gala took place between 19 and 22 September, and welcomed more than 5,500 passengers, an increase of 6% on the attendance for the same event last year.
​
‘Once again, this was the SVR at its very best,’ said managing director Gus Dunster.
​
The SVR’s home-based locomotives performed magnificently, showing 100% reliability across the four-day event. Organisers drafted in two of them to do additional diagrams to cover for what could have been a crisis, as Gus explained:
​
‘We had to withdraw our guest saddle tank on the first day. We swiftly mobilised 4930 ‘Hagley Hall’ and 75069 to cover its allocated services. Then, some exemplary work by our own team and staff from the East Lancashire Railway, saw 11456 repaired and back in service later the following day. An unexpected problem, but some quick thinking and efficient action proved that we know exactly what we’re doing.
​
‘Because this is the important thing. The SVR has an unrivalled reputation for its enthusiast events, but with that kudos comes a high level of responsibility. You must be able to deal with issues as and when they inevitably arise. Once again, we did that in spades.
‘What’s more, we proved that we’d learnt the lessons from last year’s Autumn Steam Gala, which was, in hindsight, rather over-complicated. This time we aspired to put on an ambitious, exciting and achievable event, and it proved highly successful. My thanks go to everyone involved at all stages of planning and delivering the Autumn Steam Gala. We absolutely got it right!’
​
The SVR is already preparing for its next full-scale steam enthusiast event, the Spring Steam Gala, with dates confirmed for 18-21 April 2025, and though bosses are understandably keeping tight-lipped, they’ve hinted at ‘some very exciting plans in the pipeline’.
​
​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions..
SVR’s Autumn Diesel Bash goes down well
The Severn Railway has plenty of reasons to be cheerful, after the smooth running and strong attendance at its Autumn Diesel Bash, which took place between 3 and 6 October.
​
In what was billed as ‘an almighty celebration of heritage diesels’, highlights included the first passenger working in more than 22 years for visiting locomotive 58023 and two Class 25s coming together, one making an extremely rare excursion from its home base at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Additionally visitors saw the Great Western Railway Castle High Speed Train, and more than a dozen members of the SVR’s home fleet.
​
A total of 4,104 visitors attended the event, which was a 12% increase compared to last year and 29% ahead of the event budget, which is very welcome news.  
​
‘This was a well-planned and well-executed event,’ said managing director Gus Dunster. ‘Once again, we showed the Severn Valley Railway doing what it does best. The station teams at Arley and Hampton Loade in particular really got into the spirit of the event with their use of period signage and uniforms!  
​
‘Other than some minor delays on Friday, the timetable ran like clockwork and we managed very well the few locomotive issues that occurred.
​
‘Feedback from visitors during the event and subsequently online has been overwhelmingly positive. I would like to thank everyone across the SVR for their efforts in making this such a success.  Well done, it is really appreciated.’
​
Praise for the event on social media was widespread, and typical of the comments was one from a father who had brought his young son to the event. He posted:
​
‘Seeing the hard work and passion all the volunteers bring at the SVR is a real thing of beauty and a very special community.
‘Seeing your son so engrossed and loving life, it doesn’t get any better!’
​
The Railway has further enthusiast events to round off the running season, with a Winter Diesel Day on 30 December, and a Winter Steam Gala on 4 and 5 January.
​
​​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions..
Other News
New chair for SVR Charitable Trust
At the Charitable Trust’s September board meeting, trustee Judith Meredith was elected as chair, following the recent resignation of Ron Treverton-Jones on grounds of ill health. Ron remains as a trustee, and the board thanked him for the support he has given at a challenging time.
​
Paul Fathers remains as vice-chair, and Michael Howard stays in post as trustee and company secretary. Paul Hobson was formally elected as a trustee at the Trust's AGM in July, having been co-opted earlier in the year.
​
Paul Knighton recently joined the team as finance administrator, and Sarah Thompson began working for the CT as project manager in the first half of this year.
New member co-opted to Guarantee Co board
SVR volunteer Antony Bartlam has been co-opted to join the board of the Severn Valley Railway Company Limited, often referred to as the ‘Guarantee’ Company.
​
A qualified structural engineer, Antony has been an SVR volunteer for almost 10 years, working at Bridgnorth MPD, where he is a passed cleaner.
​
SVR Company Limited chair Diane Malyon said: ‘Over the years he has become more involved with infrastructure on the Railway, using his experience to assist where he can. He was project manager for the Bridgnorth Roof and Crane shed refurbishment, the project coming in on time and budget.
​
‘Earlier this year, Antony was appointed as the SVR Holdings Company’s structural engineer which involves dealing with long-term projects and also emergency issues such as bridge strikes. He also acts as liaison between Network Rail and SVR: dealing with co-ordination of volunteering and training.’
Antony’s appointment means that the Board is now back up to full strength at nine directors, and once more has representation from an infrastructure point of view. This appointment will be formalised by membership vote at the AGM in July 2025.
​
At the September Board meeting, the following directors were voted in to continue their roles for another 12 months:
​
Diane Malyon (chair), Michelle Bevon (vice chair)
​
Diane Malyon, Michelle Bevon and Charlie Wright (representatives on the board of SVR (Holdings) Plc
​
Currently vacant (representative on the board of SVR Charitable Trust Ltd)
What's coming up?
Santa gets to relax!
The SVR is introducing a first-ever ‘relaxed’ version of the Santa Trains, in the run-up to Christmas this year, with the aim of making the popular experience accessible to even more people.
The Relaxed Santa Train runs at 10am on Sunday 8 December, and like the traditional version, involves the winter wonderland at Kidderminster station, a journey to Arley, and a pantomime.
However, the relaxed version has been carefully redesigned to make it a gentler experience without compromising any of the fun of the traditional version. Visitor engagement manager Lewis Maddox said:
‘We know that some children can find railways and pantomimes a bit overwhelming; the loud noises, flashing lights and generally busy atmosphere don’t work for everyone. So, we’ve dialled things down for the Relaxed Santa Trains, with lower sound levels, reduced seating capacity, and the auditorium lights left on. And we’re sending photos of the panto cast members in advance, so parents can talk through the characters with their children.’
Tickets are already in high demand with the team poised to add a further date if needed. Lewis added:
‘This shows us there’s a real appetite for what we’re doing. We want to make sure everyone can enjoy the experience of heritage rail, especially in the festive season.’
Further information and booking is at svr.co.uk.
All aboard for a half-term steam adventure
This half-term break, families can step back in time to the golden age of travel, as the Railway operates for nine consecutive days throughout the school holiday, from Saturday 26 October through to Sunday 3 November.
​
Mid-way along the line is The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley, where families can let off steam in the outdoor play area, or get hands-on sorting mail in the travelling post office.
​
From Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November, Train Time ‘stay ‘n’ play’ will be in The Engine House, where little ones can enjoy the huge train set from 11am to 4pm.
​
The Engine House is open on train operating days from 10.30am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm).
​
Further information at svr.co.uk.
​
Christmas Gift Fayre
​
You’ll be spoilt for choice at the Christmas Gift Fayre taking place on the weekend of 26 and 27 October at The Engine House Visitor Centre, Highley.
​
A whole host of suppliers will offer a wide range of gifts and products. For those looking for an unusual gift or stocking filler, there will be lots to choose from, including hand-crafted jewellery, stained glass, wooden crafts and candles.
The Engine House will be open from 10.30am – 4.30pm each day to ensure visitors can shop ’til they drop!
​
Entry to the Christmas Gift Fayre is free, but the best way to get to The Engine House is by heritage train travel and you’ll be able to travel by steam- or heritage diesel-locomotive haulage.
​
More information at svr.co.uk.
Dare to ride the Ghost Train?
During the forthcoming half-term holiday, it’s Halloween, and there’s a treat in store for those who are feeling brave.
A thrilling ride awaits on board the evening Ghost and Scream Train services on 26, 30 and 31 October.
​
The Halloween-themed adventure starts and ends at Kidderminster station, but beware - it is definitely not for the faint-hearted and things do go bump in the night!
​
Tickets are selling quickly with availability now limited.
​
Please note the Scream Train is suitable for 18+ only, and along with Ghost Train services, it must be booked in advance.
​
Tickets and further information at svr.co.uk.
​
Locomotive 7714 working the ghost train at Arley .
HARRY BRADLEY
Model railway paradise at the O Gauge Get Together
Model railway enthusiasts will be gathering at The Engine House, Highley on 19 and 20 October, for the annual ‘O Gauge Get Together’.
​
‘Our large-scale event just grows and grows’ said Tom Clarke, one of the organisers. ‘It now feels like a real fixture in the calendar. We’re proud to bring together a range of railway settings, some based in reality, others entirely fictitious.’
​
There will be nine different layouts on display. These include the 36-foot-long Stodden Hundred Light Railway, which portrays a fictional private light railway in Cambridgeshire. The Newton Heath Works is a lovely little working narrow-gauge layout, and BR-blue fans will love seeing East Road.
​
Visitors have the chance to buy a limited-edition O gauge wagon, produced exclusively for this year’s event; a Burwarton Coal Company wagon, a few of which operated on the Cleobury Mortimer and Ditton Priors light railway.
​
There’ll also be trade stands and the chance to enter a raffle. Star prize in the raffle is an O-gauge Black 5 from Ellis Clark Trains worth £949, and all proceeds will go to the SVR Resilience Fund.
​
The Engine House will be open both days from 10am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm). There’s no parking at The Engine House, so the best way to get to the event is via the SVR’s heritage train service.
Tickets and more information are at svr.co.uk.
​
​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions..
Across the Railway
SVR volunteer raises funds in memory of friend and colleague
SVR volunteer Rod Derry has organised a collection that raised more than £1,500 in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) in memory of fellow-locomotive driver Keith Hall.
Following Keith’s passing in June this year, Rod wanted to do something in tribute. 
After witnessing the devastating effects of the illness, and with the agreement and support of Keith’s family, he arranged to hold a collection at the recent Autumn Steam Gala.
Using collection boxes and buckets supplied by the MNDA, Rod enlisted the help of many colleagues across the Railway, bringing in more than £1,500.
SVR managing director Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster joined Rod at Kidderminster station to hand the funds over to Phillip Clayton of the MNDA’s Hereford and Worcester branch.
 
‘I saw a great friend, who was supremely fit and active, destroyed by a cruel illness,’ said Rod. ‘So much research is needed before the outlook for sufferers will improve. Keith died a few months short of his 80th birthday, and we lost a fine engineer, a mentor and friend.’
​
Keith Hall in the middle, with fireman Richard Gardner on the left, and Rod Derry on the right. DAVE BREEDON
​
SVR managing director Jonathan 'Gus' Dunster, volunteer driver Rod Derry and Phil Clayton of the MNDA. JOHN OATES
King & Castle pub in the 2025 Good Beer Guide
Staff are raising a glass at the King & Castle, after finding out that, yet again, they’ve won recognition in the Good Beer Guide for 2025.
The King & Castle at Kidderminster Town station has long been a favoured spot for members of the Campaign for Real Ale, or CAMRA, which has published the prestigious guide.
‘What an honour this is!’ said bar manager Paul Corner, pictured second from the right. ‘Being featured in the Good Beer Guide is a testament to the team’s hard work, dedication, and passion for real ale. We pride ourselves on working with the best local and regional breweries to offer a diverse selection of beers. Our staff are knowledgeable and always on hand to guide you through our ever-changing menu and help you discover your new, favourite pint.’
Visitor experience manager Nicky Freeman added:
‘We’ve received widespread support from so many people, both at CAMRA and our loyal customers. We are so grateful, because it’s their feedback and enthusiasm that fuel our passion for excellence. We’re committed to maintaining the high standards that have brought us this recognition.’
The multi-award-winning King & Castle is open Tuesday-Sunday, and the times are at svr.co.uk.
Celebrations for the team at the SVRs Kidderminster pub the King & Castle. NICKY FREEMAN
Rolling stock
7802 ‘Bradley Manor’ on its way back to service
The Erlestoke Manor Fund reports that its ex-GWR locomotive 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’ is well on the way to a test-steaming before the end of the year.
​
The locomotive was withdrawn from service back in 2019 after its right-hand piston rod fractured, damaging the cylinder block beyond repair. The cylinder block replacement and boiler overhaul have progressed well, and reassembly is continuing at a good pace.
​
The lagged and clad boiler were reunited with 7802’s frames in late August. Final cladding and pipework adjustments, together with cab fittings installation, have since progressed, and the locomotive is now rubbed down, in readiness for final painting.
​
Following the recent announcement of the hire of 2857’s tender to run with 7802 Bradley Manor for the 2025 season, the tender has been moved to Bridgnorth for repainting in preparation for its temporary role behind 7802. ​​​
The EMF’s chair Adrian Hassell commented:
​
‘Five years after this unfortunate incident, the end of the project is at last in sight and the EMF is very much looking forward to seeing Bradley Manor back in service on the SVR early in 2025.’
​
7802 in Tyseley Locomotive Works on 14 September 2024. Photo courtesy of the ERLESTOKE MANOR FUND
The DMU Group working hard on its Class 101
Since the arrival of the three-carriage Class 101 Diesel Multiple Unit to the SVR last month, members of the DMU Group (West Midlands) have been taking full advantage of the working-at-height equipment in Kidderminster Carriage Shed.
Their work has focused on surface rust of the roof and flaked paint around the windows, as vice chair Ben Darby explains:
​
‘We are pleased to report nothing nasty has been discovered, and the vehicles are in very good condition following a period of four years sitting around in the damp.
'During the final weekend in September, we arranged pit access to start on the mechanical side.
'We drained the oil from all engines, gearboxes and final drives and replaced filters. Again, we found nothing nasty in the oil, which indicates all mechanical components are in good condition. 
​
‘Soon, the set will move to our base at Bewdley where mechanical work will continue to take place along with a deep clean below the solebar.
​
‘Since the arrival of the 101, we have seen lots of new interest within the Group, along with some new volunteers, which has been amazing. Alongside the 101, we continue to maintain and operate our Class 108, and this saw use during the recent Autumn Steam Gala.’
​
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions..
CT-owned shunter is back in service
The Kidderminster-based Class 11 shunter 12099 is back in service following a major overhaul at the Diesel Depot. Trevor Davies explains why the project has been one of the biggest challenges in his 50+ years of volunteering at the SVR:
The English Electric six-cylinder engine was removed and had an extensive overhaul, including descaling of the water jacket, honing of cylinder liners, new piston rings and a set of reconditioned fuel pumps and injectors.
The extremely worn brake gear was overhauled, with new pins and bushes throughout and two Westslack brake adjusters are now fitted instead of the older turnbuckle types, which gives the SVR shunter fleet a uniform type throughout – just as well because the last volunteer with practical experience of the older adjusters has now retired!
One of our volunteers, luckily a DC electrician, overhauled the main electrical generator, and this needed more attention that originally envisaged. The commutator required recutting and skimming up, the main bearing required replacement, and its housing needed metal-spraying to restore worn areas, then machining back to size.
The locomotive has received a replacement radiator, new voltage regulator and battery. The exterior metalwork has received attention, with several new generator access doors. The locomotive now looks resplendent in its gloss black paintwork with British Rail transfers and freshly painted cab numerals.
The SVR Charitable Trust owns the Class 11, and has expressed thanks all those who have contributed to the overhaul.
​
Class 11 shunter is back in service. SVRCT
Variety proves to be the spice of life at Bridgnorth MPD
It’s been a busy start to autumn at Bridgnorth MPD as volunteer shedmaster Martin White reports:
​
From a loco department perspective, the Autumn Steam Gala was largely successful, although not entirely uneventful!
​
Most of the locos ran very well on their allocated turns, with the notable exception of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway saddle tank 11456, visiting from the East Lancs Railway.
Unfortunately, this loco was failed at Bridgnorth on the Thursday afternoon of the gala, partway through its diagram, due to a blowing piston gland.
​
However, the fault proved to be much more serious than a blowing gland. The components that hold the gland in place had partly come apart and suffered damage.
This necessitated some dismantling and then manufacture of replacement parts. A joint effort by SVR and ELR personnel, including a 05:00 am start on Friday morning, meant that the loco could resume its rostered duties on Friday evening.
The arrangements put in place for gala weekends normally allow a spare locomotive to be available to provide cover for such unforeseen occurrences. On this occasion, by juggling 75069 and 4930, all of the services were covered, albeit some of the crews found themselves on locomotives they weren’t expecting to be on.
Our other visiting locomotives, Black Five 44932, Jubilee class 45596 ‘Bahamas’ and Saint 2999 ‘Lady of Legend’ all provided popular entertainment for both visitors and crews. A number of our footplate staff experienced a Stanier Black Five for the first time in their footplate careers and those I spoke to were unanimous in their praise.
​
The weekend after the gala, ‘Bahamas’ hauled a charter train in association with an inbound rail tour. Members of the owning group spent days preparing and cleaning the locomotive and giving it really special treatment, as the rail tour was run in memory of Steve Peach, a dedicated and long-serving member of the Bahamas Locomotive Society.
​
Meanwhile, work has commenced in earnest on the overhaul of the tender from 34027 ‘Taw Valley’. The brake rigging is having new pins made and worn bushes replaced. Some of the steelwork on the tender requires replacement and the decision has been taken to alter the top to make it more like the original West Country class tenders. This will mean a shorter upper section of the coal space, which itself will provide some additional room around the water filler.
​
Away from Bridgnorth, some members of the 2857 Society spent the week after the steam gala working on their locomotive at Kidderminster. This is in preparation for removing the boiler tubes to allow an internal inspection of the boiler. In addition, the tender was split from the locomotive and, after examination by a member of C&W paid staff, was moved by rail to Bridgnorth. This is in order for it to be painted in the paint shop ahead of its loan to 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’, which continues to be reassembled by Erlestoke Manor Fund members at Tyseley Loco Works (see separate article.)
​
Stanier Mogul 13268 approaches signals at Bewdley, 21 September 2024. BOB GREEN
​
Visiting LMS L&Y saddletank 11456 with GWR 4930 'Hagley Hall' on the Rock sidings at Bewdley, the day before the event.
KEVIN WHITEHURST
People
Permanent way vacancy
The Railway is recruiting for a permanent-way track worker. Based at Highley, this role will support the Permanent Way team in carrying out a wide variety of day-to-day maintenance duties.
The ideal candidate will be proficient in the use of hand and power tools, on-track plant and machinery, and with knowledge of current H&S legislation and working practices. A valid driving licence is also required.
Send a cover letter and CV to hr@svrlive.com with ‘Permanent Way Track Worker’ in the subject line. The closing date for applications is Friday 18 October.
Further information, including the full job description, can be found at svr.co.uk/career.
Mike celebrates 25 years on 50s
Congratulations are due to volunteer Mike Matthews, who has clocked up 25 years as a Class 50 driver.
​
On 28 September, Mike drove 50049 ‘Defiance’, leading the 11:25 from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth, with family and friends from the Class 50 Alliance and Fifty Fund friends attending to celebrate the occasion.
In the words of fellow-Class 50 driver/SVR managing director Gus Dunster, ‘this was quite an achievement to get to 25 years in the diesel department, and to be qualified to drive Class 50s for such a length of time!’
​
Volunteer Mike Matthews celebrates 25 years as a Class 50 driver
GUS DUNSTER
V1 10th October 2024
Need to contact us?
Thanks for reading!
If you receive our monthly newsletter by email and wish to unsubscribe from our newsletter please click the link at the bottom of your email or alternatively use our contact form.
​
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.