Great Western Coffee Shop

On 28 September 2009, a derailment occurred on the Severn Valley Railway heritage line between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth.  The tender of a steam locomotive hauling a passenger train became derailed as it approached Hampton Loade station.  There were no injuries.

The immediate cause of the accident was the flange of the leading right-hand wheel of the tender climbing over the right-hand rail.

The causal factors were that a spring had been replaced on the tender with one which was not of the correct type and the track had become distorted without the track maintenance staff being aware of the problem.

The RAIB have made five recommendations to the Severn Valley Railway concerning its safety management system, its engineering procedures, communication of safety related information to its staff and volunteers and its audit process.

Severn Valley Railway says it has let 12 members of staff go due to the economic downturn and a reduction in visitor numbers.

It said it had made five compulsory redundancies and seven people had not had their contracts renewed this winter as they had reached retirement age.

The firm runs a steam train from Bewdley in Worcestershire to Bridgnorth in Shropshire and employs 150 staff.

It said visitor numbers fell by about 10% in 2010 to 250,000 passengers.

Visitor service manager David Mee said he expected to welcome about 205,000 visitors in 2011.

He said the posts that had been lost were in administration, cleaning and in the shop.

He said he did not expect to make any further redundancies and staffing levels would not affect the 1,500 people who volunteered for the railway.

The tourist attraction reopens for the summer season on Saturday.

The Severn Valley Railway is celebrating 150 years since the first train left Worcestershire for Shrewsbury.

Kidderminster Railway Museum is showing films to mark the anniversary.

David Postle, from the museum, said: "A lot of the railways have disappeared - there was a big cull in the 1960s - so it is important because not many that were closed have reopened."

He said some 250,000 passengers still used the SVR each year.

The SVR line was built between 1858 and 1862, and ran for 40 miles linking Hartlebury, near Droitwich in Worcestershire with Shrewsbury in Shropshire.

Mr Postle said that on January, 31 1862, a special train ran to mark the formal opening of the railway and public service on the line started the following day.

He said: "It has been preserved by a group of volunteers and enthusiasts who have rebuilt it into what it is today - a tourist line from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth.

"It's a fantastic achievement that the railway's still going."

Severn Valley Railway diesel maintenance depot work to start

Construction of a ^300,000 diesel maintenance depot is set to begin at the Severn Valley Railway.

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Groundwork to sink foundations for modern the two-road steel-clad building, which will be fully equipped with lifting jacks and inspection pits, is expected to get under way by early autumn.

Diesel locomotive owners at the 16-mile Kidderminster to Bridgnorth line have been trying for more than 20 years to get the work started, which will take place at Kidderminster station following approval by Wyre Forest District Council.

The cost of the new depot is being shouldered chiefly by seven diesel groups ^ the Diesel Traction Group, The Fifty Fund, The Western Locomotive Association, The Class 08 Society, the Ruston 906 Group, The Class 11 Group, and Somerset Traction Ltd ^ and also the railway^s members organisation, the Severn Valley Railway Association, whose locomotives are residents at the SVR.

The new depot, which will be completed in two phases, will bring relief to the SVR^s diesel-owning groups who, since the late 1970s, have had little choice but to repair and maintain their locomotives in the open.

The railway^s fleet of privately-owned diesels, notably ^heritage^ types long-retired from front-line service on the national rail network ^ many of which are more than 50 years old ^ has expanded over the years to 12 ^main line^ locomotives and eight shunters.

Many have had to be sent away to railway engineering facilities in other parts of the country in the past for heavy maintenance work, such as the lifting of locomotives from their wheels.

The new building, measuring about 160ft by 45ft, will accommodate up to four locomotives at one time. A third road, enclosed under a ^lean-to^ roof attached on the western side of the main building, measuring 330ft in length, will also be built at a later date.

Jonathan Dunster, Chairman of the SVR^s Diesel Committee and co-founder of The Fifty Fund, which owns or manages four ex-British Rail English Electric Class 50 diesels, said: ^The practice of diesels hauling passenger trains on the main line these days is actually extremely rare, so they are quite an attraction on ^heritage^ lines like the SVR.^

Severn Valley Railway shares worth ^1.3m sold

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The Severn Valley Railway attracts about 200,000 visitors a year

Shares worth more than ^1.3m have been sold in a heritage railway in six months.

Officials at the Severn Valley Railway are holding special events this weekend for existing shareholders and to encourage more investors. They want to raise ^3m towards projects such as a new heritage centre and an engineering training academy.

General manager Nick Ralls said there had been an "amazing response" in the scheme so far. He said people had to invest a minimum of ^100 but would receive benefits including free and discounted tickets on the line.

The 150-year-old, 16-mile line follows the River Severn from Kidderminster, in Worcestershire, to Bridgnorth, in Shropshire, attracting about 200,000 visitors a year. Train services are hauled mostly by steam locomotives.

Locomotive rededicated to Sir Keith Park

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A guard of honour was mounted by 156 (Kidderminster) Squadron ATC

A locomotive has been rededicated in Worcestershire to a Battle of Britain hero.

Sir Keith Park commanded RAF squadrons that defended London and the South East from Luftwaffe attacks in 1940.

Almost 66 years after the original naming ceremony, the Sir Keith Park locomotive was rededicated at Kidderminster railway station.

After 20 years at a scrapyard, it was renovated and became part of the the Severn Valley Railway last year.

To commemorate Sir Keith's achievement in the Battle of Britain, locomotive 34053 was dedicated to him and he named the engine himself on 19 September 1947 at Brighton Station.

At the rededication ceremony in Worcestershire, The Right Honourable Sir Lockward Smith, New Zealand High Commissioner, unveiled the nameplate.

Also present were RAF veterans who fought in the Battle of Britain, Oliver Bullied, the grandson of the locomotive's designer, and Terence Stevens-Prior, great-nephew of Sir Keith.

A flypast by a Hurricane and a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was also held at 14:00 BST over Bridgnorth in Shropshire, where standards were on parade by the RAF Association.

Clare Gibbard, from Severn Valley Railway, said: "Locomotive Sir Keith Park has been one of the railway's most popular engines since joining our fleet, and we thought that it would be a great idea to mark its return to service after 38 years."

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A locomotive is to return to a heritage railway line in Shropshire and Worcestershire after a 27-year absence.

Severn Valley Railway bosses have announced a ^400,000 restoration of the Hagley Hall locomotive.

They acquired the engine from a scrapyard in 1972. It carried passengers until 1986, when it was withdrawn from service as the boiler certificate had expired.

Work will take between three and four years to complete.

The engine was due to depart from the Engine House at Highley, where it has been for the past five years, to Bridgnorth on Sunday so restoration could begin.

Nick Ralls, Severn Valley Railway's general manager, said: "This is a very important milestone for the railway, along with our shareholders and the Friends of Loco 4930 Hagley Hall Group.

"The locomotive is well-suited to the line and has many supporters. It will be fantastic to see it start on its journey to return to service after more than a quarter of a century."

The restoration of the engine, which was built at Swindon Works by the Great Western Railway in 1929, has been funded by selling shares as well as fundraising by the Friends of Hagley Hall Group and Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust.

Severn Valley Railway gets grant to restore locomotive 4930 Hagley Hall

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The former Great Western Railway locomotive was bought from a scrapyard in 1972

A heritage railway has won a ^95,000 lottery grant to restore a steam locomotive rescued from a scrapyard.

The Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust said the money will be used to restore number 4930 Hagley Hall, named after a Worcestershire stately home. The money will allow students and apprentices from the railway's training academy, based in Shropshire and Worcestershire, to help with the work.

The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) runs from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth.

They acquired the engine from a scrapyard in 1972. It carried passengers until 1986, when it was withdrawn from service as the boiler certificate had expired.

The restoration of the engine, which was built at Swindon Works by the Great Western Railway in 1929, has also been funded by selling shares and by fundraising by the Friends of Hagley Hall Group and Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust.

The SVR opened its training academy in September 2013.

Severn Valley Railway Food Festival

This June, Severn Valley Railway will once again host its summer food festival.

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Over the weekend of 6th to 7th June, The Engine House Visitor Centre at the Severn Valley Railway will host its annual food festival. 
 
The festival will feature a number of local producers and suppliers including Piggotts Cakes and Puddings, Tipsy Fruit Gins, Hobsons Brewery, The Pie Creator and Box of Goodness.

Additionally, guests will be able to look at displays in visitor centre including the new 50th anniversary exhibition, which charts the railway^s history.

Also visitors will be able to view the railway^s reserve collection of steam locomotives, King George VI^s Royal Carriage and travelling Post Office.

For more information visit www.svr.co.uk/

Unfortunately, it has come to our attention that a builder's plate from DRS Class 68 has been removed whilst the loco was stabled at Bewdley overnight.

The non-return of this important item could jeopardise DRS visits to the SVR and Diesel events in the future.

If anyone can provide any information as to its location please contact General Manager, Nick Ralls on Nick.Ralls@svrlive.com or call 01562 757900

We're really pleased to report the safe return turn of the missing builder's plate!

The item from DRS Class 68 diesel locomotive was removed while it was stabled at Bewdley overnight (May 21st) following its visit for our Spring Diesel Festival.

Yesterday, the item, was returned anonymously in the post to General Manager, Nick Ralls.

We are very pleased and relieved that the plate has been returned safely so that it can be put back in its rightful place.

Thank you to everyone that shared our posts on this matter and helped spread the word.

While the railway obviously needs to explain why services may be disrupted I question whether there is a need to publish photos of the vandalism.  Don’t give the perpetrators the privilege of seeing their mindless work in print for perpetuity.

Yes, to be clear I was questioning the need for the Severn Valley to publish the photos in the first instance.  Not the fact they have been reposted here. 

Two historic carriages - ex-GNR teak corridor composite No. 2701, and GWR Collett corridor third No. 1146 – were sprayed with graffiti over the Christmas period, causing thousands of pounds’ worth of damage.

SVRCT director Shelagh Paterson said: “The speed and generosity of the response we’ve received shows us just how shocked people were when the news of this awful incident broke. It also shows the depth of their passion for the Severn Valley Railway, and everything it stands for. Keeping our heritage alive and accessible is clearly very important to the wide range of people who’ve come forward to add their support.

“With the exception of a handful of larger amounts, most of the donations we received were between £10 and £25. Each one was a vote of confidence in the sterling skills of the SVR’s restoration volunteers and staff, and we are so grateful to everyone for their support.”

Work to restore the teak-bodied 1922-built No. 2701 is well underway in the SVR’s Kidderminster paint shop. A team of volunteers spent three days removing the spray paint by hand. The gold leaf lettering and painted lining on the carriage was badly damaged but is now being painstakingly restored. The team will then apply several fresh coats of varnish to finish things off. Paint removal will begin in the next few days on the second vandalised carriage, the metal-skinned No. 1146.

The unscheduled work to restore these two important carriages has meant a delay to this month’s scheduled projects, including the conversion of a vehicle to provide first class dining accommodation, suitable for wheelchair users and their companions.

Although the initial appeal target of £10,000 has been reached, further contributions to carriage restoration are needed, and donations can be made online at www.svrtrust.org.uk or by phoning 01562 757940.

Does the heritage railway have access to the British Rail main line?

Thanks in advance.

There is definitely a connection between the SVR and main line at Kidderminster. It is fully signalled and used for stock movements and specials. I travelled over it last November.

Indeed. Huge contrast between that and others such as the Bodmin and Wenford which can transfer stock only via a short shared siding.  And I don't think there's a crossover at Bodmin on the main line so arriving stock has to take a trip down to Lostwithiel and back.

Does the heritage railway have access to the British Rail main line?

Thanks in advance.I

Plans for voluntary redundancies have been announced by a heritage railway, which says the cost of coal, diesel and utilities has "rocketed".

Severn Valley Railway (SVR) said other savings measures included a recruitment freeze and steps to save energy usage.

It added it was facing "a significant drop" in passenger revenue.

Severn Valley Railway Managing Director, Helen Smith, is to leave the role in 2023, the heritage railway has announced.

The railway says that Helen is leaving to take up another role after three years as Managing Director.

Helen is to remain at the railway over the next few months to work with SVR Chairman Mike Ball, and Vice Chairman Jonathan Dunster, to allow for a smooth handover.

One of the Midlands' most popular tourist attractions has revealed cuts plans - and refused to rule out compulsory redundancies. The Severn Valley Railway said its steam and diesel services, beloved by generations of Midland families, would only run for four days a week when it reopened on March 4 after the annual closure for maintenance.

Severn Valley Railway (SVR) is to make up to 18 people redundant as it tackles rising costs.

The heritage attraction needs to save almost £1m on staffing to manage a drop in passenger numbers and increased fuel prices.

Unfilled vacancies and redeployments achieved a £650,000 saving last year, bosses said, with a further £300,000 reduction necessary in 2023.

"We are about to begin a consultation period for compulsory redundancies," said managing director Helen Smith.

Ms Smith, who leaves her post at the end of the month, added the visitor attraction also had to allow for "a significant statutory increase to minimum wage levels".

Severn Valley Railway has launched a £1.5m Survival Fund appeal

It comes on top of redundancies announced in February

Bosses blamed rising costs and fewer passengers

They said Brexit, the pandemic and the war in Ukraine were all contributing factors

Railway man moved as stolen tool box replaced

A volunteer, thought to be one of the country's last railway lamp men, said he was delighted after a good Samaritan replaced his stolen toolbox by making a new one.

Thieves broke into Eardington station, Bridgnorth, where 71-year-old Phil Harris volunteers for the Severn Valley Railway. Valuable lamps were stolen, along with the toolbox, which was full of kit Mr Harris used to maintain the station's oil lamps.

Fellow volunteer, Matthew Rowland, 37, from Conwy, north Wales, made a replica Victorian toolbox by hand and filled it with tools as a replacement.

Mr Harris said he was delighted that someone he did not know thought so much of the railway and the work he did to go to all that trouble.

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The toolbox was handmade, and a replica of a Victorian railwayman's toolbox

Eardington station has no electricity and relies on Mr Harris's skills to keep it lit and heated.  It is believed to be the only one in the UK still lit entirely by oil lamps, making Mr Harris one of the country’s last ‘lamp men.’

"I read about Phil's robbery, it was disgusting," Mr Rowland, a volunteer on the Blaenau Ffestiniog railway, told BBC Radio Shropshire.  "I thought, I'm sure I can do something here, I can do some good."

Mr Rowland replicated the design of a Victorian railwayman's toolbox, and presented it to Mr Harris.

"I was absolutely over the moon, I was taken aback, because I'd not anticipated anything like this," said Mr Harris.  "I thought the tools would be in a bag, I was very moved."

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Mr Harris has been volunteering at the Severn Valley Railway for almost 10 years

Mr Harris retired in 2013, and has been volunteering for the heritage railway for almost a decade.  He has been collecting his tools for years, one file was particularly sentimental after being inherited from his father.

The Severn Valley Railway runs from Bridgnorth in Shropshire to Kidderminster in Worcestershire.