.png)
November 2025
Locomotive 7714 at Eardington. MATT FIELDING
Welcome to your latest edition of Branch Lines!
​
On the surface, things are looking much quieter at the Railway, as we shut down for a few weeks, prior to the very busy festive season services, which start at the end of this month.
We very much hope you’ll be able to join us for one of the exciting Christmas experiences that we’ve got lined up.
​
Appearances of calm can, however, be deceptive, and although we’re closed to the public, there’s a huge amount going on across the line. Fear not, your November Branch Lines will bring you up-to-date on it all!
​
From the sheer hard graft of the Kidderminster platform extension project to the great news that the SVR has been shortlisted for three national RailStaff awards…from the success of the recent O Gauge Get-together and the Ghost Trains to the work that the Railway’s visiting stonemason is undertaking at Bewdley station. Plus, your favourite heritage line hogs the limelight in the most recently released episode of the ‘Green Signals’ video podcast!
​
All this and more in your November edition of Branch Lines. We hope you enjoy reading it.
​
Lesley Carr, editor
The Branch Lines team is Lesley Carr, Karen Crick, Gary Essex, Amy Baker, Pete Cherry and Nicola Fox.
Contents
Scroll down or click on the item to be taken straight to it
What's new?
Volunteers play key role in platform extension at Kidderminster
Work continues at Kidderminster on the platform extension. The track has now been moved to its new position and preparation work for the platform foundations has begun.
A crane was hired to move crossing No 42 to its new position on 17 October and the track is now awaiting the arrival of a Colas Rail tamper for final adjustments. The tamper will be at the Railway for testing and commissioning soon and will be tackling this section of track along with other areas along the Railway.
​
The next stages of the project involve the replacement of the barrow crossing in its new location and installing foundations for the new platform walls. Concrete beams for the crossing were installed on Friday 7 November.
As we go to press, the excavation of the platform foundations is commencing, with shuttering and reinforcing being installed ready for concrete to be delivered in the coming weeks. This project has involved paid staff, but with considerable volunteer input on the signalling and track, and the platform foundations are also being installed by volunteers.
​
After the foundations are installed, the work will pause whilst Christmas services operate, followed by the Winter Diesel Day and Steam Gala.
Construction of the platform wall will start in early January, followed by infilling and surfacing, with the project due to be completed by just after the February half term.
​
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.​
SVR is shortlisted for three national RailStaff awards
The Railway has been announced as a finalist in three categories at this year’s prestigious RailStaff Awards, marking a major achievement for the heritage railway as it stands shoulder to shoulder with the UK’s national rail industry.
​
In its first-ever entry to the RailStaff Awards, the SVR has been shortlisted in the following categories:
​
-
Project Team or Person Award (under £5 million) – The Mor Brook Bridge Team
-
Rail Engineer of the Year – Antony Bartlam
-
Rail Ambassador of the Year – Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster
​
Competition is intense, with nominations from across the UK’s rail industry, making this triple shortlisting a remarkable accomplishment for the Midlands-based heritage line.
​
“This is the very first time the SVR has entered the RailStaff Awards, so to reach the finals in all three of our nominated categories is absolutely incredible,” said Lesley Carr, the SVR’s head of communications. “We’re flying the flag for the heritage sector and showing that the professionalism, skills and passion here at the SVR are on a par with the wider rail industry.”
​
The shortlisting process was determined through a public vote, with the SVR expressing heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported its nominations.
​
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support from our visitors, members, shareholders and volunteers,” added Lesley. “It means so much to know that people value what we do and have helped us on our way to the finals.”​
The RailStaff Awards celebrate the people and teams who go the extra mile for colleagues, passengers, and the wider public—recognising dedication, innovation and excellence across the rail industry.
​
“To be recognised alongside national rail organisations really highlights the calibre of the people we have at the Severn Valley Railway,” said Lesley. “Antony, Gus and the Mor Brook Bridge team have all made exceptional contributions, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
​
Winners will be announced at the RailStaff Awards ceremony on 27 November 2025.
​
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.​
Board appointments
Following the Annual General Meetings for SVR (Holdings) Plc (SVRH) and the SVR Company Ltd (SVRG), the respective boards have confirmed the following positions.
​
Chris Walton was voted to continue as SVRH chairman and Gus Dunster to continue as vice chairman.
​
It was agreed that Martin Creese would join the SVR Charitable Trust board as the SVRG representative.
​
Diane Malyon was voted to continue as SVRG chairman while Paul Appleton becomes vice chairman, replacing Michelle Bevon, who is stepping down for personal reasons.
​
SVRG representation on the board of SVRH was also agreed, with Diane Malyon and Charlie Wright continuing in the role.
​
Autumn in the woods. BOB GREEN
'Biggest ever' O Gauge Get Together
Over the weekend of 18–19 October, The Engine House at Highley hosted the annual ‘O Gauge Get Together’ for what organisers are calling their ‘biggest show to date’.
​
Launched in 2020, the event draws people from far and wide to see the layouts and peruse the trade stands, against the backdrop of The Engine House’s full-size locomotives and artefacts.
​
A limited-edition wagon, specially commissioned to mark the show, proved very popular with 40 selling at the show and several selling afterwards.
One has been retained to be used at next year’s fundraising raffle. Organiser Harry Bradley said:
​
​"This year’s event was by far our biggest show to date and an absolute triumph. Our raffle raised exactly £1,800 and this will go to the SVR Company Limited for the platform extension. Every single trader wants to return next year, which is brilliant and a testament to the popularity of the event and what we do."
​
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.​
SVR Charitable Trust receives substantial legacy
The Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust recently received a very generous legacy from the estate of Andrew Crawford. Sian Davies, the executor of her brother’s estate, came to visit the Railway in October with her husband, to present a cheque for £267,883 to the Charitable Trust.
The legacy is to be used for the overhaul of GWR locomotives, and so the trustees have provisionally allocated it to the overhaul fund for GWR locomotive No 7819 ‘Hinton Manor’, which is owned by the Trust.
Michael Howard, trustee and company secretary, said:
​
“It was a pleasure to meet Mr and Mrs Davies, and the Trust is extremely grateful to be remembered by Mr Crawford in his will.
"Legacies left in wills are a key source of our income, which we use to fund a range of projects on the Railway. Mr Crawford’s legacy provides a very significant boost to the ‘Hinton Manor’ fund.”
​
Sian Davies with Michael Howard on the footplate of 'Hinton Manor', which is currently on static display at The Engine House. SVRCT
Other News
SVR stars in the latest ‘Green Signals’ video podcast
Richard Bowker of the ‘Green Signals’ video podcast presentation team visited the Railway during the Autumn Diesel Bash and filmed extensively across the length of the line.
He spoke to many volunteers as well as conducting an in-depth interview with managing director Gus Dunster.
​
Richard visited many behind-the-scenes locations, including Bridgnorth loco shed and boiler shop, the Carriage Shed, Diesel Depot and more.
​
Click on the image to view the film
Fundraiser Jacob is unstoppable
Last March, we reported on the efforts of young Bewdley train enthusiast Jacob Holden, who raised money for the SVR by holding a model railway afternoon at the town’s St George’s Hall.
​
Over the summer holidays, nine-year-old Jacob continued collecting funds for the Railway and recently visited Bewdley station to present an envelope containing £30 for the SVR Resilience Fund.
​
"Jacob's enthusiasm for the SVR is clearly as strong as ever,” said Bewdley station master James Pearson. “It was lovely to see him and his mum when they brought the cheque into the station recently.
'They'll always have a warm welcome at the Railway, and I know that Jacob himself is keen to join as a junior volunteer when he's old enough."
​
Jacob’s mum Danielle explained more:
​
“Jacob came up with the idea of sitting on our drive during the summer holidays selling bits and bobs of his model railway to raise funds for his favourite place, the SVR. His younger brother Oliver also helped.”
​
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.​
2026 Steam Footplate Experiences on sale
Following the impressive performance of this year’s footplate experiences, the 2026 steam versions are already on sale with diesel soon to follow.
​
The Railway has commissioned a suite of short videos to promote FEs, and you can view the Steam Footplate Experience film now.
Operations manager Matt Robinson has been closely involved with the delivery of FEs this year, and has expressed thanks to volunteers who’ve worked on these:
​
“Thank you everyone for helping to make a real success of FEs in 2025. You often see many of the same faces, from Drivers to hosts, and often returning participants, but these people love doing it and that comes across.
​
“All the staff and participants are of course well looked after by Bewdley buffet and Rob Green’s team there with plenty of sustenance! Here’s to another great season in 2026”
​
Find out more and book tickets for a Steam Footplate Experience at svr.co.uk.
‘Wheel-y Good’ response to 2857 Society’s raffle
The 2857 Society’s ‘Wheel-y Good’ raffle has attracted a strong response so far, with sales reaching more than £14,000. After the deduction of costs, remaining profits will go towards the new driving wheel tyres for 2857.
​
There’s still plenty of time to enter as the draw takes place on Sunday 4 January 2026 at Kidderminster station.
​
Tickets can be purchased online at 2587.org.uk or by emailing harry.bradley@svrlive.com. Books of tickets will be delivered with the November issue of 28 Lines, for 2857 Shareholders.
​
Harry Bradley, the 2857 Society chairman said, “The cost of the new tyres and fitting is £37,500, so we’ve made great strides towards covering those costs with the raffle. We hope to see a continued return of tickets as we head towards the draw date, getting us as close to the £37,500 amount as possible. Thank you to everyone who has supported us.
“We appreciate that there are people who don’t wish to sign up for raffles and for that reason we are gratefully accepting donations towards the tyres, and this can be done using the ‘Donate’ button at 2587.org.uk or by contacting me via the email address already given.”
The Society reports that it’s more than 80% of the way towards meeting the quoted amount for the mechanical overhaul at Riley & Sons, and once it has met the quoted amount it will focus on building a reserve for unexpected costs that may arise.
​
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.​
SVR’s bold approach is highlighted at HRA conference
At last week’s Heritage Railway Association conference, the SVR’s visitor engagement manager Lewis Maddox took to the platform to speak about how the Railway is working to adapt its visitor offering, to appeal to new and bigger audiences.
​
His talk was themed around ‘Lighting the way for heritage’s future’ and it set out how visitors are now seeking immersive, interactive, and shareable experiences.
The SVR’s response has been to move beyond preservation to create events that make history feel alive and relevant.
​
Driven by the belief that “we’re not just preserving history – we’re creating experiences that make history matter,” SVR’s approach blends tradition with innovation.
From themed family days to large-scale light shows, every initiative is designed to deliver genuine value for money while appealing to today’s audiences.
“A standout success has been the Boogie Lights Express,” explained Lewis. “This is an immersive winter event combining steam trains, music, and lighting. Designed to tackle off-peak visitor dips, the experience last year attracted nearly 4,000 passengers, achieved a 4.77/5-star rating. The event’s social media buzz highlighted its emotional and visual impact, proving that heritage can be both authentic and Instagram-worthy.
​
“Behind the scenes, collaboration between creative teams, staff, and volunteers has been key, ensuring both smooth delivery and commercial viability. Beyond seasonal events, the SVR continues to innovate through community partnerships, themed weekends, and enhanced everyday experiences that make even a ‘normal day’ on the Railway feel special.
​
“Our heritage is our foundation, not our limit. Heritage can be timeless without being old-fashioned. The challenge is to make people fall in love with it all over again.”
​
Lewis Maddox at the HRA conference. GARY ESSEX
A ‘shockingly’ successful Halloween season
Once again, the SVR’s Halloween events proved very popular; overall, the Ghost and Scream Trains were almost complete sell-outs, and some clever timetable tweaks kept delays to a minimum.
​
Lewis Maddox, visitor engagement manager, said:
​
“The displays at Kidderminster, Bewdley and Arley stations were as fantastic as ever, and on board the trains, eight actors from Wise Owl Theatre ensured a terrifying journey for our passengers.
"Wise Owl completely knocked it out of the park, and this first collaboration with them ahead of Christmas heralds a fantastic experience to come for families on our Santa Steam Specials and the Elf Express.
​
“We’re hugely indebted to the Scare Team at Arley, where more than 80 volunteers were on spook duty across the three nights.
​
“And I’d like to extend special thanks to Lorraine and Lee Spendlove. After leading the Ghost Train activities at Arley for many years, they’ve now decided to step down from these duties.”
​
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.​
Charitable Trust digs deep
The SVR now has its very own mini excavator, thanks to funding from the SVR Charitable Trust.
​
The machine, a JCB 8020, is well suited for digging in areas where space is restrictive, which makes it ideal for lineside work.
It arrived at the SVR in very good condition, as its only previous use is believed to have been excavating graves for a local authority! Now it starts a new chapter as a useful addition to the SVR's infrastructure equipment.
​
No time was wasted upon arrival at the Railway, and the digger was immediately used on the platform extension work at Kidderminster. SVRCT chair Judith Meredith said:
​
“It’s been great to see the mini digger in action at Kidderminster. This second-hand acquisition is the latest item in a range of infrastructure machinery that the Trust has supplied funding for over the past year or so.
​
“We have been pleased to support the Railway with equipment that improves the resilience of our infrastructure, which we see as an investment for the future.”
​
The Railway now has its own mini-digger. LEIGH KING
What's coming up?
Christmas magic in the making
The start of the festive season is fast approaching, and along the line and at the SVR’s stations, Santa’s Elves (aka dedicated volunteers) are working hard behind-the-scenes, to get everything ready.
​
From present loading to lights, decorations, tinsel and wrapping, the Railway has become a massive festive workshop, preparing an amazing experience for families of all generations.
​
This year, the Railway is working in partnership with the Wise Owl Theatre Company. At Wise Owl’s workshop, wooden backdrops, sweeping scenic shapes and pots of paint have been used to create a brand-new theatre set for the Santa’s Steam Special show at Arley.
​
Chris Brookes, artistic director at Wise Owl Theatre said. “Our team has been crafting something truly magical in recent weeks. Wooden panels and props will soon transform the Arley stage into a festive world full of wonder, colour, and with a few surprises! We can’t wait for audiences to step into the story and see the transformation for themselves.”
​
On-site installation work has started this week, but the final set’s appearance remains under wraps for a little bit longer!
​
From Saturday 29 November, Santa Steam Specials depart from Kidderminster and The Elf Express departs from Bridgnorth.
With demand high and tickets selling fast, families are encouraged to book soon to secure their place on board.
​
More information and tickets are at svr.co.uk.
​
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.​
New Winter Warmer Specials
With Carol Trains now fully booked and only limited festive on-train dining experiences available, there’s another chance to step out of the cold and into a heated vintage carriage, with the SVR’s Winter Warmer Specials.
​
Taking place on selected dates this December, your journey begins at Kidderminster. The train will depart from the station at 1.15pm, hauled by a majestic historic steam locomotive to Highley and back, returning at 3.00pm (you stay on the train throughout the journey).
Feel the comforting warmth of steam heat, watch the winter landscapes roll past, and simply relax.
​
Why not upgrade your experience and travel in the luxurious Observation Saloon? You can enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views of the Severn Valley from the comfort of deep armchairs, travelling in style and comfort.
​
Winter Warmer Specials are on 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18 December and tickets can be booked online at svr.co.uk.
7714 in the winter. KIERAN HARDY
All aboard for a New Year's Eve Special!
As 2025 draws to a close, you can celebrate the end of the SVR’s 60th anniversary year in style, on board the brand-new New Year’s Eve service, featuring steam and diesel haulage with Class 46 46045 and a steam locomotive.​
​
Passengers will enjoy four round trips between Kidderminster and Highley, with seating provided around tables and in private compartments. The King & Castle pub at Kidderminster Station will be open till late, with hot food available too.​
​
Tickets include travel on all four round trips, departing from Kidderminster at 6.20pm, 7.55pm, 9.30pm and 11.05pm.​
​
Book now to reserve your seat and see in the New Year in style!​
New Year's Eve Special - Severn Valley Railway
​
43106 at night - BOB GREEN
Boogie Lights Express 2026 – early-bird special!
Back by popular demand and suitable for all the family, the Boogie Lights Express is an incredible sound and light show, consisting of thousands of coloured LED lights and LED wristbands, creating a kaleidoscope of different colours and flashing patterns.
​
Passengers can marvel at the canopy of lights in every carriage, and enjoy the fun, interactive show hosted by the legendary ‘Voiceover Man’ (as heard on Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor).
​
Feedback from passengers who travelled on the train earlier this year was amazing:
​
“Great event. Absolutely loved it and great value. The music choice was exactly as described in the event information. The effects with the lights and how everything matched the music was awesome!”
Sing, dance and cheer on this musical party train – perfect for a night out with friends and family.
The Boogie Lights Express departs from Kidderminster on Friday and Saturday nights from 13 February to 14 March 2026.
​
Boogie Lights 2026 launches with an early-bird special. The first 100 tickets for each Friday night train are on sale at a discounted rate, but when they’re gone, they’re gone! Remember, tickets for this incredible train also make for an unusual festive gift.
Find out more at svr.co.uk.
​
​2025 Boogie Lights Express - BOB GREEN
A packed 2026 at the Railway
It’s ‘all aboard’ for a packed calendar of events in 2026.
​
Next year, the SVR will offer a ‘gala for all seasons’, when the regular spring, autumn and winter galas are joined by a brand-new summer event in July.
This new gala will be a two-day summer festival of fun combining the best of both steam and diesel locomotives.
​
There’s something for all the family to enjoy with character-storytelling visits from Paddington in February and Bluey in March. Lego fans will be delighted to see the return of Brick Weekend at The Engine House in August and, for those who enjoy a shopping experience, several gift fayres are spread throughout the year.
​
For the musically minded, Boogie Lights Express is an absolute must, on Friday and Saturday nights from mid-February to mid-March.
​
The Railway steps back in time for the ever-popular 1940s weekends at the end of June and beginning of July. With vintage vehicles, a wartime wedding, displays, music, dance lessons and much more, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
​
July will see Morris dancers entertaining visitors for the Day of Dance event, and in August, Singing on the Train welcomes male voice choirs to the Railway.
​
As the year reaches spooky season, Ghost Trains will return, then the tables turn to all things festive to end the year on a high!
​
For full details of all events visit https://svr.co.uk/all-events/
Across the Railway
The SVR’s stonemason back on site
Master stonemason and sculptor Philip Chatfield is back at Bewdley Station to continue his long-running restoration work for the Railway, a project he first began nearly a decade ago.
​
After two years working at Pluscarden Abbey, the medieval Benedictine monastery near Elgin in northern Scotland, Philip was once again applying his artistry to the historic sandstone that adorns the station building at Bewdley.
​
“I’ve been working on the car park elevation for several years,” he explained. “That’s pretty much done now, so we’ve moved to the platform elevation; all the windows, plinth course and string course need overhaul. At the moment, I’m working on the duty officer’s window.”​
​
The stone used for the current phase comes from a quarry northwest of Barcelona. “It’s a sandstone, geologically similar to the original,” Philip said. “It’s very good quality, reliable, and I quite like the link with Barcelona. The ship I was shipwrecked on was built there in 1858.”​
For Philip, the SVR is more than a workplace, it’s a community. “There’s a devotion to the cause, which is the Severn Valley Railway,” he reflected. “People are so loyal that when they die, they want their ashes spread along the line. The spirit of the place runs very deep in people."
Philip’s time at the monastery and his work at the Railway may seem worlds apart, but he sees clear parallels. “It’s about timetables, bells, and a shared passion,” he said. “Both involve maintaining something historic and giving visitors an experience that brings them peace and joy.”
​
With his meticulous craftsmanship and deep respect for history, Philip continues to leave his mark on one of Britain’s best-loved heritage railways, quietly ensuring that the stonework at Bewdley stands as strong as the devotion of those who keep the line alive.
​
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.​
Rolling stock
The slow nature of loco restorations and overhauls – shed notes from Bridgnorth
Even when all seems quiet in the world of locomotive overhaul and restoration, much work is being carried out behind the scenes, as Bridgnorth’s volunteer shedmaster Martin White reports.
​
Over the decades of steam locomotive restorations and overhauls at the SVR, I‘m sure that many involved will have come to the same conclusion - these can be strange projects to track and report on.
Months can pass by with seemingly nothing progressing and then in the space of a few weeks there seem to be major leaps forward.
The truth is, of course, that what to a casual observer may seem to be months of inactivity, are in fact periods of time when the work is continuing, but it’s behind the scenes, often involving numerous fittings or components small enough to be out of sight of those casual observers.
​
A good example of this is 0-4-4 tank, ‘Dunrobin’, which has been undergoing a very protracted contract rebuild at Bridgnorth, for Beamish Museum. A few weeks ago, visible in Bridgnorth works over the weekend, ‘Dunrobin’ could be seen with its boiler in situ.
But a look between the frames would have revealed that the valve gear and motion was all there also, and so was much of the brake gear, and the cab and bunker now had proper fixings to bolt them down to the frames.  
This doesn’t mean that ‘Dunrobin’ is just a few weeks away from steaming or anything as dramatic as that. But it demonstrates that whilst people may almost have forgotten about it, steady progress has been continuing on the boiler and the frames/running gear, as and when resources were available. The boiler was actually in the frames for a trial fitting following a very extensive rebuild. Some minor adjustment is needed to make it fit snugly, but nothing too onerous.
​
‘Dunrobin’ has been on the SVR now for more than 14 years and is ‘getting there’. And so is 4150, which has been on SVR for almost 48 years. When will they be finished? I think I’ve written before that steam locos don’t do timelines! But each day that passes brings these projects a day closer to fulfilment.
​
Moving to the operational fleet, 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’ is currently in the works for examination of its pistons. This follows a serious failure of its sister locomotive, 7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’, whilst operating on the West Somerset Railway.
A core plug in a piston on 7812 had apparently somehow become loose. A GWR piston head on a locomotive is a hollow casting, and as well as having the piston rod screwed through both sides, there are also a number of core plugs screwed through the casting to give the piston the necessary strength. 7802 is therefore having its pistons removed for examination.
Repairs to 7812 are already underway at WSR and both locomotives are expected to operate on seasonal services in December.
​
​Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.​
People
New ASM for Bridgnorth
Paul Tanner is Bridgnorth’s new assistant station master.
​
Paul joined the platform team in November 2021 and completed his TTI training earlier this year, as well as helping with the Rail 200 celebrations at both Kidderminster and Derby. Away from the SVR, he works in further education utilising an organisational skillset that should prove very useful in his new role.
​
The previous ASM, John Lefley, decided to retire from the role but will remain at Bridgnorth to perform platform duties. Bridgnorth stationmaster Chris Thomas said:
​
‘Everyone in the team thanks John for his support, advice and good humour during his time in the role, including helping to train our more recent recruits.
​
‘I am pleased that Paul will be my new ASM and I'm sure everyone will join me in welcoming and supporting him in his new role.’
​
Bridgnorth Assistant Station Master Paul Tanner
v1 13th November 2025
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.