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October 2026
Newly outshopped GWR Large Prairie 4150 departs Kidderminster Station. Alan Corfield
Welcome to your latest edition of Branch Lines!
Did you manage to visit during either of the recent enthusiast galas? Both went well operationally and received fulsome praise from visitors.
We’ve reports and galleries of photos from both the steam and the diesel events, and we’ve exciting hot-off-the-press news about the Winter Diesel Day, which will welcome a guest loco for the very first time.
We are leading this edition with an update on the Raise the Roof project.
Fundraising continues, and the total raised keeps going up, whilst on a very practical note, contracts have been signed and the programme of works set out. We’ve full details for you.
There’s an update on the exciting Bewdley Express trial, which still has a couple of weeks to run, and we’ve plenty of other news from across the SVR.
We hope you enjoy catching up with it all!
Lesley Carr, editor
The Branch Lines team is Lesley Carr, Karen Crick, Gary Essex, Amy Baker,
Pete Cherry, Athelyn Hackney and Nicola Fox.
Contents
Scroll down or click on the item to be taken straight to it
What's new?
Raise the Roof reaches major milestone as contract is signed
The Raise the Roof project has reached an exciting new stage, with the SVR Charitable Trust’s fundraising total now standing at just under £500,000 and a major construction contract signed for the long-awaited canopy at Kidderminster Town station.
The latest boost to the appeal includes the remaining funds from a significant legacy, alongside donations from supporters.
Meanwhile, Worcester-based Walsh Construction has been appointed to deliver the canopy project, having already worked successfully at the SVR.
The heritage Great Western Railway-style canopy will transform the appearance of Kidderminster Town while providing much-needed shelter for passengers.
It will also incorporate authentic salvaged steelwork from the former GWR station at Wolverhampton Low Level, preserving another piece of railway heritage.
Construction is planned in three phases, carefully timed around the Railway’s operating programme.
Work is due to begin in January 2027, with the first phase including foundations, drainage, the steel framework and platform resurfacing.
The programme has been designed to allow February half-term services and Boogie Lights to operate as planned, with this initial phase expected to finish by the end of March.
Work will pause during the main operating season before resuming in November 2027, when the roof cladding will be installed.
The final phase, scheduled for January 2028, will complete the fascia boarding and finishing details.
Judith Meredith, chair of the SVR Charitable Trust, said, “The Raise the Roof fund now stands at just under half a million pounds, boosted by the addition of remaining funds from a significant legacy.
“This is a fantastic milestone and testament to the generosity of our supporters.
“With the construction contract signed and steelwork ordered, this long-held ambition is becoming reality. But there is still work to do, and we are redoubling our fundraising efforts to secure the funds needed to complete the full project.”
Gus Dunster, chief executive officer, added, “We’re delighted to have reached this stage and to be working with Walsh Construction. Their experience, expertise and understanding of the SVR environment make them an excellent partner for the project.
“This canopy will be a striking addition to Kidderminster Town station and the culmination of many years of planning.”
Antony Bartlam, infrastructure director, continued, “A great deal of work has gone into developing a construction programme that allows us to make substantial progress while minimising the impact on Railway operations.”
With construction preparations now under way, the focus remains on securing the funding needed to complete the full scheme. Everyone who supports the SVR and railway heritage can help maintain the momentum behind this important project.
To find out more and to donate, please visit svrtrust.org.uk.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Deltic 55009 to bring extra roar to Winter Diesel Day
Diesel fans have something special to look forward to this festive season, as legendary Deltic locomotive 55009 Alycidon will be the star guest at the Winter Diesel Day on Tuesday 29 December.
The visit will mark the first time the increasingly popular Winter Diesel Day has featured a visiting locomotive, adding an extra dimension to an event that already showcases the SVR’s impressive home diesel fleet.
55009 is currently undergoing recertification for main line operations, but thanks to the SVR’s excellent relationship with Rail Adventure and the Deltic Preservation Society, an opportunity has arisen for the locomotive to visit the Railway.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the owners and operators of 55009 for making this visit possible,” said Gus Dunster, chief executive officer. “It’s a real privilege to welcome such an iconic locomotive to the Valley, and we’re looking forward to seeing it working alongside our own diesel fleet.
“Winter Diesel Day has become a firm fixture in the SVR calendar, and having a visiting locomotive for the first time makes this year’s event particularly special.”
Visitors can expect a busy timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, with the SVR’s home-fleet locomotives joined by 55009.
With steam-heated heritage carriages and the locomotives working hard on the 16.5-mile line, it promises to be a noisy and atmospheric way to blow away those Christmas cobwebs.
Tickets are already on sale, and there are more event details at svr.co.uk.
Deltic 55009 will be the star guest at the SVR's Winter Diesel Day on 29 December. Tom McAtee
Bewdley Express steams on!
Following the very successful launch of the SVR’s eight-week commuter trial, the Bewdley Express, earlier this month, Wednesday 17 September saw the service incorporated into the first day of the Autumn Steam Gala.
The first train of the morning was the 07.10 autotrain from Kidderminster Town station, with GWR 1450 sandwiched between two GWR autotrailers.
This service was followed by the 08.10 with Stanier Mogul 13268 on the sharp end. Come evening time, the 1745 was hauled by 13268, with 7714 and 9681 double heading on the 1850 departures.
The services have been very positively received and the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE), which manages transport in the region, have been pleased with their partnership with the SVR. WMRE strategic rail contract management lead Russ Cunningham said:
“We’re incredibly grateful to SVR staff for their support and flexibility during the first few weeks of the Bewdley Express.
“This has included delaying the Kidderminster-Bewdley services at times when there's been a delay on the main line.
“The excellent collaboration between SVR and WMR staff is a standout element of this trial project, which continues to be very well received by passengers.’
It is planned for steam to continue to take a role in the Bewdley Express, with steam traction in use for the evening services on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Tuesday evening services will be provided by the DMU, which will also provide all the morning services. From next Tuesday, 13 October, the trial has a further two weeks to run.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Excellent customer feedback for the ASG!
Despite some last-minute stresses and locomotive changes in the build-up to the event, the SVR’s Autumn Steam Gala has been heralded as a complete success!
Held over four days, 17 – 20 September, the intense timetable worked largely to time across all four days, a testament to both the timetable itself and the hard work by staff and volunteers.
The event saw both packed services and strong secondary spend, while the shed tours on the Thursday sold out for both times generating additional, much welcome, income.
Crucially, the event received overwhelming positive feedback from visitors, who praised the rolling stock on display, the atmosphere, and the dedication of the volunteers.
Commenting on Facebook, Rick Davenport attended for his 25th Autumn Gala in a row and said:
“Another superb event, I did all four days this year. It never disappoints. It was great to see healthy visitor numbers across the days and everyone enjoying themselves.
“But it’s not just the great selection of locos, beautifully restored carriages and wagons, wonderful stations and visitor facilities or even the gorgeous scenery in the early autumn sun, I think the bit that really makes it is the amazing staff you have running the Railway, particularly at these events. Most of which I know are volunteers as well as many paid staff. They’re all heroes. Thanks SVR!”
With words such as ‘superb’ and ‘cracking’ peppered across the other reviews of the event on social media, it’s clear the visitors were leaving with smiles on their faces.
Further highlights from the event included the demonstration freight train, which drew very positive reactions from the visitors and photographers, providing a stage for the superb work carried out by the volunteer wagon team at Bewdley.
A minor issue with visiting Ivatt Tank 41313 caused it to be withdrawn form service on Thursday morning, but after swift repair work, the locomotive was back in service in time for the 14.45 train.
A small issue with GWR 813 was similarly resolved and the remainder of the fleet ran without issue. Head of commercial and customer service, Victoria Evans, said:
“The Autumn Steam Gala was an outstanding success, with excellent customer feedback, including from a family of four from Sydney who planned their three-week European holiday around the event. Thank you to the organising committee and everyone involved across the weekend for making the event such a triumph."
Chief executive officer Gus Dunster affirmed his gratitude to all those involved and added:
“The event did pose us a few challenges at very late notice and the work that was undertaken to secure replacement locomotives was significant. My thanks go to all concerned for their efforts and in particular to the owners of 46115 and 3850 for providing these for us at such short notice. We really appreciated their support!”
See our article below ‘The Autumn Steam Gala, though the eyes of a toddler’ for a personal impression of the event
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Surprise guest for the Diesel Bash
Visitors to the SVR’s Autumn Diesel Bash were treated to a last-minute surprise guest.
West Coast Railways Class 47, 47804 was announced just over a week before the event took place.
While the spotlight was very much on the home fleet, the announcement of 47804 created a buzz in the run up to the event which ran over four days from 1 to 4 October.
Thanks to West Coast Railways, 47804 was able to stay on the Railway after accompanying Scots Guardsman to the Steam Gala earlier in the month and appeared alongside the SVR’s immaculate home fleet.
After keeping the Railway running all summer, the SVR diesels deservedly got their flowers; the impressive range of locomotives delighted visitors at an excellently executed gala, which saw an intensive timetable over the whole line.
The style of timetable itself was new for this event and allowed for seven sets of stock and a DMU to be out on the Railway.
Staff at Bewdley were kept very busy keeping the complex operations moving smoothly!
The SVR is in the very privileged position of having a uniquely wide and varied diesel fleet that enabled the Railway to wow visitors without the costs associated of hiring in multiple guests.
Visitor numbers were a little down on previous years, but this was balanced out by an excellent secondary spend.
Feedback has been very positive, with visitors welcoming the opportunity to give the SVR's own fleet the exposure it merits.
The response on social media has also been full of praise for the event, the staff and accessibility of the Railway. Chief executive officer Gus Duster said:
“Our thanks go to all those involved for making this year’s event a success. We have an outstanding diesel fleet and are probably the only heritage line in that UK that would have been able to put on a diesel event of this magnitude, using home locomotives.
“For next year's diesel events, we have two very significant anniversaries to celebrate. More details to come in due course, but rest assured, the SVR will be pulling out all the stops!”
See separate article for hot-off-the-press news about a visitor for the Winter Diesel Day!
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Other News
Dining on the move as the SVR brings catering in-house
Onboard catering is entering a new chapter at the Severn Valley Railway, following the decision to bring dining services back in-house in June.
Led by head chef Graeme Hampton and the onboard dining team, the Railway is developing a premium offer designed to complement the experience of travelling through the Severn Valley.
Breakfasts, afternoon teas, Sunday lunches and fine dining experiences are all part of the expanding programme, with quality, service and regional produce at its heart.
Victoria Evans, head of commercial and customer experience, said the move back in-house had created an opportunity to develop a distinctive offer.
“Bringing onboard dining back in-house has given us the opportunity to really focus on quality, service and the overall customer experience. We are also increasingly using locally sourced produce, including fresh bread delivered daily from a local bakery, and we want to build on those relationships.”
The response from customers has been encouraging, with freshly prepared food and attentive service adding another dimension to their journey.
This was demonstrated during a recent visit by 57 members of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, who enjoyed pastries, coffee and a locally sourced Ploughman's Lunch while travelling through the Valley.
Attention is also turning to the Railway’s buffet service, which remains an important part of the passenger experience. Victoria recently worked aboard the buffet during the Autumn Steam Gala alongside buffet manager Terrie Walton, seeing first-hand how busy the service can be.
“Watching the buffet team during the Autumn Steam Gala really highlighted both the demand for the service and the commitment of the people delivering it,” she said. “With investment in refrigeration and catering equipment, we want to expand the range of products we offer and create further opportunities to grow this important part of the business.”
Looking ahead to 2027, the aim is to expand the onboard catering offer, maintain high standards, champion local suppliers and introduce new dining experiences. Christmas dining trains are already selling strongly, with further experiences planned for next year.
Gift vouchers are available for all dining experiences, while the Railway is also looking to welcome new volunteers to its commercial team.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
The Autumn Steam Gala, through the eyes of a toddler
Branch Lines regular writer Nicky Fox brought her two-year-old daughter to the Steam Gala, and offers this view of the event:
After an unusually hot summer, September brought more typical autumn weather as enthusiasts, families and couples gathered at Kidderminster Town station for the SVR Steam Gala.
Excitement was high as we arrived, though it was difficult to tell whether the Branch Lines Toddler (BLT) or her mother was more eager to begin the day.
A packed service behind 75069 departed to great fanfare, while panniers 7714 and 9681 added to the spectacle.
The platforms were crowded with visitors, photographers and locomotive fans soaking up the atmosphere.
Following the 11.35 departure, the arrival of GWR Collett Class 1450, paired with two GWR autotrailers, provided the perfect opportunity to introduce BLT to the workings of an autotrain.
The coaches were full of interested passengers, many peering through the cab door at the controls while driver Ryan Green became an attraction in his own right.
A keen tunnel enthusiast, BLT particularly enjoyed the dash through Bewdley Tunnel before emerging into the lively atmosphere at Bewdley station.
There, her enthusiasm reached its peak as she loudly declared, “I love trains!” Having seen 1450, Scots Guardsman and the dramatic arrival of the double-headed panniers within a short space of time, her reaction was entirely understandable.
With compartment-sharing common across the Railway, there was a cheerful sense of camaraderie throughout the day.
Each passing train brought renewed excitement, while the crossing with the clanking goods train at Arley proved a particular highlight.
Bridgnorth offered a different feel, less bustling but equally enjoyable.
Visitors crowded the footbridge to watch activity in the yard, while the Railwayman’s Arms was doing brisk business. As a self-confessed digger fan, BLT was fascinated by the front loader coaling locomotives and could happily have watched for much longer.
The return journey to Kidderminster provided yet more sights and sounds. Hampton Loade looked especially appealing, earning a place on the itinerary for a future visit. By now, BLT’s Eye Spy booklet was full of ticks and the family phone was packed with photographs capturing the day’s memories.
A final trip on the autotrain had been planned, but fatigue eventually caught up with the youngest member of the party.
After a day featuring 10 steam locomotives, historic carriages, signal spotting and plenty of waving at photographers, a well-earned nap was inevitable.
Days like this explain why an SVR Steam Gala remains one of the highlights of the UK steam railway calendar.
Through the eyes of a young visitor discovering the magic of steam for the first time, it was a memorable celebration of railway heritage.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
How the SVR’s damp-down train saved the Steam Gala
In the wake of this summer’s abnormally high temperatures, cancellation of the SVR’s popular Autumn Steam Gala was a real possibility without some form of mitigation.
The challenge was how to run an all-steam event without increasing the fire risk across the Severn Valley.
The answer came from the SVR’s Extreme Weather Action Team, which developed the idea of a damp-down train.
The concept was based on a construction industry solution for controlling dust on roads, using a tanker to spray water.
Replace the tanker with a wagon and the tractor with a locomotive and the idea seemed simple. However, the permanent way team had just two weeks to assemble and test the equipment.
An initial plan to use a bogie wagon carrying 12 x 1,000-litre bulk containers proved expensive and unworkable, so the team switched to Plan B: a tanker wagon capable of carrying 22,000 litres.
Operations arranged a flatbed wagon from Highley for the train crew, and the tanker wagon from the freight train at Bewdley.
Both were moved to Kidderminster Carriage & Wagon, where they promptly failed their fitness-to-run exams.
With just one week until the Gala, it was all hands to the pump. The tanker was cleaned out, faulty components refurbished and new parts fitted.
Handrails were installed on the flatbed, while two 550-litre-a-minute water pumps and hoses were completed and fitted to connect the tanker to the pumps and nozzles.
One day before the Gala, the hard work paid off as the damp-down train passed its testing with flying colours.
During the Gala, the train was used to spray identified hotspots presenting a fire risk. Five of its seven planned runs were completed. The only fire during the event occurred late on Sunday afternoon, when the damp-down train was not operating.
Permanent way manager Barry Light said:
“We believe the system worked well and proved it was worth doing. This was not a one-off. The system can be used in future summers, as well as for weed killing and potentially firefighting, so it will be a long-term, multi-purpose asset.
“Thanks to the board of SVRG for providing the funding, and to everyone involved in building and operating the train. Without you, things could have been very different.”
Infrastructure director Antony Bartlam added:
“Thanks to everyone who contributed to getting this project off the ground and into operation in such a short space of time. Without it, there was a real risk that the Gala could have been cancelled or severely curtailed because of the fire risk.
“It’s great to see that the equipment will have future uses too. With the climate changes we are all experiencing, we now have another tool to help maintain services in adverse weather.”
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Commercial contracts benefit the Railway
In addition to its visitor-pleasing heritage activities, the SVR is proud to have strong relationships with mainline operators.
While the Autumn Steam Gala and Diesel Bash might have drawn the spotlight, behind the scenes these commercial partnerships are bringing much needed benefits and income to the Railway.
Balfour Beatty’s Drain Train has arrived on the Railway from Welwyn Garden City and is currently stabled at Highley.
Once a date has been confirmed with Balfour Beatty, the train will be put into operation across the Railway to inspect and treat culverts and drainage systems.
To achieve this task, the SVR has previously hired a lorry and mounted it on a wagon.
However, thanks to the partnership with Balfour Beatty, the use of their specialised equipment will save the SVR in the region of £6-8,000.
The Drain Train’s visit is part of a mutually beneficial partnership with Balfour Beatty, whom the SVR hosted for a corporate day in May.
Earlier this week, on Tuesday, Balfour Beatty hired the Engine House on a corporate basis to deliver their annual 'safety stand down' event for staff.
The SVR is also working with Colas to finalise plans for the commissioning of two new tampers.
Two '08' tamping machines are expected to arrive on the SVR in mid-October. The process of commissioning will involve using all the tampers’ functions to check they work to design standard. This is of course highly beneficial to the SVR, as during their testing process Colas will treat and improve SVR track with free tamping.
Further partnerships include the recent storage of the Romic Group’s ex-GWR HST power cars 43094 and 43122, with the cars departing on 30 September after a month on SVR metals. Finally, a training exercise with a mainline train operating company has been arranged on the SVR for early November for emergency evacuation training. Chief executive officer Gus Dunster said:
“Building our network of partnerships across the rail industry and its supply chain is a key element of our strategic plan to diversify the SVR’s commercial activities. Therefore, it is pleasing to see these latest developments as they benefit the Railway both financially and in engineering terms.”
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
CAMRA Gold Award for King and Castle
The King & Castle at Kidderminster has been listed in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2027 and highlighted as a Gold Award for Pub of the Year!
Every year, CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) publishes what’s considered the definitive guide for to the best drinking establishments in the UK.
Proudly independent, the guide is produced based on the evaluation of its members who assess establishments based on drinks quality, staff knowledge, décor and atmosphere, welcome, and community focus.
Bridgnorth’s Railwayman’s Arms also features in the guide once again and is noted for both its history and the atmosphere and popularity of the platform area.
Commercial and customer experience manager, Nicky Freeman said:
“We’re delighted that the King and Castle and The Railwayman’s Arms have been included in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide 2027. It’s wonderful recognition of the hard work our teams put into creating a welcoming pub and serving a great range of beers. We’re grateful to our customers for their continued support and look forward to raising a glass with them to celebrate.”
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Lord-Lieutenant celebrates the people and future of the SVR
The Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Beatrice Grant, visited the Railway on Friday 25 September, with her Deputy, Charles Moyle, and the Mayor of Kidderminster, Cllr Shazu Miah, to learn about its volunteers, community role and future plans.
The Lord-Lieutenant is His Majesty The King’s Worcestershire representative, who supports and celebrates the contributions of individuals, businesses and organisations across the county.
The group met a range of volunteers and heard first-hand about the opportunities available.
From operational to customer-facing roles, volunteers are at the heart of everything the SVR does.
They also heard about the personal benefits that volunteering can bring, with the Railway providing a sense of community and friendship.
For some, being part of the SVR family can be a genuine lifeline, supporting wellbeing and personal development.
The Lord-Lieutenant said, “It is a privilege to visit and see first-hand how the Railway and its passionate group of volunteers are working together to make a difference.
“The strength and enthusiasm is clear to see. It shows how volunteering can bring people together, and where friendships can be forged. A wonderful afternoon! I cannot wait to take a trip on the Severn Valley Railway very soon.”
Victoria Evans, head of commercial and customer service, added.
“Our volunteers are the lifeblood of the Railway. Their contribution goes far beyond the hours they give us. They bring their skills, experience and enthusiasm and gain so much from being part of the community.
“It was particularly valuable to have the Lord-Lieutenant, her Deputy and the Mayor of Kidderminster here. Volunteering isn’t just about running trains, it’s also about helping to shape the future of the Railway.”
The visit included a tour of the restored 1932 LMS ‘Stove R’ six-wheel passenger brake no. 2886, which was stove-fitted in the 1940s. There was also an opportunity to showcase the SVR’s plans for Kidderminster Town.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
A great day out for H&W Chamber of Commerce
Fifty-seven members of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce visited the SVR for a special activities day, and exclusive tours at Bridgnorth.
The visitors were representing many leading businesses and organisations from the two counties.
Travelling from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth in the Railway’s heritage teak carriages, the guests enjoyed coffee and pastries before arriving at Bridgnorth to start their tours and activities.
They were offered a behind-the-scenes tour of the loco works, to see the craftsmanship, skills and dedication that goes into maintaining a heritage rolling stock.
Many of the visitors visited the Railwayman’s Arms in Bridgnorth before their return to Kidderminster, during which they were served with a ploughman’s lunch, which featured high-quality and local produce.
The food, first-class service and relaxed atmosphere received consistent praise throughout the day.
The SVR’s deputy chairman, Mike Hulme, said, “The event proved to be a tremendous success and showcased our ability to deliver a premium visitor experience.
“It combined heritage, hospitality, beautiful scenery and outstanding catering. We were able to showcase the wide range of opportunities for corporate groups and organisations.
“We were delighted by the positive feedback received and look forward to developing even stronger relationships with businesses across the region.”
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Celebrate the 75th anniversary of heritage rail on board The Volunteer
To celebrate 75 years of heritage rail, the SVR is teaming up with the Heritage Railway Association and the Vintage Trains Charitable Trust, to offer a special commemorative rail tour on Monday 2 November.
The anniversary train, The Volunteer, will celebrate volunteers’ roles in creating the successful sector that exists today and the trip has been designed to evoke memories from the early days of railway preservation when mainline trips behind steam locomotives ventured out to scores of fledgling heritage railways.
Great Western Railway-designed ‘Castle Class’ locomotive No 7029 Clun Castle was one of the heroes of those exciting 1960s rail tours. It is currently celebrating 60 years in preservation itself as the flagship locomotive of Vintage Trains.
The Volunteer is expected to depart Birmingham Snow Hill at approximately 11:30, travelling via Stratford-upon-Avon, where it will make an additional passenger stop, before continuing to Bewdley on the Severn Valley Railway.
An engine change will take place at Bewdley and the train will then move on to Highley, passengers will have time to visit and explore The Engine House, home to an impressive collection of historic locomotives and railway exhibits, before rejoining the train for the return journey to Birmingham Snow Hill, arriving at 20:37. Exact timings for the whole trip will be confirmed closer to the date.
Passengers will be able to choose between Standard Class and First-Class tickets. For those wishing to make the occasion extra special, First-Class travel will include brunch on the outward journey and afternoon tea on the return, providing the perfect accompaniment to a memorable day celebrating 75 years of railway preservation and the people, volunteers and organisations that have made Britain’s heritage railway movement what it is today.
Places are limited, and booking is at: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/event/120472
What's coming up?
Right on track at the O Gauge Get Together
The O Gauge Get Together returns to The Engine House at Highley on the weekend of 17–18 October.
It offers visitors the chance to combine a heritage day-out with a captivating exhibition of model railways, displays, and rare locomotives.
First launched in 2020, the event has gone from strength to strength and is a highlight of the autumn calendar at the Railway.
Organisers have got a great line-up, and visitors can see some wonderful layouts, meet the people who build and run them, browse the trade stands, and of course take in the incredible real-life engines and artefacts that fill The Engine House.
This year’s line-up of model layouts includes Perth South Muir, Grafty Green, Docklands, Swansea Riverside, Wick End, Blowers Green, Boskett Metals Recycling, Easton Mill, The Basin, Oldbury, Bridgnorth diorama and Tank End (in association with the 4566 sales stand).
Plus, there will be more than 15 traders attending the event, with plenty of inspiration if you’re looking for an unusual Christmas gift.
There are also displays, demonstrations, show-exclusive wagon sales and a raffle for the chance to win some great prizes.
The Get Together is one not to be missed and is from 10.45am to 4.30pm (last entry 4pm) on both days.
Advance booking and further information are available at svr.co.uk.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
Bumper Christmas Gift Fayre for The Engine House
You’ll be spoilt for choice at the Christmas Gift Fayre taking place on the weekend of 24 and 25 October at The Engine House, Highley.
A whole host of suppliers will offer a wide range of gifts and products ideal for an unusual gift or stocking filler.
With over 50 stalls nestled among the Engine House locomotives, there will be something for everyone, including hand-crafted items, jewellery, art, books and tempting treats.
Bewdley’s ‘Got 2 Sing’ choir will also be joining visitors on both days, performing classics that will be sure to get you in the festive mood.
The Engine House will be open from 10.45am – 4.30pm (last entry 4pm) each day to ensure you can shop ’til you drop!
Entry to the Christmas Gift Fayre is free, but the best way to get to The Engine House is by heritage train, and you’ll be able to travel by steam- or heritage diesel-locomotive haulage.
More information 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 24 October through to Sunday 1 November.
At The Engine House Visitor Centre, Highley, families can get hands-on sorting mail in the travelling post office and get close to out-of-service locomotives, as well as enjoying lunch on the balcony as trains go by, and visiting the gift shop for some festive gift ideas.
From Monday 26 to Wednesday 28 October, Train Time UK return by popular demand with their giant train-set. Suitable for youngsters, it’s free to take part and is from 11am to 3pm.
The Engine House is open on train operating days from 10.45am to 4.30pm (last entry 4pm).
Further information at svr.co.uk.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
King & Castle Country and Western evening
Saddle-up and get ready for a boot-scootin’, knee-hitchin’ evening of country food, music and dance at the King & Castle on Friday 6 November.
Experience the heart and soul of the country vibe starting with an authentic home-made meal, followed by an evening of toe-tappin’ live music from Kerry-Anne, with dance steps led by instructor Marie Flint.
The evening kicks off at 7pm – and goes on ’til late, and the tickets cost £19.99 for an adult, available at svr.co.uk.
Places are limited, so rope in your friends, kick-up your boots and get ready to strut the night away -yee-haw!
All aboard for frightful fun!
As darkness falls, the SVR’s Ghost Trains will depart from Kidderminster, taking brave passengers on a spine-tingling journey to Arley station.
Expect eerie encounters, ghostly surprises and a hauntingly good time along the way.
The popular annual Ghost and Scream Train services take place on Thursday 29, Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October.
The Halloween-themed adventure starts and ends at Kidderminster.
The station concourse will be decked out for the occasion with some eerie decorations and Disco Daddy will be on hand with some favourite tunes, to help get you in the spirit of Halloween, from 4pm to 9pm.
New this year are visiting street food vendors at Kidderminster.
Each evening Roly Poly Eats are serving up treats including ‘a Nightmare on Chicken Street’, and Smoke and Ash pizza will have some fang-tastic flavours to choose from.
On Thursday 29, Dutch Mini Pancakes will take care of sweet treats; on Friday 30 it’s the turn of Golden Glaze Donuts and Saturday 31 October will be catered for by Becca Cake House.
Once on board the train, hold on tight as the train passes through haunted stations on the way to Arley, the home of the living dead!
It is definitely not for the faint-hearted and remember, beware of trains that go toot in the night….
Please note that 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.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
SVR Stourbridge branch to remember Mike Payne
The next meeting of the SVR Stourbridge Group will be on Wednesday 4 November and will take a slightly different format, in memory of an SVR member who has recently passed away.
David Postle will present a photographic presentation and tribute to the late Mike Payne.
Mike was a long-time member of the Railway and supported the Stourbridge meetings for many years.
Additionally, he was also a life member of the Ffestiniog Railway Society.
The meeting takes place at the Bonded Warehouse, Stourbridge and starts at 7.30pm
Mike was a tremendous LMS fan and appreciated the visit of 45596 Bahamas to the SVR. Chris Dyche
Across the Railway
What’s in the box?
On the SVR’s official YouTube channel, there’s a chance to join the S&T team at Arley as they get to work on routine maintenance of the location cabinets along the line.
But what exactly are these cabinets for? What goes on inside them? And why is regular maintenance so important?
Find out the answers, and see the work that’s needed to keep the Railway operating safely.
Rolling stock
Behind-the-scenes film at the TMD
If you’ve ever wondered what goes on at the Kidderminster Diesel Depot, then look no further.
Join content creator Tom Wellings and the SVR’s cameras as they go behind the scenes at Kidderminster TMD to take a closer look at some of the work currently being carried out, including an in-depth look at an engine rebuild on a Class 50.
You’ll discover just how much hard work goes into preparing for a Diesel event, as duty shed master Bob Dunn explains how all the different pieces of the complicated puzzle come together.
There’s a slice of shunter action as the film explores how everything gets put into place, and finally, the Clayton decides to add a little drama of its own just hours before the big day!
Dedication at Dawn!
Behind the scenes at the Autumn Steam Gala, ingenuity was the order of the day, as Bridgnorth’s volunteer shedmaster Martin White reports:
Did you enjoy the Autumn Steam Gala? I hope so, because the effort that it takes to put on this annual show is immense, not just from MPD but across every department of the SVR.
Despite months of planning, eleventh hour hitches can occur, and this was exemplified this year by the late change to visiting locomotives.
What had been themed as a gala majoring on tank locos of the type that had worked on the line pre-preservation, suddenly became one featuring a GWR heavy freight and LMS express passenger locomotives.
However, once these replacement locos were arranged and delivered at short notice, everything went smoothly, didn’t it?
Well, maybe to our visitors and non-operating departments it did, but in the MPD depots it was a different matter and required the dedication and resourcefulness of paid and volunteer personnel to keep the wheels turning, almost as planned.
Day one started with two locomotive failures. At Bridgnorth, visiting Ivatt 2-6-2 tank 41313 succumbed to some broken rocking grate linkage, which mean that the fire grate couldn’t be secured in the proper position.
Meanwhile at Bewdley, part of the brick arch (within the firebox) of resident saddle tank 813 collapsed. 75069 was used as a replacement for 41313 whilst the linkage was removed and repaired.
813 was also repaired by volunteers at Bewdley using some replacement brick arch sections that were taken to Bewdley on 7714 as part of its diagrammed movement.
This was originally to have been light engine with 4150, but due to the late addition of the fire prevention damp-down train, 7714 formed the tail end of a very unusual consist of 4150, two wagons, and a class 20 diesel, with 7714 at the rear. I expect there were more than few anxious moments for the operations duty officer that morning.
Saturday morning also brought further opportunities to demonstrate ingenuity. Whilst being checked prior to being lit up, pannier tank 9681 from the Dean Forest Railway was found to have fire grate problems, which culminated in a broken fire bar.
There were no spares with the loco, and none of an exact match in the fire-bar store at Bridgnorth, our own pannier, 7714, having a different design of grate.
The willingness and resourcefulness of a small group of shed volunteers resulted in a workable solution, which itself was amazing considering it all happened before 5am!
The dedication of all the staff at Bridgnorth and Bewdley MPDs is commendable.
Especially considering some started their rostered duties well before 4am on all four days, whilst others continued their toil until late at night.
Other departments probably had their issues and challenges to resolve too, but I doubt if they were tackled before dawn, fuelled only by lukewarm tea!
41313 at Bridgnorth MPD. 20 Sept - Duncan Ballard
News from a busy TMD
After recovering from stepping up to run the regular services during the steam ban, the TMD continues to mix regular locomotive maintenance with tending to other less glamorous, but equally valued vehicles, as diesel depot manager Roland Bull reports:
Following a long dry summer which has required a lot of diesel operating to replace steam traction, there was an audible sigh of relief when it rained and steam returned.
All the diesel locos are more reliable when they get periods of continuous use, even if this results in more wear and tear, however the same cannot be said for the people who operate them and the locos appear to have performed better than the crews!
After all this extra use, preparation for the Autumn Diesel Bash was mainly a case of ‘business as usual’ with inspections and routine servicing.
Although some people consider our large locomotive fleet to be modern and new, our youngest is approaching 58 years old and our oldest is 66 years old!
Some of the problems that have arisen are a result of age. Additionally, several of the diesel fleet are unique so, as expected, there have been a few problems with air valves and electrical contacts.
In the run-up to the event, our fingers were crossed, and we were glad not to have the frantic preparations of previous years.
Away from locomotive maintenance, we are fortunate at Kidderminster to own a very rare Ransom Rapier H4 crane.
The crane was built in 1967 and supplied to Bletchley depot in factory blue.
British Railways painted it plant yellow but the SVR team who restored it thought that maroon would be more in keeping with the SVR. Sadly, whilst lifting some DMU bogey parts, the hydraulic oil system failed.
Our insurers have told us that ours is the only one in the UK with an operating ticket, so you can understand why we are both very proud of it and apprehensive as to the nature of the problem.
At the end of August, we were able to get the crane into the TMD so that we could investigate the failure. We were relieved to find that it was a hydraulic hose that had ruptured and not one of the mechanical parts, making a repair possible and expensive rather than extremely difficult and very expensive.
However, it’s not been an easy fix. The hose is the main hydraulic oil return, and it snakes its way around most of the other hydraulic components from the control valves to the oil tank.
Nonetheless, the Rapier has been stripped down and the offending hose removed and replaced.
The hydraulic oil system has been refilled with testing paused to allow the Diesel Traction Group to lift an engine over the Rapier, for transport to the East Lancashire Railway for use in D1041.
Once the Rapier was out of the TMD, rail vehicle work continued. Neil Carter and Keith Bullock can be seen in the accompanying picture painting the yellow front of the DMU.
Click on the gallery for larger images and descriptions.
People
Meet the SVR’s new fundraising manager
The Severn Valley Railway Society has welcomed Caia Bryant-Griffiths as its new fundraising manager.
Caia brings a strong background in charity management and funding development, as well as a lifelong enthusiasm for steam railways.
"I've been a railway enthusiast since childhood," says Caia. "My family visited many heritage railways over the years, and the Severn Valley Railway was a particular favourite. Our family business producing railway prints was based on Stanmore Industrial Estate in Bridgnorth, so we were regular visitors."
In her new role, Caia will focus on increasing fundraising income to support the long-term future of the Railway.
Working part-time, she is keen to build a team of volunteers who can help develop new fundraising opportunities and strengthen existing relationships.
"One of my key priorities is increasing support from local and regional businesses," she explains. "We're already fortunate to have strong connections with many organisations that have supported or supplied the Railway over the years. I'd love to hear from anyone who can help introduce new contacts, identify sponsorship opportunities, or assist in developing relationships with potential corporate partners."
Caia is also keen to explore fundraising challenges and events that engage supporters while raising vital funds.
"I've seen first-hand how successful challenge events can be," she says. "At my previous charity, I completed a fundraising trek in the Himalayas and made some wonderful friends along the way. It would be fantastic to develop similar opportunities for SVR supporters, whether that's sponsored walks, cycle rides, marathons, skydives, or something completely different."
Alongside challenge events, Caia is eager to hear from people interested in helping organise more-traditional fundraising activities.
"Coffee mornings, raffles, auctions, dinner dances and charity balls all have the potential to bring people together while supporting the Railway. Just as importantly, I'm keen to hear fresh ideas from our volunteers and supporters."
Looking ahead, Caia hopes to establish volunteer groups focused on corporate relations, fundraising challenges and fundraising events.
"This is a big role, and fundraising works best when lots of people contribute their skills, contacts and ideas," she says. "Together, we can make a real difference to the future of the Railway."
Anyone interested in getting involved, or who has fundraising ideas to share, can contact Caia at caia.bryant@svrlive.com. Please note that her normal working days are Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
SVRS's new fundraising manager, Caia Bryant-Griffiths
v1 8th October 2026
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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.