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The SVR Charitable Trust has announced the appointment of Kidderminster solicitor Peter Copsey to its Board of Trustees. A partner in the Company Commercial Division at mfg Solicitors LLP, Peter brings many years of business and charity experience. He explains that his enthusiasm for heritage rail stretches back to the early 1970s:

 

“I first travelled on the Severn Valley Railway with my father, just a few years after it had been rescued it from obscurity by a wonderful and pioneering group of enthusiasts. I was about to commence a law degree at University College London, and I was feeling rather wistful about leaving Worcestershire. Since I came back to the area in 1976, I have travelled on the SVR every single year, first with children and then with grandchildren. It’s been a constant in my life for more than four decades.”

 

After graduating in law, Peter served his articles in the Black Country and qualified as a solicitor in 1979. He later joined MFG, where he became a partner in 1986.

 

Welcoming Peter to the Board of Trustees, Director of Development Shelagh Paterson commended Peter’s suitability as a new member:

 

“Peter has an infectious enthusiasm for life, and his background in commercial law will greatly strengthen the experience base of our Board. This is a perfect time for him to join us, as the Charitable Trust expands and plays an increasing important role in securing the long-term future of the Railway. Peter’s company mfg Solicitors is one of our key supporters, not only as the main sponsor of our fundraising Race Day in Worcester earlier this year, but also as a leading member of our Corporate Partnership Club.”

 

Peter has a wealth of previous charity experience; he’s actively involved with six separate Building Preservation Trusts including Hartlebury Castle’s. He’s looking forward to playing his part at the Railway:

 

“We should not underestimate the importance of the SVR to our local economy, bringing in 250,000 visitors to the area every year. Whilst I don’t claim any level of practical engineering knowledge, I am a heritage railway enthusiast and want to do everything I can to ensure this wonderful piece of our history continues for future generations to experience.”

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Shelagh Paterson Director of Development

Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust