Background image - Lambton Hetton & Joicey Colleries (LH&JC) 0-6-2T number 29, built in 1904 by Kitson of Leeds for the collery company, is seen with excursion carriages during Severn Valley Railway's Spring Steam Gala - Apr 2024 Lewis Maddox.
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There are a huge number of heritage railways in Britain and most of them seem to hold, at least yearly, a Gala (pronounce that GAW-law) to showcase their equipment and draw visitors. Typically these Galas are steam or diesel only, or sometimes both together.
The Severn Valley Railway is no slouch when it comes to putting on one of these Galas. This year they ran one for four days from 18-21 April 2024. While it would have been great to attend this event, that wasn't possible this year, it being just too far and too expensive for a visit from Canada.
However, you could have participated from your armchair thanks to web cameras and the internet. The weather was overcast with slight drizzles the first couple of days but the sun popped out on Saturday. My armchair stayed nice and dry while grabbing webcam screen captures on Saturday the 20th. You can view the results below along with a description and timetables for their Spring Gala 2024 stolen from the Severn Valley Railway website. | |
SPRING STEAM GALA 2024
Thursday, 18 Apr 2024 – Sunday, 21 Apr 2024
Starring 72 "Fenchurch", Lambton Tank 29, and Pannier Tank 1369, don't miss our four-day festival of steam! Appearing alongside the visiting locomotives, we welcome back Stanier Mogul 13268 in LMS lined black livery bearing its original number, and the SVR's flagship locomotive, 4930 "Hagley Hall". 21C127 "Taw Valley" also makes a temporary return to service to cover for the non-appearance of 6880 "Betton Grange". What to expect at the Spring Steam Gala? Up to 9 majestic steam locomotives will be in service, operating a busy timetable. If you and your family love steam, this is the place to be! Ride behind as many engines as you can, visit The Engine House at Highley to break your day, and get off the train at our hidden gem, Eardington Station, only open during special events. Perfect for those young and old, experience the Severn Valley at its steamiest!
The Stars of the Show:
- 72 - "Fenchurch", 1872 built Terrier an antique of the Victorian era;
- 29 - 1904 built Lambton Tank a small but powerful locomotive;
- 1369 - 1934 built Pannier Tank surprise final visiting engine;
- 60532 - "Blue Peter" 1948 built LNER A2 Pacific on static display at Kidderminster Station;
- 13268 - 1934 built Stanier Mogul appearing for the first time in 1930s condition;
- 21C127 - "Taw Valley" 1946 built Bulleid Pacific the largest locomotive at the Gala.
The home fleet of locomotives will include, 4930 "Hagley Hall", 7812 "Erlestoke Manor", 7714, and 75069.
On Thursday, numbers 29, 13268, and 75069 haul passenger trains over the full length of the line. 1369 will work local services between Bridgnorth and Highley, stopping at Eardington Station, paired with the GWR top lights. 7812 "Erlestoke Manor" working a pick-up goods between Kidderminster and Highley. For one day only, 13268 will be paired with a nine coach LMS carriage set, as well as the Stove R.
On Friday and Saturday, 4930 "Hagley Hall", 21C127 "Taw Valley", 7812 "Erlestoke Manor", 75069 and 13268 haul passenger trains over the full length of the line. 29 and 1369 working local services and goods trains at the south end of the line, joined by the Class 108 DMU. The goods train making one evening trip to Bridgnorth each day. 72 "Fenchurch" works local services at the north end of the line, stopping at Eardington Station.
On Sunday, 7714 and 1369 double-head, 4930 "Hagley Hall", 21C127 "Taw Valley", 7812 "Erlestoke Manor" and 13268 haul passenger trains over the full length of the line. 29 works local services at the south end of the line, joined by the Class 108 DMU. 72 "Fenchurch" works local services at the north end of the line, stopping at Eardington Station.
✱✱ Kidderminster Sunday, 21 Apr 2024 ✱✱
For those visiting the Spring Steam Gala on Sunday, 21 Apr 2024, please check your route if you are planning to start your day at Kidderminster Station. There will be rolling road closures in Kidderminster including the Ring Road and Comberton Hill between 09:30 and 13:30 for the St. George's Day parade. Access to the station will be maintained from Chester Road and down Comberton Hill.
Additional attractions:
Trains stop at Eardington Station, the hidden gem of the SVR. The Severn Valley Venturer will be providing takeaway hot baps and hot drinks service on Saturday and Sunday on the 08:25 and 13:10 from Bridgnorth and 11:23 and 15:25 from Kidderminster. The Travelling Tavern will be on selected services from Friday to Sunday. The Engine House at Highley will have an extra bar and BBQ. Non-stop expresses, goods trains, and double-headers in operation. At the Gala you may spot the newest vehicles on the UK rail network during your visit. These are two Colas Rail track tamping machines which are on the railway for commissioning and staff training.
Locomotive Directions:
Facing Bridgnorth are 72 "Fenchurch", 4930 "Hagley Hall", 7812 "Erlestoke Manor", and 75069. Facing Kidderminster are 29, 1369, 7713, 13268, and 21C127 "Taw Valley". Working timetable booklets can be purchased on the day from Kidderminster, Bewdley, or Bridgnorth Booking Offices for £7.50 while stocks last.
Ticketing Information:
Day Rovers are the only ticket type available, short journey and single tickets are not available. Passengers can occupy 1st class seats without being charged a supplement. SVR Shareholder and working members passes are valid. SVR Member discounts are available. SVR Unlimited Pass upgrades payable are: Large Family (2 adults and 4 children) £35.00 Small Family (1 adult and 2 children) £25.00 Adults: £17.50 Children (age 4-17) £12.00 Disabled person and carer £30.00 Ex-British Rail, London Transport Staff, Train Operating Companies Staff, Network Railway Staff Private Travel Passes and Heritage Railway Association Inter-Rail Passes are not valid. Reciprocal Travel Scheme, on producing a valid Staff Pass from a Railway in our Reciprocal Travel Scheme, you are entitled to travel at the SVR Member Rate. Only available from the Booking Office on the day of your visit.Facilities along the line:
Bridgnorth - Refreshment Room Serves hot and cold food, snacks, and drinks. Open Thursday 09:00-17:00, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 08:30-17:30. Railwayman's Arms Licensed bar with extensive range of real ales and cider, soft drinks, tea, coffee and light snacks open Thursday 10:00-21:00, Friday and Saturday 10:00-23:00, Sunday 10:00-21:00. Gift shop open Thursday 09:00-18:00, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 07:30-18:30.
Hampton Loade - Refreshment Kiosk, hot and cold drinks, plus snacks and ice cream. Open Thursday 10:00-18:00, Friday and Saturday 10:00-22:00, Sunday 10:00-18:00. Station fund shop books, railwayana, and model railways open 11:00-17:00 Thursday, 10:00-18:00 Friday and Saturday, 10:00-17:00 Sunday. The Paddock Railway model layout in the station grounds is open each day 10:00-14:00, weather permitting.
Highley - The Refreshment Kiosk Sells drinks and snacks including bacon baps. Open each day 10:00-18:00.
The Engine House - Opens Thursday, 09:30-17:30 with the last admission at 17:00. Friday and Saturday, 08:30–18:00 with the last admission at 17:30. Sunday 08:30–17:30 with the last admission at 17:00. The Engine House Visitor Centre cafe serves hot and cold food and drinks and is open Thursday, 09:30–17:00, Friday and Saturday, 08:30–17:30, Sunday 08:–17:00. Gift Shop opens Thursday, 09:30–17:30, Friday and Saturday, 08:30–18:00, Sunday, 08:30–17:30. BBQ and Bar open 11:00–15:00.
Arley - The Refreshment Kiosk has Hot and cold food, drinks, and ice cream. It opens each day from 10:00-17:00 with an earlier start for breakfast sandwiches on the Friday and Saturday mornings.
Bewdley - Refreshment Room serves Hot and cold breakfast and lunches. Hot food is served until 14:00. Open 08:00-16:00 Thursday to Sunday, subject to volunteer availability. Bewdley Station Fund Shop has SVR-themed items, local ice cream, other produce, and children's gifts. Open each day 10:00-18:00. A Bewdley Station Beer Tent sells a range of beers, ciders, wines, spirits, hot drinks, soft drinks, and a limited range of snacks. Open 10:00-18:00 Thursday and Sunday and 10:00-22:00 Friday and Saturday.
Kidderminster - The Valley Suite Serves hot and cold food plus drinks. It opens Thursday, 08:00-18:00, Friday and Saturday, 07:00–18:00, Sunday 07:00–17:00. The King & Castle Licensed bar with an extensive range of real ales and cider, soft drinks, tea, coffee and hot or cold meals and snacks opens Thursday, 11:–21:00, Friday and Saturday, 11:00-23:59, Sunday, 11:00–21:00. The Gift Shop opens each day 08:00-18:00. Kidderminster Railway Museum Including the cafe serving hot and cold snacks and drinks is open Thursday, 09:30-19:30, Friday and Saturday, 09:30-21:00 and Sunday, 09:30-19:30. The Coalyard Miniature Railway offers rides on Thursday from 12:30–17:30, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 12:00-17:30.
The Severn Valley Venturer - will provide takeaway hot baps and hot drinks service Saturday and Sunday on the following trains, 08:25 and 13:10 from Bridgnorth, 11:23 and 15:25 from Kidderminster. Bacon or sausage baps (with vegan sausage available) cost £5.00 on the first round trip, along with cup of soup, bread roll, and butter portion for £3.00. The second round trip will include a BBQ pulled pork bap for £7.00. Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are also available. The Travelling Tavern will be available on multiple services, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday - Severn Valley Railway. | |
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12 Feb 2021 - Severn Valley Loco Makes Emergency Stop to Avoid Trespasser Set to Climb Off Edge of Bridge
23 Apr 2021 - British Heritage Railway to Convert Diesel Shunter to Hydrogen Traction
13 Aug 2021 - New Cameras Installed on Severn Valley Railway
27 Nov 2021 - Kidderminster's Severn Valley Railway Pub The King and Castle is Unpretentious
9 Feb 2022 - Severn Valley Steam Train to Get Makeover for Queen's Jubilee
20 Mar 2022 - Severn Valley Railway Service Changes to Save Coal Amid Conflict
21 Apr 2022 - Model of Severn Valley Railway's Purple Jubilee Loco Sells Out Within Hours
6 Sep 2022 - Severn Valley Railway Engine Shed Reopens in Bridgnorth After £475,000 Revamp
12 Jan 2023 - Severn Valley Railway Announces Voluntary Redundancies as Visitor Numbers Fall and Bills Soar
23 Apr 2023 - Historic Train Carriages Are Taken Out of Service Because Gen Z Passengers Can't Work Out How to Open the Doors
1 Oct 2023 - Severn Valley Railway to Host Model Railway Event at Highley
21 Jan 2024 - Work Begins on Next Phase of Severn Valley Railway's Project to Revamp its Yard
26 Mar 2024 - Severn Valley Railway Locomotive is Steaming Back With a New Look and Number
10 Apr 2024 - Anticipated Locomotive to Miss Railway Spring Steam Gala
22 Apr 2024 - Volunteers Heartbroken at Heritage Railway Break-In | |
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2020
Sannox Press.
Paperback.
222 pages
12.85 x 19.84 cm
$16.98 Amazon.
Since the Severn Valley Railway was first reopened from Bridgnorth to Hampton Loade by a group of dedicated volunteers in 1970, it has brought joy to countless rail enthusiasts and visitors. This richly illustrated history tells the story from the very beginning as an independent railway in 1862, through the Great Western and British Rail periods and the closure of the line in 1963, followed by its triumphant reopening as a preserved line, all the way up to the modern day. Along the way we learn about a cast of fascinating characters, the role of the railways in the war, and even two separate power struggles that belie the quiet, perhaps even quaint nature of this quintessential country branch line.
A search of Amazon for SVR railway books found 34 titles, far too many to repeat here. Use this link to Amazon to see all their Severn Valley Railway books
British Columbia Canada
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