Nick Ralls
Nick Ralls joined the SVR as General Manager of both SVR(H) and the Guarantee Company on 25 June 2007. The previous incumbent Colin Binch was succeeded by an Executive Committee of Roger Smith, Mike Ball and Tony Bending until Mr Ralls started. He was succeeded by Helen Smith.
Prior to the SVR[edit | edit source]
Previously he was Curator/Manager of Aston Hall in Birmingham, part of Birmingham Museums Service. Before this, he carried out a similar role at Rufford Old Hall in Lancashire for the National Trust, working as Property Manager. He worked in the heritage and volunteer sector since 1997, having qualified with a Masters Degree in Museum Studies from Leicester University.[1]
At the SVR[edit | edit source]
The new GM’s arrival would be less than one week after the worst event in SVR history, the 2007 Storm Damage.[2]. He oversaw the huge rebuilding and restoration operation that followed, which attracted a number of awards. During his tenure the SVR opened The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley, the Diesel Depot and enhanced visitor facilities at Bridgnorth with a refreshment room in authentic GWR period style and much improved parking provision. It established the Heritage Skills Training Academy.
Other roles in the SVR[edit | edit source]
He is a volunteer guard.
Departure[edit | edit source]
In 2019 Mr Ralls resigned to join the Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust as chief executive, to return to the museum sector.[3] In December 2024 Vintage Trains Charitable Trust announced that he was to be appointed as Managing Director of Vintage Trains from 1st February 2025.[4]