The Erlestoke Manor Fund
The Erlestoke Manor Fund ("EMF") was established in 1973 and now owns three locomotives, GWR 7812 Erlestoke Manor, GWR 7802 Bradley Manor and GWR Large Prairie 5164.
History[edit | edit source]
In early 1973 a group of enthusiasts made several visits to Barry Scrapyard to select a suitable locomotive to be restored in conjunction with the then recently formed Dean Forest Railway Preservation Society. Their investigations suggested that ex-GWR 7812 Erlestoke Manor was in good order, and the locomotive was reserved at a meeting with Dai Woodham in February 1973.[1] The Erlestoke Manor Fund was then immediately established and began to raise funds. It proved impossible to avoid the cost increase resulting from the introduction of VAT on 31 March that year, but with the help of a public appeal in the press on April 1793, the first of several sponsored walks in June and a bank loan for around half the remaining cost, the locomotive was acquired on 28 June 1973, thereby avoiding a further cost increase due to the de-control of scrap metal prices on 1 July that year.[2]
With insufficient room at Parkend on the DFR, a temporary home for 7812 was agreed at the now-closed Dowty R.P.S. preservation site at Ashchurch near Tewkesbury. The locomotive was moved from Barry to Parkend on 18 May 1974, together with GWR Large Prairie 4150. After an open day there, 7812 continued to Ashchurch two days later.[3]
Fund raising continued, with the EMF organising its first rail tour, "The North Yorkshireman" from Bristol Temple Meads to Scarborough on 8 June 1974.[note 1] However following uncertainty of BR's plans at Parkend, a referendum of the Fund's members expressed the wish for the locomotive to be based at an operational line with main line access. The Severn Valley Railway was eventually selected, the choice confirmed by a second referendum.[4] The EMF's vehicles moved to the SVR on 23 April 1976. Restoration of 7812 at Bewdley was completed during 1979 with the locomotive formally entering service in 1980.
The EMF acquired a second locomotive from Barry, 7802 Bradley Manor, which arrived on the SVR on 28 November 1979 and was intended only as a source of spares for 7812.[note 2] Second thoughts brought about a start to restoration in 1983, which was completed in April 1993.
In July 2020 the EMF announced it was in discussion with The 5164 Preservation Group and the SVR regarding the proposed transfer of 5164 to the EMF, subject to the existing SVR locomotive agreement being transferred to the Fund.[5] In June 2021 all parties agreed the formal transfer agreement.[6] The transfer of ownership for a nominal sum was completed in November 2021.[7] In July 2022 the EMF announced the launch of an appeal to raise funds to return 5164 to service[8].
Structure, Objects and membership[edit | edit source]
Structure[edit | edit source]
The EMF began as an unincorporated body, constituted with a Management Committee as Trustees of the Fund and the Fund's locomotives and assets. Membership was conferred on those subscribing the minimum holding of non-transferable shares, entitling the member to part-ownership of the Fund's locomotives.
On 10 May 2018 the Fund became a charitable community benefit society, registered (no. 7765) on the Mutuals Public Register of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.[9] It has a bespoke constitution agreed with the FCA, a corporate structure to limit the liability of trustees and members, but one that reflects the constitution, is tax efficient and still allows members to continue as shareholders.[10]
Objects and membership[edit | edit source]
In November 2021 the EMF Trustees began a Shareholder Consultation, noting that In order to start fund-raising and commit expenditure to the overhaul of 5164, we wish to amend the Fund's Objects to include reference to this locomotive, alongside the Manor Class locomotives already in our ownership. In January 2022 the Trustees announced that the EMF Shareholders had voted unanimously in favour and that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) had approved the change to the Fund's charitable objectives[11]. These are:
- ..for the benefit of the community, to advance education and learning in relation to heritage steam locomotives in particular by restoring, preserving, maintaining and operating the former Great Western Railway “Manor” class 4-6-0 Locomotives No 7812 “Erlestoke Manor” and No 7802 “Bradley Manor” and 5101 class 2-6-2T Large Prairie No 5164 in an authentic livery in full working order for as long as possible.'[12][11]
The EMF has around 438 members with share capital of £125,124. Any surpluses are re-invested to further the objectives of the Fund and the heritage preservation movement.[13] The Fund publishes half-yearly newsletters and arranges shareholders’ events, including driving experience and special trains.
Sales coaches[edit | edit source]
A fund member acquired LNER 4236 Gangwayed Passenger Brake to be fitted out as a sales van and store, which arrived on the SVR in April 1975. LNER 24105 Open Third was utilised as the sales coach from 1980. The current sales coach is situated adjacent to the buffet and car park at Bewdley and located in BR General Utility Van GUV 86105. It is normally open at weekends during the operating season.
Vehicles owned[edit | edit source]
The Fund owns locomotives GWR 7802 Bradley Manor, 7812 Erlestoke Manor and GWR Large Prairie 5164, plus other rolling stock as shown below.
As of November 2024[update] the EMF has confirmed that:[14]
- 7812 Erlestoke Manor will be based at the SVR until May 2025. The EMF has agreed with the SVR and the West Somerset Railway that it will then remain on loan to the WSR until the end of 2027.
- 7802 Bradley Manor will shortly return from a major overhaul at Tylseley Locomotive works including fitting of a new cylinder block. It will then be based at the SVR. The locomotive will initially run with the tender from 2857 while construction of a new tender T2329 is completed at Tyseley.
- Large Prairie 5164 is awaiting overhaul but currently in storage at Tyseley while the EMF focuses on completion of 7802 and the new build tender.
See also[edit | edit source]
- List of preservation groups
- Charities associated with the SVR
- Rolling stock owned by The Erlestoke Manor Fund
- Shops and sales coaches on the SVR
Notes[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Other rail tours organised by the EMF comprised "The Lakes Express" (26 April 1975), "The Whitby Flyer" (4 October 1975), "The Yorkshire Dalesman" (15 May 1976) and "The Man of Kent" (25 September 1976)
- ↑ By 1979 the SVR was not accepting further locomotives for restoration and 7802 was only allowed on the railway on condition it was to be dismantled for spares.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Blencoe (1979) p. 11.
- ↑ Blencoe (1979) p. 11.
- ↑ Blencoe (1979) p. 15.
- ↑ Life Begins at Forty, pp. 18-20.
- ↑ EMF announcement (retrieved 29 July 2020)
- ↑ SVR News 215, Autumn 2021, p. 37
- ↑ EMF Newsletter no 78, November 2021
- ↑ EMF: The Big "Large Prairie" Appeal – Returning 5164 to service (retrieved 1 August 2022)
- ↑ Mutuals Public Register of the Financial Conduct Authority (Retrieved 10 November 2018)
- ↑ Express Points November 2018
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 EMF Announcement (retrieved 19 January 2022)
- ↑ EMF Web site 'Our Goals and Objectives' page
- ↑ EMF Annual Report ending 28 February 2024, via the Mutuals Public Register
- ↑ EMF Newsletter 84, October 2024