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*On 23 June relaxations were allowed on social distancing, and opening of pubs from 4 July.
*On 17 July further relaxations were announced to allow use of public transport and, effective 1 August, updated advice on going to work, and opening most remaining leisure settings, with appropriate social distancing<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53441912 'Coronavirus: Boris Johnson sets out plan for 'significant normality' by Christmas', BBC News, 17 July 2020] (Retrieved 17 July 2020)</ref>.
*On 31 July the following day's relaxed restrictions were withdrawn following an increase in cases, leading to fears of a 'second wave'. The SVR's reopening was not affected.
===Timeline of events on the SVR===
*On 23 June it announced that the King and Castle Pub at Kidderminster would reopen on 4 July.<ref>[https://www.svr.co.uk/NewsItem.aspx?a=927 SVR website]</ref> Three days later it announced that the Railwayman's Arms at Bridgnorth would also open on 4 July<ref>[https://www.svr.co.uk/NewsItem.aspx?a=928 SVR website]</ref>.
*On 2 July the services were announced for trains from August: travel on set services at specific times from Kidderminster or Bridgnorth; tickets only for compartments purchased in advance (no tickets on the day), and travel in pre-booked compartments accommodating a maximum of six people, reserved for the visitor's exclusive use all day.
*From 3 July subscribers to the SVR’s [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoaT_geZ6GwRscQgOlchh_w YouTube channel] were treated to a series of 'SVR Comeback' behind the scenes videos showing the build up to the reopening to passengers.
*On 15 July the SVR announced the award of £250,000 grant from The [[:Category:Lottery funding#National_Lottery_Heritage_Fund|National Lottery Heritage Emergency Fund]], the maximum amount possible under this emergency scheme<ref>[https://www.shropshirestar.com/entertainment/attractions/2020/07/15/severn-valley-railway-receives-250000-funding-boost-ahead-of-reopening/ Smith, R., 'Severn Valley Railway receives £250,000 funding boost ahead of reopening', Shropshire Star, 15 July 2020] (Retrieved 15 July 2020)</ref>.
*On 23 July the Railway's gala management advisory group took the decision to cancel the [[Autumn Steam Gala]] and Autumn Diesel Gala as there seemed little prospect of being able to mount safe and financially viable events that would appeal to a gala audience.
*On 27 July three days of test running started, with staff and volunteers as passengers to test operations prior to the public restart.
==Effects on the SVR==
The SVR also announced it would not be able "to make our crucial annual investment into the Railway. This amounts to £4.5million, and funds essential restorations to our infrastructure and rolling stock, along with apprentice training and a desperately needed overhaul of our IT infrastructure"<ref>[https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2020/04/severn-valley-railway-future-safe-as-416000-raised-in-appeal.html? Holden, M., Rail Advent 17 April 2020] (Retrieved 18 April 2020)</ref>.
The Railway could lose up to £6 million income in 2020.<ref>[https://www.shropshirestar.com/entertainment/attractions/2020/06/11/severn-valley-railway-to-reopen-in-august/ Shropshire Star 11 June 2020] (Retrieved 21 June 2020)</ref> It successfully applied to HSBC for a £1.5 million loan under the CBILS scheme, which alongside its existing overdraft facility would mean £3 million available. The SVR Charitable Trust applied for won a [[:Category:Lottery funding|National Lottery Heritage Fund]] grant to support the reopening of the Railway.<refname="blaug20">[https://www.svrlive.com/epjun20 Express Pointsblaug20 Branch Lines, June August 2020]</ref> With the intervention rate for furlough payments dropping from 1 August 2020 the SVR made up to 40 roles redundant among salaried and zero hours staff who were unable to return to their previous roles, and for whom the Railway was unable to find alternative employment<ref name="blaug20"/>.
==See also==
