SVR Apprentices
The SVR Apprentices was originally known as the SVR Junior Club, although it is still sometimes referred to by the earlier name. The Club enables youngsters who are interested in railways to apply to join in various activities. The railway provides the Ambulance coach in Bewdley Down Yard as a mess coach and Club Room.[1]
It should not be confused with the Heritage Skills Training Academy which offers formal Apprenticeships to the over 16s.
The Junior Club has been the initial stepping-stone for many of the younger current SVR volunteers, enough in total to run the railway as was demonstrated during 'Don's Day' in August 2015. The Club supervisors are SVR members have some railway knowledge who work with the youngsters on a regular basis and in all weather conditions, and hold an enhanced DBS.
As the SVR Junior Club it has a small shareholding in Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) PLC.
Contents
Early History
The SVR Junior Club was formed in 1990 with a launch weekend being held on the 7-8 July. The club was originally for 8-13 year olds, and the club mascot was ‘Jimmy the Jinty’.[2]
In 1991 the Club organised a memorial train to raise funds for the Blue Peter Romanian appeal. Another charity train ran on 16 May 1992 in memory of David Williams, a former SVR TTI and treasurer of the Club who had passed away in March 1992.[3]
From 1995, new insurance and health and safety regulations were introduced which prevented children under 14 from working on the railway. The Club was split into two sections, ‘Jinties’ aged 8 and under and ‘Apprentices’ aged 9-13. In 1996 the Apprentices first dressed in animal character costumes as part of that year’s Santa Special services.[4] As a thank you, traditionally the Club organised a get together early in January, with food prepared by the senior supervisors. The buffet lunch is rounded off with suitably educational railway films.[5]
By 2007 the ‘Junior Apprentice Club’ members’ ages ranged from 10-14[6].
Before the (COVID-19) pandemic it was organised in two groups, those aged 11 to 12 and those aged 13. It was limited to eight in the younger group and six in the older to work safely and allow the Volunteer Liaison Office to place the 14 year olds in the limited places available for senior apprentices, although this could lead to a long waiting list[7].
Current organisation
The Club was suspended during the pandemic. In 2022 a series of appeals were made for new volunteers to take over from the ageing committee.[8] The club was relaunched in late 2022, again for 11-14 year olds.[9][10][11]
Social activities continue and Apprentices assist with Santa Special services, though no longer in animal character costumes.
Projects
Club members assist with the Coalyard Miniature Railway. The Club also joins other members on the SVR stand attending Warley National Model Railway Exhibition.
In early years they took part in working parties involved in restoring Northwood Halt. Other projects in which SVR Apprentices have been involved include GWR 4930 Hagley Hall, Barry Railway Carriage 163, LNER 24506 Brake Third and LNER 52255 Open Third.
See also
References
- ↑ SVR News 113
- ↑ SVR News 95
- ↑ SVR News 103
- ↑ SVR News 122
- ↑ SVRLive (Retrieved 11 October 2018)
- ↑ SVR News 157
- ↑ SVR VLO website
- ↑ SVR News 219 Autumn 2022
- ↑ SVR News 220
- ↑ [https://www.svrlive.com/blnov22 Branch Lines November 2022
- ↑ [https://www.svrlive.com/bldec22 Branch Lines December 2022