SVR Apprentices
The SVR Apprentices was originally known as the SVR Junior Club, although it is still sometimes referred to by the earlier name. It should not be confused with the Heritage Skills Training Academy which offers formal Apprenticeships to the over 16s.
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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’.[1]
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.[2]
In the early years, Club members were involved with the Coalyard Miniature Railway and took part in working parties involved in restoring Northwood Halt. However 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. The railway provided the Ambulance coach for use as a Club Room.[3] Social activities continued, and in 1996 the Apprentices first dressed in animal character costumes as part of that year’s Santa Special services.[4]
By 2007 the ‘Junior Apprentice Club’ members’ ages ranged from 10-14[5].
Current organisation
The Club enables youngsters aged 11 to 13 inclusive who are interested in railways to apply to join in various activities. It is organised in two groups, those aged 11 to 12 and those aged 13. It is limited to 8 in the younger group and 6 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 can lead to a long waiting list.[6] 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. It uses GWR 5804 Brake Third in Bewdley Down Yard as a mess coach. 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.
Another "Don's Day" is planned for 2020, the 30th Anniversary of the Junior Club.[7]
As the SVR Junior Club it has a small shareholding in Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) PLC.
Recent 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. The Club also join other members on the SVR stand attending Warley National Model Railway Exhibition. Apprentices each year dress in animal character costumes to entertain waiting youngsters on each Saturday and Sunday of Santa Special services. As a thank you, traditionally the Club organises a get together early in January, with food prepared by the senior supervisors. The buffet lunch is rounded off with suitably educational railway films.[8]