Severn Valley Railway Company Limited
Severn Valley Railway Company Limited is a Company Limited by Guarantee. The Company was formed in May 1967 to negotiate the purchase of the line between Bridgnorth and Alveley Sidings, and to obtain the Light Railway Order to operate the first section of line between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade.
The next stages of development, including purchase of the line to Foley Park and Kidderminster, required substantial investment. A Public Company with a Share Capital was considered a more suitable vehicle for this, leading to the formation of Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) Ltd. ("SVRSevern Valley Railway(H)") in March 1972.
Although it no longer owns the line, Severn Valley Railway Company Limited (often referred to as "the Guarantee Company”) is still an active part of the Severn Valley Railway. It remains as the SVRSevern Valley Railway’s membership arm and provides volunteer staff to operate the railway (all volunteers must be members). The SVRSevern Valley Railway has around 13,000 members and membership is by subscription. Members receive preferential rates of travel.
The Guarantee Company maintains a shareholding of approximately 25% of SVRSevern Valley Railway(H).
It publishes Severn Valley Railway News, a quarterly magazine, free to members.
In October 2015 the activities of the Severn Valley Railway Association were merged into the Guarantee Company.
