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*July '''June 1965''':On Friday 25 June 1965, the 'Kidderminster Shuttle' reported that BR had withdrawn the 8.30am 'Cathedrals Express' service from Kidderminster to London. Keith Beddoes, a local railway enthusiast, discussed this with a group of colleagues at work. The subject changed to the attempts to reopen part of the Bluebell line, and Beddoes suggested that the same could be done here.<ref name=MagnerBeddoes>[[Bibliography#Books|Magner (1997)]], pp 60-64, "Personal memories of Mr Keith Beddoes"</ref> : A Letters were written to the local press over that weekend, and on Monday they responded, suggesting a meeting . This took place at the house of [[Tony Tuite]], a group colleague of railway enthusiasts is held at Beddoes, on the Cooper’s evening of Tuesday 29 June. Those present decided to organise a public meeting and arrangements to advertise this were put in hand<ref name=MagnerBeddoes/>. '''July 1965'''[[File: The Coopers Arms , Canterbury Road, Kidderminster - geograph.org.uk - 1113269.jpg |thumb|300px|right| The Coopers Arms (Geograph)]]:The formation of the Severn Valley Railway in Kidderminster preservation officially began on 6 July to discuss 1965. The public meeting proposed by Keith Beddoes took place at the Coopers Arms in Kidderminster, attended by around 50 people. ::Three possible locations were considered for the potential preserved railway, and the meeting spent some time discussing the feasibility merits of preserving these. It was not considered feasible to use a section of the former GWR [[Wyre Forest Line | Tenbury Branch]] between [[Bewdley]] and [[Wyre Forest Line#Cleobury Mortimer | Cleobury Mortimer]] as BR were still using Bewdley station at that time and could not grant access. The [[Cleobury Mortimer and Ditton Priors Light Railway]] was also deemed unsuitable because of its remoteness and the relatively light axle load limits of the light railway. The Severn Valley Railway between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade was therefore chosen. ::Those present agreed to form the [[Severn Valley Railway which Society]] (“the Society”). A committee of 8 was appointed, and the initial membership subscription was closed by British Railways proposed as £1, but eventually set at 1 guinea (BR£1+1shilling)at the suggestion of [[John Garth]], in order to increase funds. <ref name = SVR191>SVR News 191, “Fifty Years Ago" (Christopher George)</ref> The group determines  :On Sunday 11 July the Society inspected the track from [[Hampton Loade]] to [[Bridgnorth]], noting that all the section south signals and most of the railway installations along the route had been removed.<ref name=Magner43>Magner (1997) pp. 43-46.</ref> While holding up the old station name board at Bridgnorth would to take a photograph, they were challenged “What the hell do you think you are doing?” by a man with a shotgun. This turned out to be most suitable[[Tales from the Severn Valley#George_Thorpe.2C_licensee_of_The_Railwayman.27s_Arms|George Thorpe]] (also known as ‘Elias’) who had continued to operate the station refreshment room after the station itself had shut. Once the Society explained their idea, they were quickly made welcome! :On Sunday 25 July, the group inspects Society made a second visit to inspect the line between [[Hampton Loade ]] and Bridgnorth. They discovered that since their first visit, and quickly makes contact with BR had resumed the removal of track from Bridgnorth Station towards [[Kidderminster]]. The Society authorised [[John Garth]] to send a telegram to British Rail asking them to stop taking up the line. This was sent on Monday 26th, and at 5pm on 28 July BR agreed to a stay of execution while negotiations took place<ref name=Magner43/>. '''August 1965'''[[File:Archive poster 12.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Early SVRS poster]]:The group goes Society’s initial goal was to operate services over the 4&frac12; miles between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade. However the Society would also need to take on the track between Hampton Loade and Milepost 144&frac12; near [[Alveley Sidings|Alveley]] in order to maintain a connection to the main line via the section beyond, which BR was still using for colliery traffic from [[Alveley Colliery]].  :The Society met with BR on 4 August. BR proved unwilling to lease the line to the SVR, and suggested a provisional price of £45,000 for the outright purchase of line between [[Bridgnorth]] and Milepost 144&frac12; at [[Alveley Sidings|Alveley Colliery]]. At the same meeting BR granted the Society access to the Bridgnorth Station site in exchange for a nominal rent of £5 per month.<ref name=Cleaver>SVR News 189/190, “The Early Days of the Severn Valley Railway”, A.G. Cleaver</ref>. :A public meeting took place at Kidderminster on 9 August, attended by between 70-100 people. The majority of those attending supported the plans, although some felt the provisional price of £45,000 was too high. Dissent was mainly from representatives of other Midlands preservation societies.<ref name=Magner43/><ref name=Cleaver/>  :Another public meeting took place at Bridgnorth on 31 August, attended by between 50-80 people. The proposals were generally well received<ref name=Magner43/><ref name=Cleaver/>. '''September 1965'''[[File: S3641 SLS Special at Bewdley 1965.jpg |thumb|300px|right| The SLS special at Bewdley (David Cooke)]][[File:SVRSposterJonathanWilcox.jpg |thumb|300px|right| Early SVRS poster]]:On 19 September 1965 GWR locomotives 4555 and 1420 visited [[Alveley Sidings]] with the Worcester - Wolverhampton - Worcester leg of the Stephenson Locomotive Society (Midland Area) 'The Restored Engines Tour'. This helped publicise the nascent preservation scheme, with leaflets being passed out on the train. Later resident [[61994 The Great Marquess| 3442 The Great Marquess]] hauled the remainder of the tour.<ref>[https://www.sixbellsjunction.co.uk/60s/650919sl.html Six Bells Junction</ref> :The first working party took place at Bridgnorth station on Sunday 26 September.<ref name=Magner43/> Regular Sunday afternoon de-weeding of the track and painting of the buildings continued throughout the 1960s as the station was gradually restored to working condition. '''October 1965''':Having obtained a professional valuation of the station buildings, the Society posted a tender to BR Estates on 21 October offering £25,000 for the line from Bridgnorth to form milepost 144&frac12;. On 26 October four members of the Society, led by [[John Garth]], met with BR to discuss this<ref name = SVR191/><ref name=Magner43/>. '''November 1965''':The first edition of [[Severn Valley Railway SocietyNews|SVR News]] was produced, edited by Paul Wyers.

*[[File: Old_boundary_20150610.jpg |thumb|300px|right| Milepost 144½, the old boundary]]'''February 1966''': A price of On 1 February 1966 the Society met with BR, who agreed to the £25,000 is agreed offer for purchase of the line and buildings, subject to contract and subject to a light Railway Order (LRO) being granted by the Ministry of Transport<ref name=Cleaver/>. :On 22 February 1966 BR’s District Engineer and his assistants travelled from Bewdley to Bridgnorth to inspect the line. BR Standard Class 4 76039 from Oxley Shed hauled the Engineers’ saloon. '''May 1966''':The rest of 1966 was taken up with BR raising the deposit of 10% for the purchase of line between Hampton Loade the railway. Bridgnorth Station saw regular ‘open weekends’, the first being an exhibition of railway relics in connection with Bridgnorth Arts Festival, over the 29-31 May Bank Holiday weekend. This event included a steam roller operating in the road outside the station<ref name = SVR11>SVR News 11 article 'Open Weekends'</ref>. '''July 1966''':The second Open Weekend on 9-10 July marked the first anniversary of the preservation society. The event featured a number of road traction engines in the station yard. A 5in gauge miniature railway was set up on Platform 2 with 50 yards of track, on which a train hauled by a ‘Hall’ and ‘Pannier’ gave rides to children. Almost 1,000 visitors paid the 1/6d admission fee<ref name = SVR11/>. '''September 1966''':The third Open Weekend on 24-25 September was the last without steam traction. A fairground including roundabouts, swings and Alveley Collierydodgem card was set up behind platform 2. 1,500 visitors attended, raising £200 for the funds<ref name = SVR11/>. Society membership grew to around 300 in the first year. 

*January [[File:Archive poster 1.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Recruitment poster to help reopen the railway]][[File:3205-Bridgnorth-3-1967-03-25.jpeg|thumb|300px|right|The first train arrives at Bridgnorth on 25 March 1967 ([[Sellick Collection]])]]'''February 1967'''[[File: Purchase by Severn Valley Railway Archive poster 2.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Open Day poster]]:The Society from paid the 10% deposit of £2,500 to BR in February 1967 (the balance of track from Bridgnorth southwards the purchase price was paid shortly after the official opening in May 1970). Once the deposit had been paid, BR allowed rolling stock to Alveley Collierybe moved in.*'''March 1967''': The On 25 March the first locomotiveand 4 GWR coaches arrived at Bridgnorth, including [[GWR 6562 Brake Composite | GWR 6562]] which is still at the SVR. [[GWR 2251 Class 3205|GWR 0-6-0 No 3205]] had made the journey in steam from the BR shed at Stourbridge Junction, arrives where it had been re-assembled after being hauled ‘dead’ from the West Country. :Although it was not officially a ‘steam weekend’, the arrival saw several thousand visitors over the three days, with 3205 and two coaches giving rides as far as [[Oldbury Viaduct]]. The event featured on 25 MarchITV's 'Midlands Today, giving the railway a publicity boost.*'''April 1967''': On 22 April, [[LMS Ivatt Class 2 46443|Ivatt 2MT No 46443 arrives ]] became the second locomotive to arrive on 22 Aprilthe SVR. BR gave permission for the move from Newton Heath (Manchester) to Bridgnorth via Crewe, Stafford, Bescot, Dudley, Stourbridge and Kidderminster to be made in steam.*'''May 1967''': A small 'open day' took place on 6-7 May. Ivatt 46443 was steamed although no rides were given. :GWR [[railcar 22|Railcar 22]] arrived on 13th May. :During 1966 the Society had ascertained that operating authority from the Ministry of Transport would be required before the Railway could be bought from BR. BR would need to apply for a Railway Order to downgrade the line from “secondary railway” to “light railway” status. Once this was granted, a new Company would need to apply for a Light Railway Order (LRO) to transfer responsibility for the line; the Society itself not being able to apply for legal reasons. [[Severn Valley Railway Company Limited is ]], the 'Guarantee Company' (being a Private Company Limited by Guarantee), was incorporated on 24 May, enabling an 1967 in order to make the application for the LRO at the appropriate time. However the company remained essentially dormant for the next 2 years, with the Society continuing to conduct the negotiations with BR. :Following a Light Railway Order further payment of £2,000, BR granted access to take placethe Bridgnorth goods shed and outbuildings. *'''June 1967''': Contracts are exchanged On 1 June, exchange of contracts for the purchase took place between BR and the Severn Valley Railway Company.  :Another 'Open Weekend' took place on 1 24-25 June . The event featured traction engines, a miniature railway and other attractions as before, although there were no engine movements. Despite poor weather, around 2,000 people attended and £225 of funds were raised. '''September 1967''':BR gave permission for 3205 to travel in steam to Taplow Station goods yard for sale a GWS open day on 16 September. The return working, which also brought Ocean Liner Saloon 9113 to the SVR, was one of the line from last steam movements on BR’s Western Region, which was by then fully 'dieselised'<ref>Magner p. 50.</ref>. '''October 1967''':The first full 'Steam Weekend' took place on 14-15 October. [[Carriages formerly resident on the SVR# Carriages scrapped while at the SVR|GWR Brake Third 5136]] had been installed in the cattle dock at Bridgnorth and was brought into use as a refreshment coach.<ref>SVR News 163</ref> 3205 and 46443 worked a four coach formation with the last train of the evening being double headed with five coaches. Operations at the time were under the direction of [[Bill Gillett|Mr W Gillett]], the Chief Operating Inspector of BR’s Birmingham Division, and he allowed a full service to [[Hampton Loade]] to Alveleybe run. The Railway had not yet received the Light Railway Order allowing rides to be given to the general public. However SVR members could travel, so the Railway did a brisk trade in ‘Day Member’ tickets, while full membership of the [[Severn Valley Railway Society]] also benefited, passing the 1,000 mark by the end of the year. *October 1967: MW [[2047 Warwickshire|Manning Wardle contractors engine no 2047 arrives ]] (later named Warwickshire) arrived on 22 October.*'''November 1967''': [[GWR 813 Saddle Tank|ex-Port Talbot Railway 0-6-0 No 813 arrives ]] arrived on 25 November.  During 1967 the Civil Engineering Department constructed a 30ft long locomotive inspection pit at [[Bridgnorth MPD | Bridgnorth]]. A water tower was purchased from Dudley and erected at [[Eardington]], the only source of suitably soft water on the line. <gallery>File:3205-Bridgnorth-1967-03-25.jpg|The first locomotive to arrive, ex-GWR 3205, approaches Bridgnorth on 25 March 1967 ([[Sellick Collection]])File:3205-Bridgnorth-2-1967-03-25.jpeg|A large crowd greets 3205 on arrival Bridgnorth on 25 March 1967 ([[Sellick Collection]])</gallery>

*[[File:Bridgnorth Severn Valley Railway Locomotive Yard and Station geograph-2781621-by-Ben-Brooksbank.jpg | thumb|300px|right| Bridgnorth yard, September 1968 (Wikimedia Commons)]]'''February 1968''':On 1 February, BR published their application for the first Light Railway Order. Objections were received from Shropshire County Council on the grounds that it would prejudice the proposed construction of the Bridgnorth By-pass (an estimated £60,000 increase on the original estimate of £1m was quoted) and from Highley Regional District Council that it would prevent road improvements on a narrow bridge in the Eardington area<ref>SVR News 13, “Severn Valley Railway Progress” ([[Richard Dunn|R.H Dunn]])</ref>. '''March 1968''':On 31 March the SVR provided a special train to convey a party of BR officers along the line, to facilitate the smooth transfer of the branch from BR to the SVR. [[3205]] was the locomotive used, with [[John Hill]] the driver<ref>[[Bibliography#Books|Magner (1997)]] p. 51.</ref>. '''April 1968''': An The galas continued with the tacit approval of BR. The Easter Steam Gala is held featuring on 13-15 April featured [[GWR 2251 Class 3205|No 3205 (this was before regular public passenger services had begun)]]. Large crowds resulted in long waiting times, hindered by the lack of a run round loop and sufficient coaches. Admission fees were 3/6d for adults and 2/- for members and children, with around £600 in funds raised<ref name = SVR11/>. *'''May 1968''': [[LMS Jinty 47383|LMS 3F Jinty 0-6-0 No 47383 arrives ]] arrived on 26 May.*'''July 1968''': Ex-Hams Hall Power Station [[Peckett 1738 arrives |Peckett 0-4-0ST No 1738]] arrived on 13 July.*'''August - September 1968''': [[LMS Ivatt Class 4 43106|Ivatt 4MT Mogul 43106 arrives ]] arrived on 2 August. :The Autumn Gala on 31 August and 1-2 September saw 10,000 visitors to [[Bridgnorth]], with [[43106]] and [[LMS Ivatt Class 2 46443|46443]] making alternate trips to [[Hampton Loade]] and back.<ref>[[Bibliography#Books|Mitchell and Smith (2007]] fig. 74.</ref> The capacity issues of the Easter Gala were resolved, and over £1,000 was raised on that Bank Holiday alone. However BR, which was still the LRO holder, became concerned at safety at such sizeable events. :On 7 September, work began to dismantle the signal box at Pensnett which over the following months would be dismantled and reassembled at Bridgnorth<ref name=SVRNews11>SVR News 11</ref>. :In addition to the "Members' day ticket" type operations, a number of private parties were also carried on the SVR prior to opening. The 'Gilt Edge Carpet Special' with [[46443]] on 21 September 1968 was one such<ref>[[Bibliography#Books|Williams (1974)]] p. 61.</ref>.  '''October 1968''':Negotiations with Shropshire County Council and the other dissenting parties proved fruitless, and a Public Enquiry became necessary to consider the proposed Scheme for the Railway. This was held on 1-2 October 1968 at County Hall in Shrewsbury. BR gave backing for the Railway, and many other witnesses were called. The plans put forward for the bypass and evidence on road usage appeared to those present to be hastily put together. :On the afternoon of second day of the Enquiry, a special train consisting of 3205 and three coaches took the Inspector and all parties from Bridgnorth to [[Bewdley]] to view the Scheme at first hand. The Minister of Transport’s decision would be based on the Inspector’s report.

*[[File:S0657_Big_4_Line_Up_1969.jpg | thumb|300px|right| The Easter 1969 line-up (David Cooke)]] [[File:Archive poster 3.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Whitsun Steam Gala poster]][[File:Archive poster 4.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Steam Gala poster]]'''January 1969''': [[LMS Stanier 8F 48773|LMS Stanier 8F No 48773 []] (LMS 8233] arrives ) arrived in steam on 4 January.*February :During January BR announced that they proposed to end passenger services between Hartlebury, Bewdley and Kidderminster from 7 April 1969(the closure actually took place in [[Severn Valley Railway Timeline 1970-1979#1970|January 1970]]). The SVR had already announced an intention to purchase the section from Alveley to Bewdley following this closure, and were in contact with BR<ref name=SVRNews11/>. : The [[Alveley Colliery]] closed at the end of January 1969, following which BR officially closed the adjacent section of the line from [[Alveley Sidings|Alveley]] to [[Bewdley is officially ]]. Technically the area north of Bewdley was a closed siding under BR control and therefore subject to the recently imposed BR steam ban. Early in 1969, BR banned steam operations by the SVR, a blow which made the SVR members all the more determined to re-open the line.  '''April 1969''':The 'Easter steam gala' on Sunday 6 April saw Bridgnorth's four tender locos lined up in the yard (see photo)<ref>SVR News 13</ref>. Members' trains were not allowed following BR's ban, although 3205 was in steam and travelled light engine to Eardington to take water<ref>[[Bibliography#Books|Williams (1974)]] p. 51.</ref>. '''June 1969''':The result of the Public Enquiry was a recommendation by the Inspector that the first LRO should be granted. However in June 1969 the Minister of Transport rejected the recommendation, citing the potential extra cost to public funds of the [[Bridgnorth Bypass Bridge|Bridgnorth By-pass Bridge]] if the Railway went ahead (the objections relating to the Eardington road bridges were not sustained). The Minister invited the parties to meet and resolve the issue. :Around this time, the Society rented the former goods-shed and yard at Bewdley (then still an active BR on 3 Februarystation). This space would be used for restoration of locomotives and rolling stock, 4566 and 1501 being among the earliest residents.*'''July 1969''': HE Ex Manchester Ship Canal and ICI Hunslet 0-6-0T [[686 arrives The Lady Armaghdale]] arrived on 14 July.*'''September 1969''':A 9-vehicle convoy left Bridgnorth by rail to visit Birmingham Railway Museum at Tyseley for a special event. The convoy consisted of BR Brush Type 4 No. 1858, [[Carriages formerly resident on the SVR|GWR BTK 5787]], [[46443]], [[3205]], [[Railcar 22]], [[Carriages formerly resident on the SVR|Royal Saloon 9001]], [[Carriages formerly resident on the SVR|GWR BCK 7285]], [[GWR 6562 Brake Composite|GWR BCK 6562]] and a BR brake van<ref>SVR News 14</ref>. It won the [[Awards|cup for best exhibit]].<ref>SVR News 210</ref> '''October 1969''':In order to make progress, it became necessary for the SVR to agree formally that they would either fund the By-pass Bridge or end the line south of the By-pass when and if it was built. Given that assurance, the County Council withdrew its objections and the Minister accordingly found in favour of the Scheme. On 9 October an Evening Mail headline reported "''Green light for S.V.R. to run trains from Bridgnorth''"<ref>Magner</ref>. '''December 1969''': The On 6 December 1969 the [[Severn Valley Railway Society merges ]] was merged into [[Severn Valley Railway Company Limited|The Guarantee Company]], with the latter now being considered the proper entity to take the Scheme forward. The AGM coincided with the Severn Valley announcement that the first LRO had been granted, allowing BR to work the line from [[Bridgnorth]] to Alveley as a Light Railway , although of course they had no wish to do so. However the granting of that order meant The Guarantee Companycould now apply for the second LRO to transfer ownership to the SVR.

[[The {{TimelineNavbox}} ==References==Past editions of Severn Valley Railway News. Also early history taken from::Severn Valley Railway in preservation | The Guide 1972/3, DN Cooke and DC Williams. :SVR News 151 “The fortieth anniversary, Wednesday 6 July 2005”, text of a speech by Christopher George.:Severn Valley Railway Steam, Sir Gerald Nabarro, M.P. (1971).:[http://www.heritagerailway.co.uk/news/steaming-back-in -the-seventies-preservation-1970-74 Heritage Railway Magazine article]] <references />