Changes

The galas continued with the tacit approval of BR. The Easter Steam Gala featured [[GWR 2251 Class 3205|No 3205]], while the Autumn Gala saw 10,000 visitors to [[Bridgnorth]], with 3205 and [[LMS Ivatt Class 2 46443|46443 ]] making alternate trips to [[Hampton Loade ]] and back. 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.

The year saw the arrival of 3 more engines; [[LMS Jinty 47383|LMS 3F Jinty 0-6-0 No 47383 ]] on 26 May, Ex-Hams Hall Power Station [[Peckett 1738|Peckett 0-4-0ST No 1738 ]] on 13 July and [[LMS Ivatt Class 4 43106|Ivatt 4MT Mogul 43106 ]] on 2 August.

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 in 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 second day of the Enquiry, the Inspector and all parties travelled 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.