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Changes
m
42968 > 13268
'''April 2020'''
*By 2 April the emergency appeal total reached £120,000.
*The Coronavirus pandemic lead to further total closures until the end of June and the cancellations of the [[Step Back to the 1940s ]] weekends.
*A minimal contract engineering presence saw tests on the [[Bridgnorth Loco Works#New_boiler_assembly_and_production|second of five new boilers for the Isle of Man Railway]].
*On 15 April [[Ruston and Hornsby 165hp Diesel Shunter D2960|D2960 Silver Spoon]] took [[GWR 9055 Nondescript Saloon]] for a test after overhaul, running within the confines of the section signal at Kidderminster. The line to Bewdley remained severed for the winter works, interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
'''September 2021'''
*On 4 and 5 September a group of volunteers organised an [[Model Railway and Tramway exhibitions|'SVR O Gauge event' ]] with five layouts at [[The Engine House]], including [[Burlish Road in O gauge]].<ref name=blsep21/>
*From 7 September the Railway welcomed back ‘hop on, hop off’ passengers to all regular services and the return of observation saloons and footplate experiences, following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in July.<ref name=blsep21/>
*[[BR Class 50 50044 Exeter|50044 Exeter]] returned to the mainline on 12 September for the first time since 2012.<ref name=blsep21/>
'''February 2022'''
*[[List of film and TV productions filmed on the Severn Valley Railway#Documentary|Match of the Day]] was broadcast live from Kidderminster Town station featuring visiting [[BR Standard Class 7 70000 Britannia|70000 Britannia]], prior to Kidderminster Harriers' FA Cup tie against West Ham United on 5 February.
*The SVR announced that later in the year [[34027|34027 Taw Valley]] would temporarily carry a different name and appear in a brand-new purple livery to commemorate The Queen’s Queen's Platinum Jubilee. The new name, "Elizabeth II", was chosen by a public vote.
'''March 2022'''
*The [[Kidderminster Footbridge|long footbridge at Kidderminster]] was removed, to be replaced
*The SVR announced that it had cancelled its two [[Step Back to the 1940s|1940s-themed weekends ]] later in the year, in the light of the conflict taking place in Ukraine.
*It announced that footplate experiences in April and May would be cancelled to conserve its coal stocks. It soon extended this to cancelling Monday and Tuesday trains all season, and running all standard timetables with some diesel operation. Ovoids and e-coal were also to be tested.
*60007 Sir Nigel Gresley [LNER 4498] visited for testing and running in.
'''June 2022'''
*The Railway began offering discounted travel to emergency and forces personnel.
*On Thursday 4 June the SVR began a four-day special event to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Locomotives used included [[34027|No 70 Elizabeth II]] in 'Royal Purple' livery with the Queen's Platinum Jubilee logo on the tender, and 2900 Saint class No 2999 'Lady of Legend' which had [[Steam Locomotives hired by the SVR|remained on hire]] following an appearance at the April Spring Steam Gala.
*[[BR Class 20 20048]] arrived on hire to help with running diesel services due to the ongoing coal supply issues.
<gallery mode=packed heights=200px style="text-align:left">
'''July 2022'''
*The increased fire risk following hot and dry weather led to an all -diesel service from 13 July. Two more class 20s, 20142 and 20189, arrived on short term hire to help cover services.
*On Saturday 23 July the SVR hosted a leg of the Queen's Baton Relay as part of the final build-up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The baton travelled from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth aboard a special train piloted by [[34027 | No 70 'Elizabeth II']], double headed with visiting Class 20 20142 due to the continuing fire risk. The Baton Relay had begun on 7 October 2021, when Her Majesty The Queen placed her Message to the Commonwealth into the Baton at the start of its 294-day journey which took in all 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth.
*On 27 July steam services restarted, although both [[1501]] and [[7714]] were paired with a Class 20. The following day normal steam services resumed.
*The EMF announced the launch of an appeal to raise funds to return [[5164|Large Prairie 5164]] to service<ref>[https://www.erlestokemanorfund.co.uk/the-big-large-prairie-appeal-returning-5164-to-service/ EMF: ''The Big "Large Prairie" Appeal – Returning 5164 to service''] (retrieved 1 August 2022)</ref>.
'''August 2022'''
*On train dining returned with the [[Severn Valley Limited]] on 3 August, for the first time since Covid-19 restrictions.<ref name=blaug22>[https://www.svrlive.com/bldec21 Branch Lines, August 2022]</ref>
*The Environment Agency declared a drought in the West Midlands on 23 August and across much of the country, following 11 weeks of hot and dry weather. Fire risk saw the reintroduction of exclusively diesel-hauled passenger services from 10 to 15 August, and for a third time from 31 August.<ref name=blaug22/>
*The [[Charitable Trust]] appeal to restore Bridgnorth Locomotive Yard passed £100,000.<ref name=blaug22/>
*The roof and crane works at Bridgnorth Loco Works were completed on time and on budget.<ref name=blaug22/>
*Leading geotechnical specialist company 'Geobear' trialled a geo-polymer injection system in pioneering stabilisation work at Alveley Woods, at zero cost to the SVR.<ref name=blaug22/>
*The Railway announced that the contract for the [[Bridgnorth#Evolution_of_plans|refurbishment of the existing Bridgnorth station building]] was 'unlikely to go ahead until 2024 at the earliest' and now required around £300,000 of additional funding. It was a phase I project under the oversubscribed [[Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) PLC#Share_offers|2016 share offer]] and originally it had been announced the contract tender would be issued in January 2017.
'''September 2022'''
*On Wednesday 7 September the [[Charitable Trust]] hosted a ceremony at [[Bridgnorth Loco Works]] to mark the completion of the "Home and Dry" upgrade of the building.
*Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday 8 September, the SVR announced that it would continue to operate services but with all locomotives carrying wreaths. Books of condolence were also opened at the main stations. 34027 remained in purple '70' livery but in addition to carrying a wreath, the locomotive also carried black flags and black 'Elizabeth II' nameplates as a mark of respect.
<gallery mode=packed heights=150px style="text-align:left">
70_Elizabeth_II_Plates_20220915.jpg
</gallery>
*[[4930|4930 Hagley Hall]] returned to passenger service. The locomotive took part in a renaming ceremony at Kidderminster on Friday 8 September before completing two round trips carrying invited guests.
*The [[Autumn Steam Gala]] on 15-18 September featured guest locomotives LMS Stanier 'Black 5' 45231 ''The Sherwood Forester'', GWR-inspired WSR Mogul 9351 and Hunslet 0-6-0ST Works No. 1873 Jessie. 15-inch gauge Exmoor Steam Railway 0-6-2T Works No. 323 ''Anne'' carried passengers on a 200m track at The Engine House. The event was also billed as featuring the return to service of [[4930|4930 Hagley Hall]], although unfortunately the locomotive was withdrawn after the first two days following three lineside fires.
*From 24 September a fourth steam ban was introduced following further lineside fires and representations from the fire services and local residents and landowners.
*During the 1992 [[Diesel galas|Diesel Gala]], 50031 became the first Class 50 to haul a public passenger train in preservation. On Saturday 24 September the [[Class 50 Alliance Limited|Class 50 Alliance]] celebrated the 30th anniversary of the event with four class 50s rostered to the "S1 diagram"; the morning run being 'top and tailed' by 50007 and 50049 and the afternoon run by 50033 and 50035.
*On Tuesday 27 September the SVR hosted an incoming HST rail tour from Leeds to Bridgnorth, which took place to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Modern Railways magazine and 40 years of HSTs on CrossCountry's North East to South West route. While at the SVR, CrossCountry power car 43366 was named "HST40" (sub-scripted with "Celebrating 40 years of High Speed Train services on the Cross Country network"), while GBRf loco 66799 was named "Modern Railways Diamond Jubilee".
'''October 2022'''
*SVR News 2019 enclosed a 'Values and Behaviours' document for working members, for them to help "us all to work collectively to keep the SVR as the best place to work, volunteer and visit in the UK."
*The new [[Kidderminster Footbridge]] was craned into place.
*[[SR 34027 Taw Valley|34027 Taw Valley]] reverted to its correct name and number, although still carrying a purple livery.<ref name=blnov22>[https://www.svrlive.com/blnov22 Branch Lines, November 2022]</ref>
*On 13 October [[Mk 3a Convertible Sleeper|Mk3a sleeping coach 10569 ‘Leviathan’]] left the SVR.<ref name=blnov22/>
*On 22 October the resurrected [[SVR Apprentices|Junior Club]] held an induction session for a new cohort.<ref name=blnov22/>
*Eight-year-old Corey Clark was the guest of some of the SVR’s volunteers. His fundraising work for the Food Share Wyre Forest Project, including a 10-mile sponsored walk, had raised £920.<ref name=blnov22/>
*On 29 October, LNER B1 Class No. 61306 ''Mayflower'' arrived behind 20107 and 20096 with [[Carriages visiting the SVR|support coach 35461]] for test running following an overhaul which included the fitting of air brakes.<ref>[https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2022/10/severn-valley-railway-to-welcome-steam-locomotive-61306-mayflower.html Rail Advent, ''Severn Valley Railway to welcome steam locomotive 61306 Mayflower''] (Retrieved 29 October 2022)</ref>
*More than 2,500 passengers visited the SVR over the Halloween period.<ref name=blnov22/>
'''November 2022'''
*On 5 November [[Class 108 DMU|DMU car 51941]] was lifted off its bogies at [[Diesel Depot|Kidderminster TMD]] and lowered back down onto a set of accommodation bogies. The removed bogies will be overhauled by an engineer in Yorkshire.<ref name=blnov22/>
*With test running completed, 61306 ''Mayflower'' left on 8 November.
*On 9 November [[GWR 7812 Erlestoke Manor|7812]] made its first movements under its own steam at Tyseley Locomotive Works, following overhaul.
*On the evening of 26 November the SVR ran a diesel-hauled ‘park and ride’ public service between Kidderminster and Bewdley, for Bewdley’s Christmas light switch on.<ref name=blnov22/>
'''December 2022'''
*7812 Erlestoke Manor returned to the SVR for further testing.
*Damage to points at Arley meant the cancellation of two of the seven Santa trains on the following day. Concerted efforts saw them repaired for the final week's services.
==2023==
2023 saw the Railway announcing voluntary redundancies, cost savings and a reduced four days a week peak service with a maximum of one steam engine in use on non-special days, as it had recorded its third consecutive annual loss in excess of £400,000 and faced nationwide reduced footfall, economic contraction and a cost-of-living crisis. It coincided with the resignation of [[Helen Smith]] as Managing Director, who moved to another heritage role. The year marked the 60th anniversary of the official closure of the SVR north of Bewdley. Another ‘must-do’ engineering project was starting, with phase 1 of the relaying of [[Bridgnorth MPD|Bridgnorth Loco Works' yard]].
'''January 2023'''
*On 2 January [[1501]] and [[2857]] both came out of traffic at the expiry of their boiler tickets.
*[[SVR(H)]] vice-chair Jonathan Dunster was appointed interim Managing Director.
*On 10 January an allotment of shares took the [[SVR(H)]] issued capital to £11,000,457.
*Phase 1 of the relaying of Bridgnorth Loco Works' yard started.
'''February 2023'''
*On 15 February the SVR announced a statutory consultation on 18 compulsory redundancies. On the same day [[The Erlestoke Manor Fund]] and the Railway announced newly overhauled [[7812]] would spend the summer on the West Somerset Railway where it could earn fees, as with up to six steam locomotives in traffic the SVR was over-supplied for its reduced timetable.
'''March 2023'''
*The season opened with a limited service running between Kidderminster and Highley, while infrastructure work was completed at the north end of the line. Phase 1 of the relaying of Bridgnorth Loco Works' yard and attention to trackbed levels at Alveley Woods were completed by the month end.
*[[Mike Ball]] stepped down as Chairman of SVR(H) and was succeeded as interim Chairman by [[Chris Walton]]. [[Tim Hargest]] stepped down as Chairman of the Charitable Trust and was succeeded as acting Chairman by [[Ron Treverton-Jones]]. With the SVR(H) interim Managing Director position, three of the most senior roles were being held on an interim or acting basis.
'''April 2023'''
*The full line reopened on 1 and 2 April with the [[Open House Weekend]].
*The SVR announced the launch of a '''Survival Fund''' to enable it to overcome the current financial crisis and implement longer-term plans for its future. Information and details of how to donate may be found on the SVR's [https://svr.co.uk/survival/ Survival Fund] page.
*A successful three-day [[Spring Steam Gala]] attracted 5,000 paying passengers and [[Steam Locomotives visiting the SVR for galas#2020-present|GWR Collett 4-6-0 4079 Pendennis Castle]], its first visit to a heritage railway since its repatriation from Australia. 4079 also featured in the SVR's first photo charter since 2021.
'''May 2023'''
*On 5 May Rail Adventure's 43484 and 43465 delivered three wagons to the [[Diesel Depot]] for contract examination/storage.
*A second steam hauled train was reintroduced on a timetable for busier 'regular' days.
*The [[Diesel galas|spring diesel festival]] featured 22 locomotives from 15 classes, plus others on display. It attracted record visitor numbers.
'''June 2023'''
*The Railway offered a weekday discount throughout June for people living in nearby postcodes.
*Guided tours of Bridgnorth MPD were provided in June and July, the first time for many years.
*[[1501]] and [[50007]] were exhibited at the Rail Live 2023 exhibition at Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre. It raised the Railway's profile in the mainstream rail industry as it sought more commercial work, in order to secure the future of the heritage operations.
*[[Step Back to the 1940s]] returned after a three-year gap.
*The Charitable Trust's Survival Fund Appeal reached £343,587, including Gift Aid.
*SVRH's 2022 annual accounts were published. They looked at the need to look at the way the Railway is structured across three companies, and the benefits that would accrue'' "if we could achieve a structure that has charitable status at its heart." ''
'''August 2023'''
*The SVR confirmed the sale of [[45110|LMS Black 5 45110]]. The locomotive left the railway by road on 15 August.<ref>[https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2023/08/severn-valley-railway-confirms-sale-of-steam-locomotive.html Rail Advent]</ref>
'''September 2023'''
*On 8 and 9 September respectively 7714 operated as long-scrapped classmates 9624 and 4665 with a 'last train' headboard, to mark the 60th anniversary of the last BR passenger service to leave Bridgnorth.
*The SVR announced an official partnership with Network Rail. Billed as a 'win-win' for both parties, the SVR would receive professional skills, advice and redundant railway materials, while Network Rail would receive support, training and facilities to help their staff operate and maintain more traditional railway technology.<ref>[https://svr.co.uk/news/railways-go-back-to-the-future-with-landmark-partnership/ SVR Announcement]</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-shropshire-66876835 BBC News]</ref>
'''November 2023'''
*[[GWR Large Prairie 5164]], which had been stored at Barrow Hill since 2014, appeared at the [[SVR-based locomotives visiting other events#Steam_locomotives_timeline_2020-2029|Warley Model Railway Club Show at Birmingham NEC]] on 25-26 November before moving to Tyseley Locomotive Works for eventual overhaul.
*It was announced that [[David Williams]] was to step down as editor of [[Severn Valley Railway News|SVR News]], a role he had held for more than 57 years.<ref>Heritage Railway issue 313, p.106.</ref>
*The 'Survival Fund' had raised nearly £500,000 of its £1,500,000 target.<ref>The Railway Magazine, January 2024 issue 313</ref>.
'''December 2023'''
*Christmas week saw the first [[Diesel galas|winter diesel gala]].
==2024==
Early 2024 saw phase 2 of the project to re-lay [[Bridgnorth MPD|Bridgnorth Loco Works' yard]]. The year marked the 50th anniversary of the reopening from Hampton Loade to Bewdley, and the 40th anniversary of the reopening to Kidderminster Town.
'''January 2024'''
*The 2023 season ended with the SVR's first [[Winter Steam Gala]] on 6-7 January 2024. The event saw a return to passenger services after a lengthy overhaul for Stanier Mogul [[42968]] (running as LMS 2968) and also saw the retirement of 'Flying Pig' [[43106]] at the end of its ticket. It attracted more than 2,500 paying passengers, with revenue twice as much as had been expected.<ref>[https://www.svrlive.com/bljan24 Branch Lines January 2024]</ref>
'''February 2024'''
*SVR individuals and groups won three [[Awards|HRA awards]].
*February half-term services were reintroduced.
'''March 2024'''
*The SVR gained a few more yards of infrastructure when [[50035]] was used to test out the new [[Foley Park sidings]] and [[Ground Frames at Foley Park|ground frame]], the first locomotive to access it.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/svrofficial/posts/pfbid02M7MmEHiutpafkpGdygDmaPFa8CpzhRNZLJDn7PSQmx1BLBNgQPTqcuSmohMvpCCtl SVR Facebook post 13 March 2024] (Retrieved 14 March 2024)</ref>
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LNER_Peppercorn_Class_A2_60532_Blue_Peter LNER-designed Peppercorn Class A2 No. 60532 Blue Peter] arrived for running in and testing, following overhaul, in preparation for its future mainline duties.
==Steam locomotives used==
Included are [[Steam Locomotives hired by the SVR| locomotives hired in]], and the table identifies whether they were present either for the Summer (S) or Winter (W).
Not included are locomotives visiting for primarily for rail tours, test running or galas, even if they subsequently operate SVR services for a short period (as did , for example, GWR Churchward 2900 Saint class 4-6-0 2999 ''Lady of Legend'' in 2022and USATC Hill S160 class 2-8-0 2253 ''Omaha'' in 2023/4), unless their mileage is included in the SVR News mileage records as hired locomotives.
{| class="wikitable"
| style="text-align:right;" | X
| style="text-align:right;" | X
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" | 1,264
| style="text-align:right;" | 5,801
| style="text-align:right;" | X6,074
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| Out of ticket January 2023
|-
| [[2857]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 2,235
| style="text-align:right;" | X
| style="text-align:right;" | X4,294
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| Out of ticket January 2023
|-
| [[GWR 4930 Hagley Hall|4930 Hagley Hall]]
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" | X
| style="text-align:right;" |X| style="text-align:right;" |X
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" | X
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" | 2,935
| style="text-align:right;" | 5,132
| style="text-align:right;" | 4,013
| style="text-align:right;" | 4,247
| style="text-align:right;" | X
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
|
|-
| [[GWR 7812 Erlestoke Manor | 7812 Erlestoke Manor]]
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" | X
| style="text-align:right;" | X
| style="text-align:right;" | X
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| Returned to traffic late 2022, on test
|-
| [[LMS Stanier Mogul 13268 | 13268]]
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" | X
| style="text-align:right;" | X
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| Returned to traffic late 2023
|-
| [[34027|34027 Taw Valley]]
| style="text-align:right;" | X
| style="text-align:right;" | X
| style="text-align:right;" |X
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
|
|-
| [[43106]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 1,870
| style="text-align:right;" | 5,382
| style="text-align:right;" | X
| style="text-align:right;" |X
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| Out of ticket January 2024
|-
| [[75069]]
| style="text-align:right;" | X
| style="text-align:right;" | X
| style="text-align:right;" |X| style="text-align:right;" |X
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
| [[WD 71516 Welsh Guardsman]]
| style="text-align:right;" | 393
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" | X
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" | 15,340
| style="text-align:right;" | 34,024
| style="text-align:right;" |26,668
| style="text-align:right;" |
| style="text-align:right;" |
