[[File: 7812_20091031.jpg |thumb|300px|right|7812 Erlestoke Manor]]
[[File: 7802_20100925.jpg |thumb|300px|right|7802 Bradley Manor]]
The Erlestoke Manor Fund was founded in 1973 and owns [[File: GWR 7802 Bradley ManorPrairie Class 5100 No 5164 (8062220732).jpg |thumb|300px|right|5164]], [[GWR 7812 Erlestoke ManorFile: GWR_162_20150320.jpg |thumb|300px|right|162]] and [[GWR 162 Riding/Dormitory VanFile: 92090on30.3.2021.jpg |thumb|300px|right|92020]]. '''The Erlestoke Manor Fund's prime objective is ''To keep both 7802 Bradley Manor was founded in 1973. As of 2022 its current objects are::''..for the benefit of the community, to advance education and 7812 Erlestoke Manor learning in relation to heritage steam locomotives in full working orderparticular by restoring, preserving, to maintaining and operating the highest standard, former Great Western Railway “Manor” class 4-6-0 Locomotives No 7812 “Erlestoke Manor” and No 7802 “Bradley Manor” and 5101 class 2-6-2T Large Prairie No 5164 in an authentic livery, to run on a preserved railway (Severn Valley Railway) in full working order for as long as practically possible.'''<ref>[http://www.erlestokemanorfund.co.uk/about-us/our-goals/ EMF Web site 'Our Goals and Objectives' page]</ref><ref name="EMF190122"> [https://www.erlestokemanorfund.co.uk/announcement-emf-shareholders-approve-proposal-to-restore-5164-to-steam/ EMF Announcement] (retrieved 19 January 2022)</ref>
The Fund publishes half-yearly newsletters and arranges shareholders’ events, including driving experience and special trains.
The [[The Erlestoke Manor Fund sales coach|Erlestoke Manor Fund Sales Coach]] is situated adjacent to the buffet and car park at [[Bewdley]] and located in BR General Utility Van [[BR 86105 General Utility Van|GUV 86105]]. It is normally open at weekends during the operating season.
==Vehicles owned==
*[[GWR 7802 Bradley Manor]]
*[[GWR 7812 Erlestoke Manor]]
*[[GWR Large Prairie 5164]]
*[[GWR 162 Riding/Dormitory Van]]
*[[GWR/BR 92090 Fruit D Van]]
===Transfer of GWR Large Prairie 5164===
In July 2020 the EMF announced it was in discussion with [[The 5164 Preservation Group]] and the SVR regarding the proposed transfer of [[GWR Large Prairie 5164|5164]] to the EMF, subject to the existing SVR locomotive agreement being transferred to the Fund.<ref>[https://www.erlestokemanorfund.co.uk/announcement-gwr-5164/ EMF announcement] (retrieved 29 July 2020)</ref> In June 2021 all parties agreed the formal transfer agreement.<ref>SVR News 215, Autumn 2021, p. 37</ref> The transfer of ownership for a nominal sum was completed in November 2021<ref>EMF Newsletter no 78, November 2021</ref>.
In July 2022 the EMF announced the launch of an appeal to raise funds to return 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>.
==Structure==
===Charitable community benefit society from 2018===
On 10 May 2018 the Fund became a charitable community benefit society, registered (no. 7765) on the Mutuals Public Register of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.<ref>[https://mutuals.fsa.gov.uk/SocietyDetails.aspx?Number=7765&Suffix=CBS Mutuals Public Register of the Financial Conduct Authority] (Retrieved 10 November 2018)</ref> It has a bespoke constitution agreed with the FCA, a corporate structure to limit the liability of trustees and members, but one that reflects the constitution, is tax efficient and still allows members to continue as shareholders.<ref>[https://www.svrlive.com/epnovember18 Express Points November 2018]</ref>
===Transfer of GWR Large Prairie 5164===In July 2020 the EMF announced it was in discussion with [[The 5164 Preservation Group]] and the SVR regarding the proposed transfer of [[GWR Large Prairie 5164]] to November 2021 the EMFTrustees began a Shareholder Consultation, subject to the existing SVR locomotive agreement being transferred to the Fund on which discussions were still in progress. The announcement noted noting that "''The 5164 Preservation Group is an unincorporated organisation with a small, diminishing group of shareholders, who have agreed by a large referendum majority In order to offer the locomotive start fund-raising and commit expenditure to the EMF for a nominal sum. If the transfer proceedsoverhaul of 5164, this would secure the locomotive’s future within an incorporated, charitable organisation strongly affiliated we wish to the SVR. The EMF Trustees view 5164 as an appropriate and well-regarded locomotive which aligns with amend the Fund’s constitution and charitable objectives. The transfer of the locomotive would be an ideal addition Objects to the Fund’s activities and would broaden the appeal of EMF include reference to both current and future shareholders and supporters. Funding for current major overhaul and repair work on this locomotive, alongside the two Manor Class locomotives already owned by EMF – GWR 7802 Bradley Manor and 7812 Erlestoke Manor – would not be diverted onto 5164in our ownership. Both Manors are progressing well towards their full return to operation on '' In January 2022 the SVR in Trustees announced that the not too distant future. Although requiring an overhaul, the locomotive is understood to be EMF Shareholders had voted unanimously in reasonable condition favour and, if the transfer completes, 5164 would remain on display undercover at Barrow Hill Roundhouse for that the present.''"<ref>[https://www.erlestokemanorfund.co.uk/announcement-gwr-5164/ EMF announcement] Financial Conduct Authority (retrieved 29 July 2020FCA)</ref> In June 2021 all parties agreed had approved the change to the formal transfer agreementFund's charitable objectives<ref>SVR News 215, Autumn 2021, p. 37<name="EMF190122"/ref>.
== See also ==
