Bridgnorth locomotive shed reopens for business

MICHAEL HOWARD

The £475,000 project, the funds of which were raised by the SVR Charitable Trust, attracting thousands of donations and several awards from grant-making organisations, includes a new insulated roof and cladding on the walls, state-of-the-art LED lighting, and a second-hand 6.3T crane.

During the opening ceremony, the overhead travelling crane was set in motion, watched closely by some of those who’d made significant donations to the £475,000 project, along with volunteers and staff who’d helped deliver the project.

“The difference the translucent sheets have made to the light inside the shed is remarkable,” said volunteer project manager, Antony Bartlam. “Paired with the new lighting, this will make a positive difference to the working environment. The fact that we now have the crane in place will make lifting heavy components much simpler and easier, and will avoid the complex shunting operations that used to be necessary.”

Crowd of visitors at opening of new Bridgnorth MPD, September 7, 2022. ANTHONY CARWITHEN

“The expertise that Antony has brought as our volunteer project manager has been key to the success of this work,” said Helen Smith, the SVR’s managing director. “He’s delivered this major project on time and on budget. A special thank you also to the many other volunteers who’ve assisted at different stages; without their help, we would have faced much higher costs. This is a wonderful example of teamwork at the SVR, and is truly something to celebrate.”

An extra ‘flash fundraising’ appeal by the Charitable Trust raised a further £16,000 in just two weeks towards the cost of installing an epoxy resin floor coating, providing a more robust and safer surface than the old, damaged and uneven one.

“We are extremely grateful to everyone who has donated to fund this much-needed project,” said the CT’s executive director Shelagh Paterson. “Because of donors’ generosity, the SVR now has a lighter, brighter and safer workplace, helping to safeguard the future maintenance and overhaul of its steam locomotive fleet.”

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