Fundraising secures urgent repairs at Bridgnorth locomotive works

With the great news that the fundraising target has been met thanks to the generosity of donors close by and around the world, the Railway is now forging ahead with plans to transform the locomotive works. Critically, the roof, which is full of holes and leaking badly, will be repaired and energy-efficiency measures installed including better lighting and insulation.

Another part of the project will be the arrival of an overhead travelling crane, which will allow engineers to move heavy items safely and more easily when working on locomotives.

Volunteers are pivotal to the project with over £40,000 worth of time committed in addition to donations. The project will be managed under the expert supervision of Antony Bartlam - a Bridgnorth-based volunteer who is a professional structural engineer and project manager, with support from fellow volunteers Nick Yarwood – experienced with contracts and project programming – and Ben Wright – a qualified architect – together with senior leaders from the Railway - Chris Bond, Martin White and Richard Morris.

SVR volunteers and staff celebrate the success, Roger Whitehead, Paul Bates, Martin Managhan, Dave Fulcher-Insull, Tony Howard and Steve Tyler.

“This project is going to make a huge difference to the volunteers and paid staff who work hard to keep the locomotive fleet operational,” said Martin White, the SVR’s head of engineering. “Volunteers are already clearing the way and carrying out small-scale construction activities that need to be completed before the main contractors’ work begins. A deposit has also been placed on a refurbished, second-hand overhead crane which offers a great value solution to requirements.”

Shelagh Paterson, executive director for the SVR Charitable Trust said, “Thank you to all the donors who, in spite of the challenges of the Covid pandemic, rallied round to help raise funds for the Home & Dry appeal. The locomotive works are vital to the running of the Severn Valley Railway, helping create memorable experiences for so many people. We’re looking forward to seeing the transformation.”

These important works are due to be completed later this year.