New President for GWRT

Sir Timothy Laurence KCVO, CB, ADC, CSM has been appointed as President of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Trust, the independent charity that supports and maintains the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway as a living museum.

The GWRT is a separate organisation from the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (Plc) which owns and operates the railway. The two organisations work in partnership to keep the railway operational as a leading visitor attraction in the Cotswolds.

Philip Young, GWRT Chairman, said: “We are delighted that Sir Tim has accepted our invitation to become our President just as we seek to raise £1.5m in our appeal. I and my fellow Trustees look forward to working with Sir Tim not only to secure the viaduct for the future but also to develop the heritage railway we love.”

Sir Tim Laurence during a private visit to Winchcombe station following his appointment, hosted by GWRT Chairman Philip Young.

Sir Tim Laurence commented: “I look forward to helping the GWRT in their important work supporting the steam railway, and to meeting the dedicated staff and volunteers who work so hard to keep the railway running for the benefit of the public”.

The GWRT recently launched a £1.5M appeal to support the repair and restoration of the Railway’s iconic Stanway Viaduct, which was viewed and travelled over by Sir Tim during a visit to the GWSR ahead of his appointment.

Stanway viaduct on April 2, 2023.

A tour of Winchcombe signalbox and visit to the Carriage & Wagon works was planned, where Sir Tim met Dr Graham Plant, the railway’s Civil Engineering Director, who explained the work required to repair the waterproofing of Stanway Viaduct’s deck and the necessary repairs to the brick piers.

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