Volunteers from various heritage railways unite at Severn Valley Railway for a special 200th anniversary event
Highley: A bunch of folks from 15 UK heritage railways gathered at the Severn Valley Railway to celebrate a big milestone. They were there to see the newly refurbished Stanier Mogul No 13268 roll by, decked out with a special Railway 200 headboard and making quite the noise.
This was all happening during the second day of the SVR’s Winter Steam Gala, so the place was buzzing with activity and trains were running on a tight schedule.
As the Stanier Mogul passed The Engine House, everyone was excited. HRA president Lord Faulkner of Worcester was there, cheering along with the crowd.
Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, the SVR’s managing director, shared how amazing it was to see so many passionate people come together. He mentioned that they all had a shared goal: to give a warm welcome to Railway 200.
He added that there’s a real buzz in the air for the upcoming events celebrating this special year, and the SVR is thrilled to be part of it.
Steve Oates, the chief executive of the Heritage Railway Association, emphasized that while trains are the focus, it’s really the people who make these railways special. He appreciated everyone who braved the bad weather to join the celebration at Severn Valley Railway.
Oates also pointed out that the personal stories behind the railways are what will make Railway 200 memorable. It’s not just about the trains; it’s about how railways changed lives, from setting standard time to making travel easier for everyone.
The event saw representatives from various railways, including Bala Lake, Bluebell, and many more, all coming together to celebrate this significant occasion.
