SVR Spring Steam Gala - 18th-21st April 2025

The 8F was in the last few months of its ticket and I remember getting a footplate ride on it at Bridgnorth, it was the last time I saw it in steam.

 

Indeed. I had a trip from BN to HL and back in March 2008, after that section had re-opened but HL to BW was still closed. Was using 5 coaches from the LMS set, which had been trapped at BN, hauled by 4566. Had the air of a branch-line operation, unlike the usual SVR feeling of a cross-country route with heavy locos and long trains.

 

The "Bridgnorth Gala" was good - bacon rolls served in the coaches on platform 2, footplate rides on the 8F at the end of its ticket within station limits from the train on platform 1 and periodic steam crane demonstrations in the yard - was a great with plenty to see going on all day

 

Fingers crossed for an update soon on what is planned for this year's SSG.

Fully appreciate the logistics facing the railway following the line breach, and wish everybody well with the repairs etc, however with the gala due to take place just over 6 weeks from now and with it being held over the Easter weekend its getting increasingly hard to fend off pressure to do "family things" instead.

 

It is on its way but won’t be for about another week or so. Appreciate the frustration but the visitors that were lined up, all suddenly weren’t suitable for water being only available at Kidderminster, and things have had to be completely changed. There is a formal plan submitted, and the logistics of getting number of locos to where they need to be are now being worked on.

 

Are there any plans afoot to get intending passengers based at Bridgnorth to another station, I have a party of 10 staying for the weekend?

 

I will ask.

 

The event page on the website says 13th March for the second visitor announcement.

 

Hopefully its a good gala considering the terrible land slip, i have booked 2 day rover Fri/Sat and B&B in Bewdley right by the viaduct

 

A little more info has appeared - https://svr.co.uk/event/spring-steam-gala-2025/

We are getting there, steadily.

 

Thanks for the info, Harry. I haven't been to an SVR steam gala since... spring 2013 possibly? It had the USA tank from the KESR... and have wanted to go to so many since but always had work or family clashes and enjoyed them via RailCam and others' YouTube footage instead. I'm determined to actually be there and support this one regardless of the line-up or timetable (though two Manors and 75069 sorts me out for entertainment really whatever the visitors are) given the circumstances the SVR is in.

 

Sadly though, still no mention of Bridgnorth or 1450, etc.

 

SVR gala timetable obvs no allocations https://svr.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SVR-SSG-2025-V1-1.pdf

 

That looks like a pretty darn good event to me! Well done everyone.

 

Bridgnorth won't be happening as work to repair is still at planning stage.
I suspect 1450's limited water capacity means it will remain at Bridgnorth for now - perhaps it may be available for cab rides as per half term?

 

Harry, can you private message me somehow, please? I can't see how to do that.

Thanks,

Reg.

 

Hello Pete,

Thasnks for the info, very useful.

Best regards,

Reg.