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

I was just confused about how a 7F was going to get you there! I get you now.

 

People are wondering why the smallest gala the SVR has held in 20 years has attracted fewer customers than it has in previous years. I was pointing out a pretty obvious reason for that. Also, not everybody will travel 150+ miles for 4 classes, all of which are fairly late 4-6-0s. I'm not complaining. I'll be there. There are 2 manors running!

 

I’m not trying to ‘achieve’ anything Mr Creese, it just happens that I had different conversations with people connected with the SVR over the previous weekend and I’ve heard the same comments from different parties.

As you like to remind us you’re a board member and you have a background in finance, would you not admit that it might just be a smidgin of interest to note feedback of this kind?

I’d like to think that maybe that next year those at the top might have a bit of a think about events and when to hold them perchance? Or this asking too much?
To answer your question about attending, no I won’t be there as true to form the dates don’t work for myself either, there’s this thing called work (I’m not using this as excuse for my previous post to sound like I’m jealous/envious of not being there btw)

You could argue that this isn’t the best place to make the point but the last time I checked this was a discussion forum was it not?
As ever though Martin not for the first time do I think your public communication skills need a bit of work on (not for the first time am I thinking of various people I know upon hearing your name and it’s either prefixed or suffixed with an expletive or two)

 

Perhaps some of these conversations were best left unsaid or should have been via private message, really not a good look. Unfortunately there isn't a 'Don't like' button on this forum, sometimes it's best to think & reread before hitting post.
As for attendance, none of us are clairvoyants, we will only know next Tuesday, so personally I think the discussion is pretty pointless before the event.
Given the SVR's circumstances I hope all those who can do attend and enjoy the usual top SVR gala entertainment and some quality guest locos - Galatea is one heck of rabbit out of the hat isn't it?? I for one was very disappointed 6880 didn't make it last year and double headed manors...
See you all Monday!!

 

To be fair Martin, this is the first time ever that the spring steam gala has ever been held at Easter. I understand the reasons behind the clash of dates occuring for this year, but personally do not happen to think much of the idea. Hopefully things will return to normal from next year onwards.

 

Agreed, due to family commitments it was only in the last few weeks that Easter Monday became at option for me and I would have been gutted to have missed this one.

 

I'm not sure I understand your proposed solution? What would have been better? No Spring Gala? Moving Easter?!?

 

The ideal solution, and the one that has been used for the last 40 or more years at the SVR, is not to hold the Spring Steam Gala on Easter weekend. I have already stated that I understand the reason why it has happened this year, but It doesn't mean I have to believe it was a brilliant idea.

 

Couldn’t care less if it’s Easter or not there is 2 jubs there so I will be there possibly more than just a day

 

I had a brilliant morning firing Galatea. An absolute credit to the WCRC team. Brilliant engine

 

Good things come to those who wait, well, in regards to having two Jubes on the Valley that is ! I'm reliably told that the last time was the mid 1980's.

 

With ref to the video above could anyone PLS advise where you can park in order to get to the
Arley departure shot (Northbound) as shown
MANY thanks
N

 

just got back from the gala had a top day out the trains were quieter than normal but the sound of Galatea/Sierra Leone was superb was great to see two Jubilees passing at Bewdley and both in green Livery as well.

 

The first position is for lineside permit holders as it is lineside. You can park at the bottom of the lane at Arley, by the harbour pub and walk northbound along the river and come upto one of a few foot crossings to view the departures but you cannot get to the exact location without being approved by the railway to be lineside.

 

Bottom car park at Arley adjacent to the green bridge, then walk the Severn Way for 20 minutes. Farm crossings are up high on your left, 2nd crossing is the better angle.

 

Deleted!

 

Very enjoyable day at the gala today. Six cracking locos all in good form! Numbers were noticeably a bit down on what you'd usually expect on a Saturday but still plenty of people about. Maybe it was the effect of the gala being held over Easter or maybe it was because the whole line isn't open - I don't know, but those who did attend were treated to a very good show. Everything ran almost exactly to time for once, probably because of the simple but effective timetable. The only slight frustration was having a stop for 20 minutes at Bewdley for Kidderminster bound trains but I can see that was necessary to make the timetable work. It was a real treat seeing two Jubilees in action. It was only the second time I've seen Galatea (last time it was painted red) but the star of the show for me was Betton Grange. That loco was very loud and very lively! Many thanks to the SVR for managing to put on a great show despite the current difficulties.

 

Just one question - does anyone know why 7802 isn't carrying nameplates?