GWRPG 2014 AGM Review & News Update

Acting Chairman Mike Gorringe welcomed all shareholders and members to the well-attended Twenty First Annual General Meeting of the GWR Preservation Group and reported the last year’s progress so far, indicating a year of change in many ways.

West Coast Railways, our new landlords, are providing us with further use of the site at Southall Railway Centre, and relinquishing one of our siding tracks has reduced our rent by a third. Also the suggested removal of the HS2 Proposal for the West London area heightens our future, this is yet to be confirmed.

Whilst the group has a small but increasing income from a locomotive hire, more is needed to complete the boiler re-tube and reconstruction of our Pannier 9682. Additional specialist assistance has been sought to speed up this process and discussions are underway to complete this project.

‘Birkenhead’, whilst currently steaming at the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway, is to have its hire extended to Easter next year and tentative telephone enquiries suggest further hire during 2015 for this loco’.

‘William Murdoch’ waits in the wings should it be needed too, although another hirer is on the cards.

Prairie ‘4110’ still remains at Tyseley waiting for enough funds to carry on its restoration.

To increase the groups’ chances of more revenue, it is promoting itself to the television and film industryies following recent successful activities by London-based companies and theatrical groups.

In the event that this does not produce enough extra revenue, the GWRPG must look elsewhere for monetary alternatives, maybe selling off some unneeded stock to groups who could use it.

As with any heritage railway group, enthusiastic help in all areas of its organisation is always needed and appreciated – from administration to renovation skills, from permanent way to assisting our team at local and national exhibitions.

A recent article in the Ealing Gazette under www.getwestlondon.co.uk reviewed the group’s thirty year history within the area by Southall Railway Station and the old steam and diesel locomotive sheds, known within the railway fraternity as 81c. Their reporter covered all issues and a further update will be appearing shortly.

This Gazette article has already generated interest from local residents of West London and we hope this will expand over the future weeks to help the GWR Preservation Group’s future.

Mike Gorringe, Director and Acting Chairman, GWR Preservation Group Limited

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