Spring Update

Our current hire locomotive ‘Birkenhead’ was used very successfully at the Plym Valley Railway (PVR) near Plymouth, over the Christmas period, during their well attended event – the North Pole Experience. Director Mike Gorringe and partner Julie Haycock visited the centre and were welcomed by Chairman John Netherton and PVR member Ivor Stapp, who escorted them through various areas of their restoration projects, in bright Devon sunshine.

Recently RSH ‘Birkenhead’ was transported from PVR up north to Lincolnshire’s own heritage railway – the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway to enjoy a full year’s season hauling their own carriage stock, commencing with their Easter weekend. Our contacts anticipate using it to its fullest capabilities and maybe more!

Whilst Peckett ‘William Murdoch’ still lies restfully within our compound, we are looking, with Portsmouth City Museum’s approval, to hire it out for this year’s season and a press release will be circulated around the South of England railway centres.

Component parts of Pannier 9682 are being cleaned, primed and painted whilst we await to forward its boiler for completion. Site manager Richard Heasman and his team are using the lengthening days to advantage and many other site tasks are being attended to, now helped by a newly acquired generator.

Our sales team, led by Edward Boxell, still attend major sales events in the south of England and much needed revenue is added to the group’s bank balance.

Finally we wish past chairman, Bob Gorringe, recovery from his current ill-health and Mike Gorringe has taken the role over as Acting Chairman, to keep the group alive in the heritage railway world.

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