Royal sunshine salute for Severn Valley Railway
18 Jun 2008
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On his first visit to the fully re-opened Severn Valley Railway, HRH The Prince of Wales stopped to talk to rail staff and volunteers before riding the footplate of 6024 King Edward I.
Arriving at Kidderminster’s historic station, Prince Charles stepped straight over to greet railway volunteers, among them Rob Whale. ‘I couldn’t believe it, he came straight over,’ said Rob. ‘He was supposed to meet the Lord Lieutenant of Worcester. It’s been absolutely marvellous seeing him here today.’ Mr. Whale works as a volunteer on the SVR.
The Prince then spotted railway workers in high visibility gear and went over to them, ‘Why are you dressed up like that?’ ‘We’re working on the railway,’ said one. The Prince momentarily nonplussed said, ‘Not the bit ahead,’ waving in the direction of Bewdley. ‘No, we’re building a bridge over the main line,’ said Andy Aldred, site supervisor. Andy and project manager Tony Boyle briefed the Prince on the installation of the new bridge at Kidderminster. Tony and Andy work for Warrington-based JL Engineering.
Accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall the Prince next unveiled a plaque at the historic SVR station, before boarding the train. The Royal Train was hauled by King class No. 6024 King Edward I, which has air-braking systems, compatible with the Royal Train.
The locomotive is normally resident at Didcot Railway Centre in Oxfordshire. Donning overalls at Bewdley the Prince joined Bob Lane the driver, on the footplate. Bob was a former BR fireman and worked at Bescott. The fireman was Roger Smith and the Traction Inspector, Bernard Rainbow also a BR man at Tysley.
The event marked a special day of celebration for the SVR which has worked hard to restore its service since parts of the line were washed away by flooding last year. Says John Hill, SVR marketing, ‘Prince Charles had heard about our misfortunes and he came to give us a boost which will help. Thank you.’
Up to 300,000 tourists visit the Severn Valley Railway each year. Local residents also enjoy discount travel on the line.