Heritage railway pioneers, volunteers, and enthusiasts from across the UK came together on Monday 2 November for a special commemorative steam tour celebrating 75 years of railway preservation.
Organised through a partnership between the Severn Valley Railway (SVR), the Heritage Railway Association (HRA) and Vintage Trains Charitable Trust, the not-for-profit journey aboard The Volunteer honoured the people whose passion, dedication and hard work have built Britain’s heritage railway movement.
Hauling the train was Great Western Railway-designed Castle Class locomotive No 7029 Clun Castle, a preservation pioneer that played a starring role in mainline steam tours during the 1960s. The locomotive is itself celebrating 60 years of continuous service in preservation as the flagship of Vintage Trains.
Departing from Birmingham Snow Hill, the train travelled on the route of Vintage Trains’ Shakespeare Express to Stratford-upon-Avon and then to the SVR, giving passengers the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a traditional express steam train. After transferring to the SVR’s heritage line, SVR-based GWR large prairie 4150 took over haulage duties whilst Clun Castle was serviced and turned at Kidderminster in preparation for the final leg of the journey later in the evening. Meanwhile, The Volunteer continued to The Engine House at Highley, where passengers could explore the railway’s collection of locomotives and heritage exhibits, and afterwards to Bridgnorth, the SVR’s northern terminus.
On board, the occasion brought together people from across the heritage railway world, including current and former volunteers, railway professionals and enthusiasts. The shared experience of travelling behind Clun Castle and 75069 alongside conversations and memories exchanged throughout the day, reflected the strong sense of community that has sustained railway preservation for three-quarters of a century.
Gus Dunster, the SVR’s chief executive officer, said: “It has been a privilege for the SVR to be part of this special celebration. Volunteers are at the heart of what makes heritage railways possible, and the dedication of generations of people has created something extraordinary that millions of visitors can enjoy today.
“The Volunteer has brought people together from across the heritage railway sector to celebrate that achievement, share their experiences and look ahead to the future. It has also demonstrated the value of organisations working together to celebrate our shared heritage.”
Steve Oates, chief executive of the Heritage Railway Association, commented: “Seventy-five years of heritage railway preservation is a remarkable achievement, and it is right that we celebrate the people who have made it possible. Volunteers have been fundamental to every stage of the movement, from saving locomotives and railway lines to operating and maintaining the railways we know today.
“This special train has been a fitting tribute to their contribution and a wonderful opportunity to bring together people from across the sector. The collaboration between the HRA, the SVR and Vintage Trains reflects the shared commitment that continues to underpin heritage rail.”
Michael Whitehouse, chair of Vintage Trains, added: “Clun Castle has a special place in the story of railway preservation, having helped bring the excitement of mainline steam to generations of enthusiasts.
“To have the locomotive at the head of The Volunteer, celebrating 75 years of heritage rail while marking 60 years of its own preservation, makes this a particularly meaningful occasion. It was also particularly fitting for the excursion to originate from Birmingham, which was the location of the founding meeting of the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society, the world’s first volunteer-run railway.
“The atmosphere on board has captured something of the spirit of those early preservation-era excursions, when people came together through a shared love of railways and a determination to keep them alive. We are delighted that Vintage Trains has been able to work with the HRA and the SVR to make this celebration possible.”
The journey was run on a not-for-profit basis, with the SVR and HRA waiving their costs and Vintage Trains seeking to cover only its direct operational expenses. This collaborative approach helped keep fares as affordable as possible, encouraging current and former volunteers, alongside their families, friends and fellow enthusiasts, to take part.
Scheduled to coincide with the HRA Autumn Conference in Birmingham, The Volunteer celebrated not only the achievements of the past 75 years, but also the relationships, shared knowledge and volunteer commitment that will help secure the future of heritage rail for generations to come.
Image credit: SVR
