Western Locomotive Association

SVR & GB Railfreight Weekend - with D1062!
2025-09-06 00:00 - 2025-09-07 23:59 (Europe/London) | Severn V​alley Railway, Station Approach, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX, United Kingdom
Drivers: Darren Shelmerdine (Saturday), Alan Berck-May (Sunday)
Get ready for an exciting weekend full of modern and heritage traction, as we join forces with GB Railfreight for a charity fundraising event.
What to expect from this weekend: ride behind rare mainline diesels, as well as the best of the SVR’s home-fleet of steam and diesel locomotives. There’ll be attractions along the whole line, including a beer festival at Kidderminster, diesel depot visits, model railways at The Engine House and the chance to see famous steam locomotive GWR 4930 Hagley Hall. Profits from the event will go the the Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Start planning your day with the timetables:

Saturday 6 September
Sunday 7 September

Attractions include:

Six visiting GBRf mainline locomotives: 73107, 73136, 57305, 66710, 66719 and 69015 (subject to availability).
Heritage locomotives, including GWR 4930 Hagley Hall, Class 50, Class 52, Class 40 and the DMU.
Model railway exhibition and trade stands at The Engine House, courtesy of Hornby Magazine.
Mini beer festival at Kidderminster Station.
40106 working it’s last trains at the SVR before leaving the railway (Sat 6th)

Kidderminster Diesel Depot tours

Available on a first come, first served basis, starting from the Coalyard Miniature Railway station at the end of the car park, between 10am and 3pm.
Tours last approximately 30 minutes.
Tours are free of charge, but donations are appreciated.

For our eagle-eyed enthusiasts, on Friday 5 September, travel on a an evening GBRf loco hauled by Branchline Society Railtour to the Gala, returning to its start-point on Monday 8 September. Details available here.
Purchase tickets in advance and save up to 20%. Freedom of the Line tickets offer travel all day, or there are short journey options available from each end of the line to Highley (for The Engine House) or Arley. If you haven’t been to the SVR before, there are some suggestions of how to spend the day on the itineraries page.

D1062 Table B
2025-09-13 00:00 - 23:59 | Severn V​alley Railway, Station Approach, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX, United Kingdom
Timetable B

Driver: Roger Smith, Secondman: Mark Taylor

D1062 Table A
2025-09-14 00:00 - 23:59 | Severn V​alley Railway, Station Approach, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX, United Kingdom
https://svr.co.uk/event/timetable-a/2025-09-14/
https://svr.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/208_Timetable-25A.pdf

Driver: Alan Berck-May, Secondman: Alan Coley

D1062 Driver Footplate Experience Course
2025-09-26 00:00 - 23:59 | Bewdley, Station Approach, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY12 1DP, United Kingdom
There is nothing quite like the sight and sound of a diesel locomotive in full cry! Choose your locomotive and experience the power and surge of adrenaline as you take the controls of your favourite Class on our full day Experience, including a tour of Kidderminster Diesel Depot!Our Diesel Footplate Experiences operate throughout the year utilising our heritage fleet of diesel electric and hydraulic locomotives, hauling a heavy train in which up to 10 guests travel free of charge.
What’s included:

Safety briefing before the session commences at Bewdley
Tour of the locomotive engine room, including a start-up procedure demonstration.
Travel in the cab; driving for 8 miles, and acting as second man for 8 miles. A further 16 miles is spent in the rear cab of the locomotive (only available when locomotives with 2 cabs are used), with the option to spend an additional 32 miles travelling in the train with your guests.
Travelling a total journey of 32 miles; going through Bewdley Tunnel, over Victoria Bridge and up Eardington Bank.
Tour of award-winning Kidderminster Diesel Depot
Only 4 participants per experience.
Bring along up to 10 guests who can travel in the carriages behind the locomotive free of charge.
Opportunities for photographs.
A presentation folder with a certificate and memento of your experience.

Diesel Footplate Experience, £625.00:

6 June – Class 37
13 June – Class 42
27 June – Class 50
4 July – Class 52 – fully booked
11 July – Class 37
18 July – Class 50
25 July – Class 52 – fully booked
15 Aug - Class 52
26 Sep - Class 52

Diesel Footplate Experiences 2025
Driver: Alan Berck-May, Secondman: Mark Taylor (am)
Driver: Darren Shelmerdine, Secondman: TBA (pm)

D1062 Table B
2025-09-27 00:00 - 23:59 | Severn V​alley Railway, Station Approach, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX, United Kingdom
https://svr.co.uk/event/b-timetable-2/2025-09-27/
https://svr.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/208_Timetable-25B.pdf
Driver: Darren Shelmerdine, Secondman: Mark Miller

D1062 Table B
2025-09-28 00:00 - 23:59 | Severn V​alley Railway, Station Approach, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX, United Kingdom
https://svr.co.uk/event/timetable-a/2025-09-28/
https://svr.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/208_Timetable-25A.pdf
Driver: Darren Shelmerdine, Secondman: Alan Coley

SVR Autumn Diesel Bash - 65 Years of Class 37's!
2025-10-02 00:00 - 2025-10-05 23:59 | Severn V​alley Railway, Station Approach, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX, United Kingdom
https://svr.co.uk/event/65-years-of-class37/
This year’s Autumn Diesel Bash celebrates 65 years of the versatile and incredibly popular Class 37.
The event will feature four intensively-timetabled days, taking place from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 October.
The SVR will be adding more information in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, the first two visiting locos have been announced as: 37248 courtesy of The Growler Group and the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway
37250 courtesy of Vince Minto and The Wensleydale Railway.
Kidderminster Diesel Depot & Carriage Shed will be open for tours. These can be booked at The Fifty Fund Sales Stand on Kidderminster concourse (cash only please). There are two tours available:

Diesel Depot Only – Tour lasts 1 hour approx and costs £10
Diesel Depot and Carriage Shed – Tour lasts 2 hours approx and costs £20

The tours go through areas where there is uneven ground and there is a lot of walking involved, please check with the team at the sales stand if you have questions regarding accessibility.

WLA Board Meeting by Zoom
2025-10-08 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-03-03 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-07-08 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-10-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Zoom

Committee Meeting at Kidderminster
2025-10-11 13:30 - 17:00 | SVR Kidderminster Railway Museum, Station Approach, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 1QX, United Kingdom

SVR O Gauge Get Together
2025-10-18 00:00 - 2025-10-19 23:59 | Highley Engine House, The Engine House, Higley, Shropshire, WV16 6NZ, United Kingdom
Celebrating its fifth year, the O Gauge Get Together returns in 2025 to take over The Engine House Visitor Centre for a celebration of railway modelling in 1:43.5 scale.
See some of the UK’s award-winning O Gauge layouts and dioramas, shop ‘til you drop with a selection of the best suppliers, discover fantastic crafters and experience the latest O Gauge technology.
The Engine House will be open from 10.45am – 4.30pm (last 4pm). Entry to The Engine House is included in the price of your travel ticket – there’s no extra charge! ‘Freedom of the Line’ tickets can be purchased or Short Journey tickets.

Annual General Meeting
2025-11-15 12:30 - 17:00 | SVR Kidderminster Railway Museum, Station Approach, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 1QX, United Kingdom
Notice of WLA 51st AGM 2025 15th November 2025 Kidderminster Railway Museum Station Approach, Comberton Hill, Kidderminster, Worcs. DY10 1QX

AGM Commences: 12:30 in the Royal Star Room

The Western Locomotive Association Annual General Meeting will be held at Kidderminster Railway Museum on 15th November 2025. The venue is a short walk from Kidderminster Station. The meeting will start at 12:30 in the Royal Star Room. This will be our 51st AGM. After formal proceedings are completed we are delighted to announce we will be showing the premier of our Hellfire TV production. Hellfire TV filmed D1062 on our last running day of this season on the 28th September to chronicle a day in the life of maintaining and operating a Western class locomotive. There is also scope for another slide/film show or presentation. If anyone is interested in presenting anything to Members and those present after the formalities then please let the Secretary know at ian_c_clayton@yahoo.co.uk .

Can't attend? Then please vote on important changes (see below) and election/re-election of Committee Officers by Proxy vote, available by CLICKING HERE!

As a Company Limited by guarantee and a registered charity we are bound to holding an AGM every year and it is an important part of our governance where members can ensure the Association is being run properly. With the success over recent years of recruiting almost double the amount of Members comes the need in making sure we have as many Members vote on resolutions put forward by the Board and Committee. As part of our Articles of Association (our charity and business governing rules) we must have at least 7.5% of Members voting either face to face at the AGM or via Proxy vote to be quorum.

Please come along to the AGM to hear about the running of the WLA and our successes/challenges over the course of 2025, and plans for 2026, and of course your opportunity to vote on resolutions put forwards. This is made even more important this year as we’ll be voting on changes to our Articles of Association, including the addition of D1048, and any other Western locomotives, to our Objects. If you cannot attend as a minimum please vote on these changes and election/re-election of Committee Officers by Proxy vote, available by CLICKING HERE!

This year we are again going to provide a short introduction for all Committee Members standing for re-election/election so you can meet the current Team and also the meet the Candidates for the Charities Officer post. We will provide Proxy voting forms approximately a month before the AGM. These will be provided by email to those Members who we have a registered email address, or by post to Members who we only have a registered postal address. This will undoubtedly save the WLA costs on printing and postage that can be used elsewhere for our locomotives. If you would like to provide your email address if you haven’t already for future use please let us know by contacting us here.

Special Resolutions:

The Committee have ‘Proposed’ two Special Resolutions, to make certain amendments and modifications to our Articles of Association (which include the Memorandum of Association). The proposed amendments include amending the Objects to adopt the inclusion of D1048 and any other Western class locomotive that may become available in the future. Members will be asked to vote and pass the two Special Resolutions at the AGM on 15th November 2025.

First: please review the proposed changes to our Articles of Association in the attached document “Appendix entitled “(1) AoA with proposed amendments for Special Resolution 1 on 15th November 2025” and see the wording of Proposed Special Resolution 1 below. If you are receiving this notice via email the document with the proposed changes are included with the email. If you are receiving this notice via post you will need to view the proposed changes on our website by CLICKING HERE.

Second: please see Special Resolution 2 which sets out the proposed amendments to Paragraphs 3 and 6 of the Memorandum of Association.

Notice of Special Resolutions to Amend the Articles and Memorandum of Association: The following will be voted on and are intended to be passed as Special Resolutions at the AGM of the Western Locomotive Association to be held at Kidderminster on 15th November 2025. Special Resolution 1:

That the Articles of Association be amended to the form of the articles of association set out in the document appended hereto entitled “(1) AoA with proposed amendments for Special Resolution 1 on 15th November 2025”, in substitution for, and to the exclusion of, any articles of association of the company previously registered with the Registrar of Companies.

Special Resolution 2:

That the following clauses of the Memorandum of Association be amended to read as follows:

Clause 3:

The Charity’s objects are the preservation, maintenance and operation in working order of its locomotives D1013 Western Ranger, D1048 Western Lady, D1062 Western Courier and any other locomotive of the Western locomotive class that the Charity may purchase or acquire, so far as reasonably practicable, in a condition authentic to their service on British Railways as museum exhibits and to advance the education of the public in the history of the said locomotives.

Clause 6(c):

“To sell, lease or otherwise acquire any property belonging to the Charity. In exercising this power, the Charity must comply as appropriate with Part 7 of the Charities Act 2011 if it wishes to mortgage land;”

Non-members can come along and hear all about the running of the Association but will not be able to vote on any resolutions. Peter Bamber and the Sales Team will hopefully be bringing along some of the latest array of sales items on the day and hopefully our Membership Secretary will also hopefully be in attendance allowing you to renew your membership for 2026 on the day if you wish. A membership form is included to bring along on the day or return by post if you cannot attend. It should be noted that it is very easy to renew your Membership on our website by CLICKING HERE. You can even opt to auto-renew each year, which means you’ll never forget to renew again!!

The Agenda for our AGM is currently as follows below:

Apologies for absence (please forward to the Secretary by post or email ian_c_clayton@yahoo.co.uk)

Minutes of the 2024 AGM- Matters arising (please forward any items including resolutions to the Secretary by email or post nolater than 28 days before the meeting)

Chairman’s and Board Report by Roger Smith

Engineering updates on our 3 locomotives D1062, D1013, and D1048 (including the latest engineering assessment of the latter)

Officer Reports

Special resolutions to be voted on to make changes to our Articles of Association including changes to our Objects to include D1048 and any other Western locomotive.

Special Resolution to accept the proposed changes to our Articles of Association and Objects put forward by Committee

Ordinary Resolution of Election of Officers- Any other business including potential 2026 events- Dates of 2026 meetings and AGM

Close and end of formal proceedings

Hellfire TV Premier – a day in the life of the WLA and D1062. There is also scope for a further 30 minute presentation. Please contact the Secretary if you are interested, or know anyone who may be interested in presenting.

Hope to see many of you at the AGM and many thanks as always for your continuing support of our Association.

Can't attend? Then please vote on important changes and election/re-election of Committee Officers by Proxy vote, available by CLICKING HERE!

Ian Clayton - Secretary Western Locomotive Association

Winter Diesel Day
2025-12-29 00:00 - 23:59 | Severn V​alley Railway, Station Approach, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX, United Kingdom
The Winter Diesel day returns on Monday 29 December 2025 and we’re looking forward to lots of diesel action care of the SVR home fleet, plus a couple of special Class 37 visitors!
What to expect at the Winter Diesel Day? The event will feature home-fleet and visiting locomotives operating a busy timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. Our heritage carriages will be steam heated and the engines are sure to be working hard! If you and your family love diesel, this is the place to be! Ride behind every locomotive, visit The Engine House at Highley to break your day, and sample the finest real-ales in our pubs. Perfect for those young and old, experience the Severn Valley at its loudest!
The Station gift shops, cafes and restaurant kiosks will also be open selling food and hot drinks, and The Engine House is open.

Stars of the show:
Class 37s 37418 and 37508, appearing courtesy of LORAM and Steve Beniston.
Class 17 ‘Clayton’ D8568, making it’s first runs of this year.
Class 20 20xxx
Class 33 33108
Class 46 46045
Class 50 50033 ‘Glorious’
Class 50 500xx
Class 52 Western D1015 ‘Western Champion’
Class 101 and 108 DMUs
GWR 1450 & GWR 7714 will also be in use, providing steam heating.

Committee Meeting by Zoom
2026-02-11 19:30 - 21:00 | Zoom

Spring Diesel Festival
2026-05-14 00:00 - 2026-05-17 23:59 | Severn V​alley Railway, Station Approach, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX, United Kingdom

Driver Footplate Experience Course - D1062
2026-06-03 00:00 - 23:59, 2026-06-26 00:00 - 23:59, 2026-08-14 00:00 - 23:59 | Bewdley, Station Approach, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY12 1DP, United Kingdom
There is nothing quite like the sight and sound of a diesel locomotive in full cry! Choose your locomotive and experience the power and surge of adrenaline as you take the controls on our full day experience, including a tour of Kidderminster Diesel Depot!
Taking place throughout the year, you can experience the challenge of driving a diesel electric or diesel hydraulic locomotive hauling a heavy train of carriages in which your 10 guests can travel free of charge. Running over the whole length of the line, you will power through Bewdley Tunnel, glide across Victoria Bridge and storm up Eardington Bank.
Our fleet of historic locomotives that are used on Diesel Footplate Experiences include: Class 42 D821 Greyhound, Class 50s (50033 Glorious or 50035 Ark Royal) and Class 52s (D1015 Western Champion or D1062 Western Courier).
What’s included:

Travel in the cab; driving for 8 miles, and acting as second man for 8 miles. A further 16 miles is spent in the rear cab of the locomotive (only available when locomotives with 2 cabs are used), with the option to spend an additional 32 miles travelling in the train with your guests.
Travelling a total journey of 32 miles; going through Bewdley Tunnel, over Victoria Bridge and up Eardington Bank.
Safety briefing before the session commences at Bewdley
Tour of award-winning Kidderminster Diesel Depot and locomotive engine room, including a start-up procedure demonstration.
Only 4 participants per experience. Bring along up to 10 guests who can travel in the carriages behind the locomotive free of charge.
Opportunities for photographs.
A presentation folder with a certificate and memento of your experience.

There is one level of Diesel Footplate Experience in 2026, priced at £650 per participant. Tickets now available (locomotives are subject to availability):

Class 50 – 10 July, 31 July, August 21
Class 52 – 26 June (D1062), 3 July (D1062), 14 August (D1062), September 4 (D1015)
Class 42 – August 7 (D821)

Realise your lifelong ambition at the Severn Valley Railway…

Committee Meeting at Kidderminster (TBC)
2026-07-11 12:30 - 16:00, 2026-10-10 12:30 - 16:00 | SVR Kidderminster Railway Museum, Station Approach, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 1QX, United Kingdom

Vintage Transport Extravaganza Weekend
2026-08-08 00:00 - 2026-08-09 23:59 | Severn V​alley Railway, Station Approach, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX, United Kingdom

Autumn Diesel Bash
2026-10-01 00:00 - 2026-10-04 23:59 | Severn V​alley Railway, Station Approach, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX, United Kingdom

O Gauge Get Together Weekend
2026-10-17 00:00 - 2026-10-18 23:59 | Highley Engine House, The Engine House, Higley, Shropshire, WV16 6NZ, United Kingdom

Annual General Meeting
2026-11-14 12:30 - 17:00 | SVR Kidderminster Railway Museum, Station Approach, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 1QX, United Kingdom
