Volunteer Liaison Officer update

GWR 56XX 0-6-2T No. 5619


The new fire bars were picked up on last Thursday and fitted into the firebox. This meant that 5619’s winter maintenance was complete and she was ready to enter service for the Easter Specials on Sunday 31st March and Monday 1st April. 5619 performed perfectly on both days, steaming very well and economical on its coal usage. A great testament to the skills and hard work of our volunteers in preparing her for the new season.


The roof of the shop continues to be repaired with the last rotten plank replaced and the new cover being glued into place and the bands refitted. A bit more work is needed to finish the job, but the shop was able to be moved out of the shed and back in to Spring Village platform in time for the first days service


Ruston & Hornsby 0-4-0 DH No. 525947 “Rusty” has joined the shop at Spring Village platform for our passengers to get a close look, at whilst it waits in the queue for its repair.


With the shed temporarily emptied of rolling stock, the opportunity was taken to clean out the pit


The inside of the waiting room at Spring Village has been repainted. This will house our exhibition of photographs loaned to the railway by the Rail Camera Club. This is hoped to be completed by the time of the railways next public running day on 14 April.


Contractors have been working on the route of Coronation Way, removing the biggest of the trees and undergrowth, which has really opened up the footpath.


Work has continued on the narrow gauge steam tram. The roof has been rubbed down and repainted in primer. A first covering of the top coat of paint will begin shortly. The livery is not expected to change.


The railway reopened on 31st March and 1st April for our Easter Specials. We were lucky with the weather, and the railway was very busy on both days, with the car park full most of the time. The Easter Egg Hunt was very popular, and feedback received was 100% supportive and positive. Most visitors hadn’t visited us before, or had not visited for a number of years. It is great that our name is getting more ‘out there’ with the general public as a good value day out. The gift shop, tearoom and model railway all reported being very popular and busy on both days. It was a great way to start our 2024 season.


The Phoenix Miniature railway was also very busy with visitors. Their new ‘driver for a fiver’ deal was extremely popular, with lots of people taking the opportunity to drive a 5 inch class 20 diesel around the line.


Thanks to David, Ian, Jacob, John and Doug for the additional information and photographs used in this update.


Our Alice’s Adventures to Wonderland event takes place on Friday 5th, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th April. This is a pre booked ticket event, and there is no pay on the day tickets available.


We reopen to the public on 14th April. North British diesel No. 27414 ‘TOM’ will be hauling our trains. First departure from Spring Village is at 11am, with further departures at 12pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm. Ticket prices Adult £10, Children £7, Family £32. SENIOR SAVER tickets will be available. A Senior (65+) can travel for £3 and enjoy a FREE cup of tea or coffee and 10% off the price of their meal at the tearoom when accompanied by a full fare paying child (2-16)(T&Cs apply, see website). Fares include unlimited travel on our standard gauge trains and entry into our model railway exhibition. The Phoenix miniature railway will also be open (Additional charges apply)


Our latest news video, Railway Roundup 3, is now available to watch on our YouTube channel


https://youtu.be/74ZM28bWlc4?si=3rLOnQfAEjj12S_u


Our 2024 special events can be found here


https://www.telfordsteamrailway.co.uk/events.


We are asking our supporters to complete the following nomination form to hopefully receive a donation of £1000. The more nominations we receive, the more chance we have of getting it. It takes less than a couple of minutes to complete so please help us if you can


https://movementforgood.com/index.php?cn=1003150&ct=heritage_arts#nominateACharity




Our website, www.telfordsteamrailway.co.uk has been given an overhaul and now contains more up to date information about our railway, rolling stock, what to see and do, and special events. Tickets are on sale and already selling for our Fish and Chip specials, and Alice’s Adventures to Wonderland event on 5th, 6th and 7th April.


Please take a fresh look at our website and let us know what you think.




Our online shop has been revamped and enlarged to include railway books, soft toys and other items for sale.


Please visit http://www.telfordsteamrailway.co.uk/store/c44/Freight_Stop_Gift_Shop.html


We currently have an appeal to buy a new boiler for our narrow gauge steam tram. You can help us greatly by donating at


https://gofund.me/093e7130


As a thank you, we are offering rewards for certain levels of donations, although every single one is gratefully received and will help put our tram back into operation.


Please also consider supporting Telford Steam Railway through the Telford and Wrekin Community Lottery, which is open to anyone in the UK over 16 years old. This weekly draw gives you the opportunity to win prizes up to £25,000. Tickets cost £1 per week and 50p from each ticket sale goes directly to the railway.


Sign up at
https://www.twincl.co.uk/support/telford-steam-railway