Earlier this month, Erlestoke Manor Fund shareholders, supporters and suppliers were invited to two special trips on the West Somerset Railway to celebrate the return of the locomotive from a major overhaul.
Over 100 guests enjoyed the trips between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead on Saturday 1st July 2023, with cab visits and tours of Minehead depot during the first layover.
The EMF is now working to return 7802 Bradley Manor to steam in 2024, before it starts the overhaul of GWR Large Prairie No. 5164.
Adrian Hassell, Chair of Erlestoke Manor Fund, commented “This major event, in our 50th year, was superbly supported by so many supporters and guests, many of whom travelled considerable distances to Bishops Lydeard from the normal home of 7812 on the Severn Valley Railway
I must give many thanks to all those involved in putting this event on, but particular plaudits must go to the West Somerset Railway, for both the planning for and the execution on the day of the event. Their support and hospitality were first rate”.
