At this year's Heritage Railway Association awards, the Severn Valley Railway came away with three top awards and was highly commended in two other categories.
The heritage sector recognises these awards as being prestigious as they recognise excellence and innovation throughout the heritage rail sector.
The first award to the Severn Valley Railway was for Diesel and Electric Locomotion, in recognition of the series of events it held last year to celebrate 50 years of diesel preservation.
In the Rail Express Modern Traction Awards, the Class 50 Alliance and the Fifty Fund, which are based at the Severn Valley Railway, won the top Award, as well as the Class 50 Alliance being highly commended in the Team of the Year category.
The Class 50 Alliance also won the Award for Diesel Locomotion in 2021.
The Severn Valley Railway's restoration of LMS corridor composite No 24617 was highly commended in the Morgan Award for Rolling Stock Preservation.
Jonathan ‘Gus' Dunster, managing director of the Severn Valley Railway, was honoured by being awarded the Railway Magazine Preservationist of the Year, both for his work as a volunteer with the Class 50 Alliance and for his role as the railway's managing director during the past year.
Chris Walton, the Severn Valley Railway chairman said: “Any one of these awards and commendations would by itself be cause for celebration; the fact that the SVR and its associated groups and people scooped this many in a single evening is truly inspiring.
“It shows the breadth of the SVR's talents and the depth of its determination to continue as a leading member of the UK heritage sector. These awards will be welcomed by everyone who works or volunteers at, or visits, the wonderful Severn Valley Railway.”
Heritage Railway Association chief executive, Steve Oates, said: “It was a big night for the Severn Valley team as a whole at the HRA annual awards in Brighton. There was tough competition in every single category, but the fact the SVR has so many new additions to their trophy cabinet is testimony to the hard work and dedication of everyone there.
“I've got to give huge congratulations to Gus and the entire team at the Severn Valley for what they've achieved. I look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the next 12 months, and perhaps even welcoming them back on stage at our next awards event.”
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Our family of 6 including 2 children aged 6 & 9 enjoyed a wonderful trip on SVR last Sunday travelling from Bridgenorth to the Highley Engine Museum & then on to Bewdley for a few hours before returning to Bridgenorth overnight.
Plan to do another tour from Kidderminster asap.