The Erlestoke Manor Fund (EMF) have recently held a vote over the future of newly acquired Great Western Railway (GWR) 5101 class 2-6-2T ‘Large Prairie’ No.5164, which has laid the foundations for bright future for the engine.

Formerly joining the Fund last year, Shareholders undertook a vote to determine the future of 5164.

As the vote over 5164 would see the EMF changing their constitution. Shareholders voted whether to / not to add 5164 into the Fund’s charitable objectives to be preserved and maintained in ‘an authentic livery in full working order for as long as possible.’, joining both GWR 7800 ‘Manor’ Class No.7812 “Erlestoke Manor” and No.7802 “Bradley Manor”.

The vote fell in favour, a momentous occasion for Fund and 5164.

This outcome now means the trust can begin preliminary inspection work to determine the condition of 5164 and fund raising can begin, with the aim of making a overhaul a viable option. Ultimately, the Fund’s main aim currently is to return both 7812 and 7802 to steam, which great progress is being made.

Adrian Hassell, Chair of Erlestoke Manor Fund said he was “delighted to see the unanimous support for the new project from the existing EMF members”.

For more information or to support the Erlestoke Manor Fund, please visit their website here.