The Vale of Berkeley Railway sets out ambitious plans as part of a huge project which is set to be carried out over the next three years.

In June, the Vale of Berkeley Railway was granted the lease for the old Dock Sidings in Sharpness by Network Rail, and since then, the Gloucestershire-based heritage railway’s governing trust has made huge progress with its plans to run both heritage steam and diesel passenger services on the branch line.

Chair of the VoBR Trust Howard Parker said:

“No sooner had the ink dried on our Sidings lease than we started talking to Direct Rail Services (whose nuclear flask trains still use the branch) and Network Rail about requirements for VoBR trains to run just under two miles from Sharpness to Berkeley. The focus is on ensuring a safe demarcation between our operations. Then the rest of the branch beckons, with its ready-made mainline connection at Berkeley Road, making an overall run of four miles.

“First and foremost though is transforming the Dock Sidings into a depot where we can stable, maintain and restore our rolling stock. We’ll call it 85E, following the designation of Gloucester’s local sub-sheds until closure in the 1960s.

“Our volunteers are making great progress clearing 30 years of undergrowth, then we have points and track to re-lay and our depot to build. The permanent way costs at this first stage will be around £50,000 in point timbers alone, so we’re hoping the enthusiast community will help our exciting new venture get up and running within the next three years by donating to our funds. The more we receive, the faster we can go.”

The Gloucestershire-based heritage railway is run by an extremely dedicated and focused body of volunteers who aim to have the railway up and running as a tourist attraction and in turn celebrate the history of the joint GWR & LMS Severn & Wye Railway. The railway recently joined forces with the Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway in order to pool their knowledge, expertise and spares alongside an agreement to support each other with training and assessment.  

Whilst the Vale of Berkeley Railway is not currently operational, members of the public can enjoy a guided tour of the shed which can be organised by emailing: [email protected], further information is also available on its website: vobr.org.uk/donate

There are several ways that people can get behind the Vale of Berkley Railway’s amazing efforts, and you can find out more about supporting the railway by visiting: vobr.org.uk/donate