After a hectic few weeks on the Severn Valley Railway that included, Christmas, the festive season services, Diesel Day, and a Winter Steam Gala, Managing Director Gus Dunster looks back on 2023, and looks forward to what he hopes will be this year’s highlights as well as the challenges that lie ahead in 2024.

“As I come to the end of my first year ‘in the job’, I very much wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to everyone who’s played a part in keeping the SVR magic alive throughout 2023, in the most challenging of circumstances. Whether it’s as a volunteer, member of staff, member, shareholder, donor, supporter or a visitor, you’ve been a key part of this, and we couldn’t have done it without you.

“There is a lot for us to be proud about over the past 12 months; we have staged some stunning events and the visitor feedback on the Christmas season has been overwhelmingly positive. There is so much that we can celebrate.

“I’m sure 2024 will continue to present challenges for us and most other heritage railways. Let’s not forget that we’re still actively seeking donations to our Survival Fund, as it approaches £500,000.

“We’re working as hard as we can to deliver an impressive range of events, designed to appeal to all sectors of the market, and you can see details of these below. Enthusiast events have been our strength in 2023, and we’ll make sure these are equally attractive in 2024. But we’re also putting together events that appeal to a family market, such as character events and our ever-popular 1940s weekends.

“And, you won’t have long to wait to see the Railway back in action, as we’ll be open in February for the half-term holiday, and I very much hope to see you then.

“This year also sees two very important anniversaries for the Railway; in May we’ll celebrate 50 years since the line extended to Bewdley, and in July we’ll mark 40 years since the opening of Kidderminster Town station.

“As we embark on this brand-new year, we can be confident that we are in a stronger position than we were a year ago. I am very proud to be part of the SVR team, and I hope you are too.”