The Big "Large Prairie" Appeal!

Returning 5164 to service.

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Would you like to help?

Keeping our locomotives in fine fettle requires lots of things: people, money, goods, equipment and so on. Why not see if there's something you can do to help? You'll be surprised how diverse our needs are!

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Charitable Status & Gift Aid

The EMF now has Charitable status and can also accept Gift Aid!

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Who are we?

There are many volunteers who give up their time freely to ensure our two locomotives continue to run who come from all walks of life. 

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Erlestoke Manor Fund

Welcome to our website. Here you can find out all about our two locomotives Erlestoke Manor and Bradley Manor, who both reside at the Severn Valley Railway.

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Upcoming Events

Coming soon: a fresh coat of digital paint!

There’s plenty going on behind the shed doors as our new website takes shape. The polish is gleaming, the brass is shining, and the launch whistle isn’t far off!

While we put on the finishing touches, do keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates, photos, and tales from the line.

Latest News

January 2026

7802 Bradley Manor to visit 7812 Erlestoke Manor on West Somerset Railway

PRESS RELEASE – issued on 6 January 2026 Following productive discussions with…

November 2025

The fortunes of 7812 Erlestoke Manor

PRESS RELEASE – issued on 31 October 2025 Whilst on extended hire…

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Welcome to the Erlestoke Manor Fund

Video credit to Steaming Around Yorkshire

Formed in 1973 EMF was successful in the rescue through fund raising and purchase of firstly Erlestoke Manor and later Bradley Manor from Woodham’s scrap yard in Barry, South Wales. Having been cast aside by British Railways as surplus and outmoded at the end of 1965, 7812 was rescued in 1974 and 7802 in 1979.

Once saved the fund’s attention focussed on returning 7812 to working order an aim which was achieved in 1979. Initially purchased solely for spare parts the fund was encouraged to restore 7802 to working order a practical and financial feat which was achieved in 1993. Since then both locomotives have proved their usefulness in regular heritage railway service.

Our Latest Photos

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Get Involved

Shareholders

By becoming a shareholder you can help us raise essential funds. And in return you can get extra special benefits.

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Volunteer

Help with a wide variety of tasks, from cleaning, painting or engineering to marketing, sales and finance.

Volunteers

Donate

Any donations in cash, or goods that we can sell in our Bewdley shop, are always welcome.

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Latest Facebook Posts
The Erlestoke Manor Fund sales coach, based at Bewdley Station on the SVR, provides a vital income stream for us. All of the proceeds is invested back into the Fund. Dave Kilner, who has been Shop Manager for some time, stood down from the role this month. He continue as part of the Shop Team, behind the counter and making those repairs to model railway locomotives that take place behind the scenes. We are delighted that Archie McDonald had taken over as EMF Shop Manager, supported by Robert Brittle as his Deputy. Our thanks to Dave for the role he has played and in his agreement to remain part of the team. Our intention is to open the Shop for core hours (11 - 1pm) every weekend through the non-running season, weather depending. So we will be CLOSED this weekend following SVR and meteorologist advice!If you have donations for us - and we need more OO and N Gauge rolling stock - you can contact us on FB messenger to ascertain when we are open or discuss collection, if local. Thank you to all the EMF Shop Volunteers and to our loyal customers, purchasing and donating. ... See MoreSee Less
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Announcement: 7802 Bradley Manor to visit 7812 Erlestoke Manor on West Somerset RailwayFollowing productive discussions with Severn Valley Railway and West Somerset Railway, The Erlestoke Manor Fund announces that ex GWR no 7802 Bradley Manor will visit the West Somerset Railway from end April to early November 2026.The Fund’s Trustees are keen to stress that 7802 is only moving on a short- term hire arrangement and will return to the SVR in time for the 2026 Festive Season trains in November and December, including the Winter Gala. With the agreed arrangements, the EMF are able to use all the steaming days offered by the SVR for 2026, including the Spring Gala before travelling south. 7802 will be joining EMF loco ex-GWR no 7812 Erlestoke Manor at WSR for the very first time. Erlestoke Manor’s hire agreement with WSR commenced in April 2025 and runs until the end of December 2027. The EMF wishes to record its thanks to the SVR for condensing the agreed 2026 days into the start and end of the year to allow the hire of 7802 to take place.The Fund is also grateful to the 2857 Society for their agreement to allow the hire of their ex -GWR tender no 2355, which is normally based on the SVR and currently behind 7802 Bradley Manor, to travel to WSR for the period above. Jane Preece, Chair of the EMF, expressed the Trustees' enthusiasm regarding the forthcoming return of 7802 Bradley Manor to the WSR. “While 7802 Bradley Manor previously visited WSR in 2019, this occasion marks the first time it will operate alongside its stable companion, 7812 Erlestoke Manor, on WSR tracks. This unique event is anticipated to be of significant interest to EMF shareholders and supporters, who will welcome the opportunity to witness both our locomotives in action together.”“This announcement illustrates the positive relationship that the EMF has with its host railway, the Severn Valley Railway, as well as other fully operational heritage railways such as WSR. This hire is to the mutual benefit of not only of the EMF, the WSR and the SVR but also shareholders and supporters who can attend to see the two steam locomotives running in different surroundings.”Photo: 7802 Bradley Manor and 7812 Erlestoke Manor passing Rifle Range 21 April 2025, with thanks to Cameron White ... See MoreSee Less
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As the final day of the SVR Winter Steam Gala dawns closing the Festive Season for this year, some footage from yesterday, courtesy of John Sherratt. ... See MoreSee Less
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Wishing all our shareholders, supporters, volunteers and friends a very Happy New Year. Let’s hope 2026 is a good one for us all, with best wishes from the EMF Trustees. Photos taken by Ian Witton from the EMF Shareholder Special, 30 December 2025. ... See MoreSee Less
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