Shareholding

Brief Background

The Erlestoke Manor Fund (EMF) was founded in 1973 to purchase and restore 7812 Erlestoke Manor from scrap yard condition; 7812 was returned to service on the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) in 1979 and 7802 Bradley Manor was purchased from Barry scrap yard for spares. Subsequently the decision was taken to restore 7802 and it returned to service on the SVR in 1993.

Manor Class locos come close to matching the ideal for heritage railways such as the SVR, being of ideal size and hauling capacity with light axle loading. They look at home on single line branch lines, yet they carry a degree of glamour and 'sex appeal' for those members of the general public who appreciate named engines, painted in green and gilded with gleaming brass work. They are also reasonably economical to run and appreciated by footplate crews.

Consequently both Manors have been regular performers on the SVR and other lines and have achieved a good record for availability and performance - Erlestoke has covered well over 50,000 miles in preservation and Bradley over 110,000 miles.

However their ongoing active future heavily depends upon the level of ongoing support the fund receives in both practical and financial ways. New shareholders are therefore particularly welcome.

Become a Shareholder

Membership of the EMF is open to all adults subscribing the minimum holding of £50.00, payable in monthly instalments by standing order.

The EMF is governed by a constitution and is comprised of like minded shareholders from ordinary backgrounds with the aim of keeping its locos in active service for as long as possible.

The fund encourages involvement from its shareholders through:

• Participation in regular working parties on the locomotives.
• Shareholders events, including driving experience and special trains.
• Publishing members’ articles and photographs in the half-yearly newsletters.
• Other fund-raising activities.

The EMF is strongly affiliated to the SVR through referendum mandate, shareholder cross-section and other SVR involvement of the trustees and other shareholders.

The Fund’s two locomotives need continuing active support and new and existing shareholders are invited to consider buying shares, either with a lump sum or by banker’s standing order. All funds raised by the Fund, whether by share subscription or sales in the shop at Bewdley, pay directly for costs incurred in maintaining and overhauling the locomotives. Working members’ time and practical support for the locomotives is given freely and voluntarily.

Please consider joining the Erlestoke Manor Fund today by completing the Share Application (PDF file).