Members’ Day
Kidderminster, Severn Valley Railway, 20 April 2026
During the welcome to the day, those who have contributed over very many years, including one or two who worked on The Duke whilst he was at Barry in the 1970’s, were acknowledged and thanked; without their input, we would not be where we are today.
The Trust has been sent a photograph taken on the Great Central Railway some 52 years ago, when The Duke had just arrived at Quorn from Barry Scrapyard, on 24th April 1974.
Just arrived at the Great Central Railway (P Kenyon)
Clive Pearson and Frank Reid at the Members’ Day (R Kinchin)
Two of those long-standing members and supporters: Frank Reid, who can be seen in the 1980’s photograph (black & white image) leaning on the Duke’s buffer with a camera bag over his shoulder, and Clive Pearson, to his right with long hair, were pictured reminiscing on the platform at Kidderminster (Frank leaning, again!).
Though many involved in that first restoration have since passed away, we are sure that every single one of them would have been delighted that 71000 Duke of Gloucester is once again back in traffic and steaming better than ever half a century later as the featured image shows above.