Annual General Meeting – 2023
On the 21st October 2023, a surprise visitor attended the Stanier Mogul Fund’s AGM at Kidderminster. None other than the locomotive herself – in her wartime guise as 2968 in unlined black livery. Thanks to SVR Engineering Services staff, she worked light engine from Bridgnorth and back and performed faultlessly.
Members had the opportunity to view the locomotive in the dock outside the Kidderminster Railway Museum, and see her steam up and down the Engine line. It was an emotional moment for many hearing the distinctive whistle of the sole surviving Stanier Mogul once more, after a thorough 10 year overhaul.
2968 taking pride of place in the engine line dock outside the Kidderminster Railway Museum.
Members expressed their gratitude to the SVR's Engineering Services staff crew who made 2968's appearance today possible: L-R Duncan Ballard, John Bowater (SMF), Gary Williams and Will Marsh.
Before the AGM, The SMF committee presented Secretary Ian Marshall with a John Austin print of Western Ranger at Dawlish sea wall, in recognition of his service to the SMF over the years, and his hard work especially during this latest overhaul.
2968 did a few demonstration runs up and down the Engine line, to show off how smooth, and steam tight she runs.
75069 poses alongside 2968 to both bask in the limelight for a few moments.
A close up of the front of 2968, there are still a few final pieces to be fitted. Such as the steam pipe cladding - which will be completed in the coming weeks.
The SMF's Committee of management (L-R) Peter Holder, Oliver Speke, John Tidmarsh, Jim Norman, Ian Marshall, John Ashton, Richard Greaves, Howard Bowling and James Cooper.
At the start of the AGM, Ian Marshall (Secretary) presented John Bowater - retired Engineering Officer with a Print of the Lickey Incline. As thanks for his many years of dedication to the SMF, and his continued hard work at Bridgnorth leading the volunteer working parties.