The SVR is all geared up for the Queen’s Baton Relay
The SVR is all geared up for the Queen’s Baton Relay
After months of careful, behind-the-scenes planning, the Severn Valley Railway is now ready to play its part in the final build-up to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. On Saturday 23rd July, the leading UK heritage railway will host the Queen’s Baton Relay, carrying the Baton the full 16-mile length of the line from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth.
The SVR’s famous purple steam locomotive, No. 70 ‘Elizabeth II’ will haul a special service departing from Kidderminster at 10.07. Free tickets to travel on the train have been allocated in a public ballot, along with viewing places at Kidderminster station.
Members of the public are invited to view the Queen’s Baton Relay train at all the SVR’s other stations – Bewdley, Arley, Highley, Hampton Loade and Bridgnorth. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. As it passes through each station, the train will slow to walking pace and will sound its whistle in celebration. The SVR advises that no parking is available at Arley, Highley or Hampton Loade and viewers will need to make their way to these stations on foot.
Once the Baton has arrived at Bridgnorth station, it will be carried into the town, for a trip on the Cliff Railway and further activities at Severn Park.
“It is a huge accolade to have been selected to host this high profile section of the Queen’s Baton Relay,” said the SVR’s managing director Helen Smith. “We’ll be putting on a guard of honour at both Kidderminster and Bridgnorth stations, made up of some our 1,600+ volunteers. This is going to be a proud day for the SVR, and we’re delighted that our stunning purple-liveried locomotive will be one of the stars, along with the Batonbearers on board our train.”
Six Batonbearers will travel on the special train, with each one responsible for carrying the Baton through a carriage, before passing it to the next Batonbearer. The Baton Relay began in October 2021 when The Queen placed Her Message to the Commonwealth into the Baton, and it has visited all 72 nations and territories before returning to England for the final leg of its journey.
Richard Riley, a retired teacher from Stoke Prior near Bromsgrove will be one of the six Batonbearers on the train, chosen for the huge contribution he has made as an ambassador for both Ovacome, the leading ovarian cancer charity, and the Primrose Hospice in Bromsgrove, following his wife Maxine’s diagnosis and subsequent death from the disease.
“I know Maxine would have been hugely proud of my involvement with the Queen’s Baton Relay, and would have been making sure I get everything absolutely right. I’m thrilled to have been chosen, and the fact that I get to travel on this special train is wonderful. I’ll be getting plenty of photographs next to the amazing purple loco!”
Public services resume on the SVR later in the morning and the timetable for Saturday 23rd July is available at svr.co.uk, along with details of how to book.
