Severn Valley Railway visit for 85-year-old ex-volunteer

First visiting the Severn Valley Railway in the 1970s with his family, 85-year-old Alfred Astbury enjoyed seeing the trains run from Bridgnorth to Hampton Lodge. He started volunteering when the railway extended to Kidderminster.

During his time volunteering, Alfred would travel from his home on the Wirral to work on the railway and even helped to restore vintage train carriages at Severn Valley Railway Museum.

Alfred’s son, Colin, followed in Alfred’s footsteps, having worked and volunteered on the Severn Valley Railway for 40 years now.

Colin and Alfred Astbury (Image: Foley Grange)

Colin said: "Dad and I worked on the footplate of the steam engine that passes the site of the Sugar Beet Factory in Kidderminster, which is where Foley Grange care home was built in 2021.

"Dad’s room at Foley Grange overlooks the Falling Sands Viaduct so he can watch our trains go by. When I’m driving the train, I always wave and blow the whistle when I pass."

Joined by his family, Alfred and the care team at Foley Grange went along to the Severn Valley Railway’s ‘Step Back to the 1940’s’ event, where they admired the steam trains, met the train drivers and conductors, and enjoyed tea and cake in the Severn Valley Café.

This would be the first time Alfred would see the Severn Valley Railway in ten years.

Alfred said: "I found the trip very enjoyable. I love talking to the other residents about the trains because I know a lot about them from when I volunteered at the railway.

"My favourite part of the day was when I got to the blow the whistle with my son and stepped up on the footplate, as this was something I used to do when I worked there. It was nice to be able to go back after so many years."