■ Severn Valley loco department prepares for new season

THE Severn Valley Railway has been in mourning for John Hill, one of its founding fathers, who drove the first steam locomotive on the heritage line and also the inaugural public train from Bridgnorth on May 23, 1970.

John, 82, who lived in Bewdley and had been a BR driver at Saltley and Tyseley depots before he joined the SVR, passed away on January 14 after a period of ill health.

Highlights

On March 25, 1967, as the embryonic line’s only qualified driver, John and fellow BR fireman Garry Carter drove Collett 0-6-0 No. 3205 to Bridgnorth to a rapturous reception and widespread local press coverage after it arrived on the line from Stourbridge.

He also drove the inspection special over the line on March 31, 1968. In the 1970s, he drove trains for the filming of Carrie’s War and The Seven-Per-Cent Solution, and appeared in the film credits.

John also served as chairman of the Severn Valley Railway Association, director of the Guarantee Company (now the SVR Company Limited) and SVR (Holdings).

Experience

Fellow early volunteer David Williams said: “John Hill possessed the patience to teach newcomers to the railway industry about its seemingly mystical techniques and procedures. His background was rare, embracing both footplate and signalbox experience, and volunteers on both the Severn Valley and Bluebell railways have good cause to remember him for guidance and friendship.”

His funeral was held at Wyre Forest Crematorium on February 3, and while few could attend because of pandemic restrictions, the service was streamed live for his friends and colleagues. John’s family is planning a celebration of his life once restrictions are lifted.

John requested any donations in his memory to be made to Kidderminster Railway Museum at krm.org.uk