Farewell said to former Severn Valley supremo Michael Draper

OUTSPOKEN former Several Valley Railway general manager Michael Draper, who has been credited with helping to make the heritage line into one of the most successful in the UK, passed away at the age of 90 at Bromsgrove on September 26.

A statement from SVR Company Ltd director David Williams said: “Michael was a transport enthusiast from an early age, embracing railways, shipping, and air, before beginning a career as an accountant, spending time in the UK and South Africa.

“On an early visit to the SVR, he was impressed by what he saw and was soon invited to join the Holdings Company board of directors, becoming its volunteer finance director. After two years, he was appointed general manager of the railway, which started a 17-year stint in the role. This period was one of unprecedented and intense activity based on his successful partnership with Alun Rees as chief engineer.

“During this time, the railway was extended beyond Bewdley to Kidderminster.

“Further, the national profile of the SVR was enhanced with its major contribution to the newly-promoted Steam On BR programme, with up to nine SVR-based locomotives certified to operate on the national network.”

David, who has edited Severn Valley Railway News for 56 years, said that during Michael’s time in charge, the line restored 13 ex-Barry scrapyard locomotives to working order. During his time in office, passenger numbers rose from 113,000 to 194,000. However, Michael was sacked by the SVR in 1993 for what was described as “financial irregularities.”The railway started a county court action for the return of money, which was settled out of court. Michael was succeeded as general manager by Alun Rees.

Michael was also a director of the Heritage Railways Association until November 30, 1994.

David said: “After the SVR, Michael spent a short time as general manager of the Great Central Railway based at Loughborough. In retirement he continued to comment on heritage railway matters in the railway press.”

He often expressed the view that there were too many heritage railways. In 1997 he wrote: “Make no mistake, there will not be 150 railways and steam centres in this country at the end of the next 30 years.” Latest figures show that more than 180 HRA member organisations regularly open to the public, 156 of them operating with passengers.

Michael’s funeral was arranged for The Vale Crematorium, Pershore, at noon on October 27.