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Midlands Air Ambulance Charity
Shropshire is shortly to have a brand-new trendsetting event.
The Rotary Steam Train will be running on the Severn Valley Railway on 28th April.
And it’s available to members of the public.
All monies raised from the special event will be donated to charity with Midlands Air Ambulance set to be the biggest beneficiary.
The ‘unique day’ is the brainchild of David Morris, president of Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club.
He said today that he believed this special event would achieve a number of ‘firsts’ for the county.
“The Severn Valley engine and coaches will become our own dedicated steam train aiming to raise money to help protect the West Midlands biggest tourist attraction.
“It will also see the entire Bridgnorth station area and environs surrounded by Italian vehicles for the first time.”
He is describing it as an ‘Italian day’ as a result of organising a large display of Italian vehicles which will surround the old station building at Bridgnorth.
There will be time for visitors to meet, chat and look at the magnificent line-up of Italian vehicles before the Rotary Steam Train departs on April 28.
For those who would like to enjoy a unique ride on the Rotary Steam Train combined with an Italian theme, it will depart Bridgnorth at 11.15 am arriving in Bewdley at 1.22 pm for lunch which can include a buffet on the train.
The same train will then leave Bewdley at 3.05 pm arriving back in Bridgnorth at 3.50 pm. The entrance fee for the Autorail day train ride – which the organisers say doesn’t include lunch - is £20 per adult and £10 per child.
Said David: “This brand-new event featuring Rotary chartering its own steam train for the day is very much a fundraising challenge for Midlands Air Ambulance and Shropshire Youth Association who will also be helping on the day.
“We are of course hoping that Midlands Air Ambulance will be a key beneficiary of the day which is a brand-new activity for Shropshire that I am thrilled to say is inspired by Rotary.
“I did a 'trial event' at the Severn Valley Railway a few months ago - just Ferraris and Lamborghinis. SVR loved it and it went very well - and that's why SVR asked us to return with a bigger Italian event.”
The organisers claim the day will be the cheapest steam train ride in the UK – unlikely to be bettered.
David added: “Severn Valley Railway initially wanted me to sort out an Italian vehicle display for them. They are really itching to try and boost visitor numbers due to the double-whammy of the cost-of-living crisis and sharp rise in international coal prices.
“Discussions have subsequently expanded to make this an outstanding event with the entire train booked by Rotary. We hope this will be a never-to-be-forgotten experience for all those visitors who not only like cars – but enjoy steam trains.”
Anyone interested in going along on the day should contact David Morris on 07773 537564 or at djmfastforward@hotmail.co.uk
Owners of non-Italian vehicles will park in the normal area and no additional charge for parking will be needed.
However, the organisers have requested confirmation details of vehicle registrations in advance so that they can get visitors logged into the SVR parking system for free parking on the day.