We join Ukrainian refugees on the Severn Valley Railway outing

Following Knighton Rotary Club’s successful Rotary District 1150 grant application, Rotary President Angela Ellis and Secretary Paul Barrett were invited by the North Herefordshire and South Shropshire Ukrainian Support Group to join 80 Ukrainian refugees, their hosts and teachers on a cultural and educational trip on the Severn Valley Heritage Railway.

The party gathered at Bridgnorth Station to await the arrival of the steam train, pulled by a BR Riddles 4MT 75069 steam locomotive (duly recorded in Paul’s trainspotter notebook).

Many excited children, and one or two excited adults, boarded the two carriages allocated to our group. As President Angela said “We steamed down the line to Highley, exchanging interesting stories with Ukrainian families”. You can imagine the stories they told.

Secretary Paul added “We spent two hours exploring the SVR Engine House Visitor & Education Centre which was very interesting for everybody there.” This was followed by picnics on the river bank, or in the Severn Valley Country Park, a former coal pit, before returning to Bridgnorth. Everyone agreed that it was a grand day out!