New Husband and Wife Team Take Over Evesham Vale LR

The 15in gauge Evesham Vale Light Railway will have new operators from January 3.

Taking Over

Adrian and Sandra Corke will be running the mile and a quarter long Evesham Vale Light Railway from the beginning of 2012. The 15in gauge line in Evesham Country Park was built by Jim and Helen Shackell. Earlier this year the couple announced they were looking for someone to take over the railway which they opened on August 1 2002.

Heritage Railway People

Adrian and Sandra have extensive heritage railway experience, both being volunteers at Bedfordshire’s Leighton Buzzard Railway for many years.

Adrian is a steam driver and was LBR’s chief steam engineer until taking a full time job as engineering manager at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre around six years ago, a post he left last year. He was also engineering project manager for the restoration of the Greensand Railway Museum Trust’s WDLR Baldwin 4-6-0T No. 778. Sandra has filled many roles at Leighton Buzzard including developing and running its catering operation for many years, handling behind the scenes accounting work and painting locomotives!

Locos and Stock Remain as Previously

The new operators have leased the EVR track and buildings from the site owners, Eagle One Ltd. for 10 years. The existing carriages and most of the locomotives will remain at the line. The steam fleet which is staying comprises Severn Lamb 0-6-2 No. 3 Dougal, Exmoor 0-4-0TT No. 312 St. Egwin and ‘Little Giant’ class 4-4-2 No. 32 Count Louis.

Volunteer Help

The EVR is supported by volunteers. If you are interested in joining the small but dedicated team Adrian and Sandra would like to hear from you – call the railway at 01386 422282 after January 3 and have a chat.