The passing earlier this year of Keith Beddoes was a sad loss, as he was the founding father of the Severn Valley Railway, leading the way in saving the historic line in the 1960s and laying the groundwork for its revival as the popular attraction it is today.
But his death has been a loss to railways more generally, as he was a railways historian and author, who over the years was kind enough to share some of his photographic collection, and his knowledge, with the Star.
His spirit lives on in the enthusiasm of the SVR volunteers who bring the world of steam to modern-day passengers who enjoy a trip along the preserved line.
So thanks Keith, and thanks too for giving us the opportunity to showcase a selection of your photos, many featuring the SVR line, giving a window on Shropshire’s railway past.
5. Putting up the decorations
Bridgnorth railway station being decorated for that visit of the Duchess of Kent in late May 1957. | Keith Beddoes
6. Plum job
George Hadley, Don Canham (fireman), and engine 7774 in early LMS livery, at Coalport in about 1925. George Hadley, on the left, was nicknamed Plum. Just off the picture far left were the supports for the high wall at Coalport. They were called batters. | Keith Beddoes
7. Batter times
Another view of the batters, which were new buttresses on the retaining wall at Coalport, pictured in about 1923 or 1924. This was on the east side of the River Severn. | Keith Beddoes
8. Things to do when you're bored
Keith said during a railways strike in 1955 not all workers were affected, and those at Buildwas Junction had nothing to do, so they got a lot of stones and laid this out in the stationmaster's garden and whitewashed them. The message written in stones says: "Buildwas Junction." On the back of the print is written: "Buildwas, 1955, l-r Phil Bagnall (leading porter), Maurice Dicken, Ern Dicken. Stones put in during 1955 strike as National Union of Railwaymen members did not strike. Not much for staff to occupy themselves." The picture came from Keith but originally came from a negative from Mike Picken. | Keith Beddoes/Mike Picken