Welcome to the Severn Valley branch of the Great Western Railway. It is July 1941, and the railway is fully occupied carrying War material and Troops to serve the Nation. The railway is playing an important part as a diversionary route to avoid the industrial West Midlands.

Despite heavy use by goods trains, a passenger service is still being maintained between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. However, the line north of Bridgnorth to Shrewsbury is currently restricted to goods traffic only, so all trains must terminate at Bridgnorth.

It is quite possible that at stations, Military or plain clothes Police and Army staff will board the trains to examine identity cards. Please have them ready for examination.

All the re-enactors are here to entertain and inform you. Please feel free to talk and ask them questions. They will be delighted to talk to you about their hobby and be photographed.

We are indebted to all the vehicle owners who have brought their old vehicles to the railway. Please feel free to photograph them and talk to their owners.

At Hampton Loade Station there is a living history group portraying part of the German army of the time, complete with all their equipment on display. This group are there for the first weekend and possibly the second. Please check if you travel the second weekend to make sure what is at the station.

Bridgnorth Station will be occupied territory for the two weekends. Be prepared to be stopped and asked to produce your identity card. Again you will be able to see the German army with their equipment.

Passengers wishing to purchase their own 1940's clothes will find stalls at Bridgnorth station with a wide range. If you don't want to buy, just go and have a look, its fascinating.

Whilst at Bridgnorth station you will be entertained by Paul Harper, imitating the 'stars' of the 1940's, including George Formby.

We have had reports of black marketeers operating on our trains. Please report them to the staff if they approach you. Sidney Smart and Tony 'the Tout' are the ones to look out for.

We have had reports in the last few days of parachute landings in the area surrounding the village of Highley. This could be a pre-invasion raiding group. Please beware. Remember, if the church bell rings out, the invasion of this great country is underway.

We believe we might have a visit from the Prime Minister, Mr Churchill, at Highley at about 1.35 p.m., although rumour has it that German Parachute Troops might try to kidnap him. There could be a battle...!! Be there by 1.25 p.m. both days.

Kidderminster is prone to air raids at the moment, so when on the station please listen out for the warning and take appropriate action. Railway staff will advise you.

On Saturday 30th June we are expecting a flypast of a Spitfire of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
On Saturday 7th July we are expecting a flypast of the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
We have also been advised that the Red Arrows hope to perform a flypast on the 7th and/or 8th July.
These flypasts are of course, subject to weather conditions and availability.
Please see our notices and listen to announcements for timings, on the day.
We offer our most sincere thanks to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight for the honour they do us.

The National Fire Service will be in action, we have no doubt, at Kidderminster station during both days. Firefighting displays by these brave lads will take place at 12.30, 2.15 and 5.15 on Saturday and 12.30, 2.15 and 4.30 on Sundays.

A wartime bus will operate from the front of Kidderminster station, giving a short trip into the town and back. To board, just show your identity card.

Our refreshment rooms will do their utmost to feed you but strict rationing is in force, so be patient! At Bewdley station a cinema coach will be showing up-to-date information and news films.

Home Guard Units are operating on the railway, particularly at Kidderminster where the station's own units protect this green and pleasant land.

On Sunday evening at 5.45 p.m. at Kidderminster station, we will be lowering the union flag whilst a bugler will play "The Last Post" as a mark of respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. You are cordially invited to witness this moving event.

We are very pleased to have the Allen Francis Big Band playing at Kidderminster station on Saturday and Sunday for workers' playtime. Show time is at 1.00 p.m., 2.15 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. The band is lead by Allen Cook. Also, on Saturday evening at 7.30 p.m. we have an evening show, with a finish at 11.00 p.m. as the last train leaves Kidderminster for Bridgnorth.

A special train from Bridgnorth to the show departs at 6.35 p.m. calling at all stations.

Please note that tickets for the evening show at £5.00 each, will be available during the day from Kidderminster Booking Office. Tickets are limited, so please buy early.
*	It is also to be noted that your daytime travel ticket does NOT give you automatic entry to the Saturday evening show.	*

During the four days you may find yourselves being entertained by 'Cum Sing Wi We' and 'Nostalgia Unlimited'. These groups have combined to collect for the Royal British Legion over the four days. If don't wish to give that is fine, thay will not mind, just enjoy the songs.

Enjoy your day, but remember . . .

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Created by: Dave Rowley, July 3^rd 2001