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.
9. Nearly the end of the line
A locomotive at Coalport in the 1920s, near the high wall and not far from The Brewery pub. We are looking down towards the terminus of the line. | Keith Beddoes
10. Bridgnorth bound before the landslip
A GWR 0-6-0 Dean goods loco passing through Jackfield on a Bridgnorth-bound passenger train in 1939. It is close to Jackfield sidings. Jackfield area was hit by a landslip in 1952, which is one of a number of reasons why it is unlikely the SVR line between Bridgnorth and the Ironbridge Gorge will ever be revived, despite expensive stabilisation works in recent years. | Keith Beddoes
11. New halt got things going again
The new Jackfield Halt in 1955. Keith said the new halt was opened on March 1, 1954, after the previous halt was hit by subsidence. The new one was built further down the line, just beyond Maw's. This is another photo which came from an original negative from Mike Picken. | Keith Beddoes
12. Shrewsbury's last SVR train
"Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2T No. 41207 with driver Bell (of Salop) in charge stands at Shrewsbury railway station with the last ordinary passenger train from Bridgnorth, the 19.27 from Bridgnorth, Saturday, September 9, 1963." | Keith Beddoes