Erlestoke Manor Fund

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Erlestoke Manor Fund The EMF are proud custodians of ex GWR locomotives 7802 Bradley Manor, 7812 Erlestoke Manor and 5164

We are a group of approximately 400 members and are the proud custodians of three ex GWR locomotives: Manor class 7802 Bradley Manor and 7812 Erlestoke Manor, along with 5101 class Large Prairie 5164. The Erlestoke Manor Fund originated in 1973 when four young gentlemen in the shape of John Hancock, Bob Marrows, Dave Martin & Bruce Chennell making a reservation for what professional boilersmiths considered to be the best of the 6 Manors that were at Dai Woodham's scrap yard in Barry. Frantic fundraising lead to the asking price from BR of £4000 + 10% tax to be achieved in the June, just days before a 50% price rise.

7812, 'Erlestoke' was the first to enter service on the Severn Valley Railway in September 1979 and ran through to 1985. In that time several mainline trips had been undertaken.

7802, 'Bradley' was purchased in 1979 from Dai Woodham's scrap yard as a source of spares for sister locomotive 7812. 'Bradley' first steamed in preservation in 1993 and ran through to 2000 when it was stopped for overhaul where it received the boiler from 7812. 7802 entered back into traffic in May 2002 and put up some sterling performances both on preserved metals and the national network where it achieved over 110 000 miles before being withdrawn from traffic at the end of 2010. Since then, both 7802 and 7812 have had further successful periods in traffic with 7812 running in service from 2008 until 2017 when it was withdrawn from overhaul, and 7802 running in service from 2015 until 2019 when a major piston failure led to its withdrawal from traffic. Both Manors currently reside at Tyseley Locomotive Works, where 7812 is currently at an advanced stage of a major mechanical and boiler overhaul, and is 7802 awaiting fitting of replacement pistons and cylinder blocks which have been manufactured and delivered. We are looking forward to seeing 7812 re-enter traffic in 2022 with 7802 following not to far behind it! Following dialogue the the 5164 Preservation Group and SVR, ownership of Large Prairie 5164 transferred to The Erlestoke Manor Fund in November 2021, in order to secure the locomotive’s long-term future within a charitable organisation. In December 2021, EMF shareholders voted in favour to bring 5164 into the EMF fleet as an equal partner with 7802 and 7812, and to commence fundraising and planning for an overhaul and eventual return to steam on the SVR.

Welcome home!
22/10/2026

Welcome home!

Look who has returned today following a summer at the West Somerset Railway! 🙂

GWR 7802 Bradley Manor will be in service again soon for the festive season.

Erlestoke Manor, 17 October 2026RIP JJP. Photo credit Peter Evans.
17/10/2026

Erlestoke Manor, 17 October 2026

RIP JJP.

Photo credit Peter Evans.

We are at the SVR O gauge get together this weekend! Find our stand in front of 'Lady Armaghdale'. Our sales coach at Be...
17/10/2026

We are at the SVR O gauge get together this weekend! Find our stand in front of 'Lady Armaghdale'. Our sales coach at Bewdley station is open all weekend, too.

In sharing this fitting tribute to Jonathan Jones-Pratt, the Erlestoke Manor Fund Trustees, Shareholders and Volunteers ...
15/10/2026

In sharing this fitting tribute to Jonathan Jones-Pratt, the Erlestoke Manor Fund Trustees, Shareholders and Volunteers would like to extend our condolences to JJP's immediate family and also to the wider West Somerset Railway family and friends at this very sad time.

Our thoughts are with you all. His contribution has been immense and his legacy will continue. Rest in Peace.

The West Somerset Railway is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jonathan Jones-Pratt, Chairman of West Somerset Railway PLC, aged just 42, following a short period of ill health.

Jonathan became Chairman in 2018, at a particularly challenging time for the heritage railway, which was facing significant financial and compliance issues. Under his leadership, the railway worked through these difficulties and continued to move forward, navigating further unprecedented challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit and the ongoing economic pressures affecting the wider tourism industry.

Throughout his eight years as Chairman, Jonathan demonstrated unwavering commitment, resilience and dedication to the railway. His leadership and determination played an important role in helping the organisation navigate these challenges and build towards the future.

A larger-than-life character, Jonathan had a lifelong passion for transport and a deep affection for the heritage railway movement. Jonathan often visited the West Somerset Railway as a child and in his teenage years became a volunteer himself, he often recalled these early memories of the railway with much fondness. He joined the locomotive department in 2014 and was a regular member of the footplate crew, reflecting his enthusiasm for the practical side of railway operations as well as his leadership responsibilities.

Beyond his passion for railways, Jonathan was equally committed to supporting and developing people. He provided unwavering encouragement to colleagues and volunteers, helping individuals grow in confidence, develop their skills and progress in their roles. Whether working with the management team or supporting competence development across the railway, Jonathan recognised the importance of investing in people and helping them reach their potential.

Heritage railways are more than just organisations; they are communities built on shared passion, friendship and a strong sense of family. Jonathan’s passing has therefore come as a profound shock and loss to the entire West Somerset Railway community. He will be greatly missed by colleagues, volunteers and friends across the railway.

At this deeply difficult time, the thoughts and heartfelt condolences of everyone at the West Somerset Railway are with Jonathan’s family and loved ones.

Following Jonathan’s passing, Vice Chairman Robin Wichard will become Acting Chairman of West Somerset Railway PLC, providing leadership and continuity as the railway looks ahead to 2027.

Day three of the SVR Autumn Diesel Bash and the EMF sales coach is open again throughout. The last “big weekend” for sal...
03/10/2026

Day three of the SVR Autumn Diesel Bash and the EMF sales coach is open again throughout.

The last “big weekend” for sales before thoughts turn to Halloween and Christmas, so please come and support us and the other locomotive owning stands/coaches this weekend.

It's the second day of the West Somerset Railway Autumn Steam Gala, with both Bradley and Erlestoke Manor in action, an...
26/09/2026

It's the second day of the West Somerset Railway Autumn Steam Gala, with both Bradley and Erlestoke Manor in action, and our EMF stand on Minehead station platform. We have a variety of merchandise and are promoting our 2026 Prize Draw Appeal for 5164.
Please do call by if you are visiting - we'd be delighted to see you!

The Erlestoke Manor Fund is out in force at the West Somerset Autumn Steam Weekend. Come and find us at Minehead, next ...
25/09/2026

The Erlestoke Manor Fund is out in force at the West Somerset Autumn Steam Weekend. Come and find us at Minehead, next to our friends on the Foxcote Manor stand. And of course, 7812 and 7802 are featuring in the locomotive lineup over the three days.

With many thanks to those who have purchased merchandise, donated to the 5164 appeal or just popped by and said hello so far. It is appreciated!

Photo credits in Minehead - Paul today and Jane on 4 July.

The EMF Trustees would like to thank the Sales Coach volunteers, our customers and donators of goods, who together made ...
21/09/2026

The EMF Trustees would like to thank the Sales Coach volunteers, our customers and donators of goods, who together made the 2026 SVR Autumn Steam Gala such a success. It was the best Gala for four years, going on sales takings alone.

However, it is more than the money in the till. It is such a fantastic chance to catch up with EMF shareholders visiting over the four days. Thank you to those who donated to the 5164 Appeal this weekend.

There are a number of young people (under 14) who visit us regularly, to spend their pocket money or often their parents or grandparents credit cards! Based on conversations yesterday, there will be a queue knocking on the VLO door when they are old enough to volunteer for the Sales Coach and EMF engineering. Their knowledge, interest, confidence and enthusiasm is applauded.

We look forward to the SVR Diesel Gala 1 - 4 October. Diesel enthusiasts are modellers, book readers, purchasers of railwayana and EMF shareholders too!

Finally, we take the show on the road and have an EMF stand of merchandise and 5164 appeal leaflets at the West Somerset Gala this weekend, 25 - 27 September, where both 7802 and 7812 will be featuring.

UPDATE at the end of Day 3 of the SVR Autumn Steam Gala. The EMF Shop is open tomorrow too. Do call in if you are at Be...
19/09/2026

UPDATE at the end of Day 3 of the SVR Autumn Steam Gala. The EMF Shop is open tomorrow too.

Do call in if you are at Bewdley - donated locos, carriages, wagons, books, models/kits, railwayana, branded clothing and, yesterday, welcome shelter from the weather!

We have a collection of replica headboards, loco numbers and signs for sale, which are attracting much interest - two are now sold. Send a DM for more information.

The N Gauge model railway is also SOLD.

Thirteen years ago. . . 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿
03/09/2026

Thirteen years ago. . . 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

During the weekend of August 30th - 7812, Erlestoke Manor made a visit to the Llangollen railways autumn steam gala as the star attraction giving the opportunity to see two manors running through the stunning scenery that is the Dee valley.
photo's have been kindly sent in from various sources and EMF members.

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EMF, The Railway Station
Bewdley
DY121BG

Opening Hours

Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

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