TENDER AGREEMENT ANNOUNCED BETWEEN THE EMF and THE 2857 SOCIETY
JOINT PRESS RELEASE – issued by the EMF and the 2857 Society on 26 August 2024
An agreement has been made between the Erlestoke Manor Fund and the 2857 Society for the tender of ex GWR 2-8-0 no 2857 to be attached to the EMF’s ex GWR 4-6-0 7802 Bradley Manor for a period of 12-15 months, upon the latter’s anticipated return to service later after a major overhaul. The tender is due to move to Bridgnorth in late September for recommissioning and repainting in to BR lined green to match 7802.
Harry Bradley, Chairman of the 2857 Society, comments on “the good working relationship between both parties over many years“ and that the “arrangement is mutually beneficial”, with 2857 currently out of service until well after 7802’s return.
Adrian Hassell, Chair of the EMF, says “The 4000 Gallon tender, which has long been partnered with 7802, is in need of expenditure and repairs to ready it for further service. This would divert resources from the current focus of returning 7802 to service for the 2025 season, whilst the agreement provides useful income for the 2857 Society”.
While the EMF completes the building of their new 3500 Gallon tender for 7802, it considers the loan of 2857’s tender will also allow 7802 to operate with a more authentic appearance than would be the case when paired with the 4000 Gallon Tender.
The Erlestoke Manor Fund is a Charitable Community Benefit Society,
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