Worcester 175
Steve Widdowson
Worcester Marks 175 Years of Shrub Hill Railway Station
Civic leaders and special guests came together at the weekend to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Worcester’s first railway station.
Worcester Shrub Hill, the city’s first permanent railway station, replaced a temporary building at Spetchley and was officially opened by the Oxford Worcester & Wolverhampton Railway on 5th October 1850.
To commemorate the milestone, a special "City of Worcester" replica nameplate from class 37 loco No 37114 was unveiled during a ceremony at the station. The nameplate will remain on permanent display in the Ticket Office as a lasting reminder of the station’s rich heritage.
The unveiling was carried out by a very surprised Susana Blimundo, who owns Café Loco at the station & is run by her daughter Mariana Santos for the past 8 years, making her a familiar face to generations of travellers and commuters.
Following the official ceremony, a celebration party was held at the Barbourne Ex-Servicemen’s Club, bringing together railway enthusiasts, local residents, and supporters of Worcester’s historic transport links.
Through sponsorship, raffles, and a series of fundraising events, the 175 Worcester Committee raised nearly £1,000. The proceeds will be shared between the Royal British Legion and the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, two charities with long-standing ties to the local community.
The event highlighted not only the city’s proud railway heritage but also the enduring community spirit that continues to define Worcester.
The event was organised by Cotswold Line Promotion Group & Worcester Locomotive Society
Civic leaders and special guests came together at the weekend to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Worcester’s first railway station.
Worcester Shrub Hill, the city’s first permanent railway station, replaced a temporary building at Spetchley and was officially opened by the Oxford Worcester & Wolverhampton Railway on 5th October 1850.
To commemorate the milestone, a special "City of Worcester" replica nameplate from class 37 loco No 37114 was unveiled during a ceremony at the station. The nameplate will remain on permanent display in the Ticket Office as a lasting reminder of the station’s rich heritage.
The unveiling was carried out by a very surprised Susana Blimundo, who owns Café Loco at the station & is run by her daughter Mariana Santos for the past 8 years, making her a familiar face to generations of travellers and commuters.
Following the official ceremony, a celebration party was held at the Barbourne Ex-Servicemen’s Club, bringing together railway enthusiasts, local residents, and supporters of Worcester’s historic transport links.
Through sponsorship, raffles, and a series of fundraising events, the 175 Worcester Committee raised nearly £1,000. The proceeds will be shared between the Royal British Legion and the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, two charities with long-standing ties to the local community.
The event highlighted not only the city’s proud railway heritage but also the enduring community spirit that continues to define Worcester.
The event was organised by Cotswold Line Promotion Group & Worcester Locomotive Society
City of Worcester Mayor { Matt Lamb } & Phil Bullock. 05.10.2025. copyright Steve Widdowson.
City Of Worcester Unveiled by Susana Blimundo owner of Station Cafe. 05.10.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
Mike Napthan gives a talk on Shrub Hill history. 05.10.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
Worcester Herald News paper 4th Oct 1850.
Many thanks Steve - an interesting article. Well done to all involved.
Devon HST's
Clive Smith
HSTs continue to operate between Plymouth and Exeter, albeit one a day, so if you haven't got any location photos of them yet, time is running out.
43042 arrives at Ivybridge with the 2E06 07.45 Penzance - Exeter St Davids with 43093 on the rear. 06.10.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
43093 at Exeter St Thomas on the 2C20 11.28 Exeter St Davids - Penzance with 43042 on the rear. 06.10.2025, copyright Clive Smith.
Many thanks Clive.
Worcester Test Train
Steve Widdowson
153384 and 153379 at Worcester Shrub Hill with 2Q24, the 1026 Derby RTC Network Rail - Worcester Shrub Hill Via Hereford. 06.10.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
A bright livery, many thanks Steve.
Coombe 'Castles'
Jon Hird
The picture-perfect village of Coombe (St. Stephens) has its peace temporarily disturbed by the passing of 43093 and 43042 with the 1127 Exeter St. Davids - Penzance. 06.10.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Moving just west of the village, 43098 'Walton Castle' leads the 1315 Penzance - Plymouth over the viaduct with 43187 on the rear. A third 'Castle' is just about in shot - the ancient hill fort 'Resugga Castle' is to the extreme top left of the photograph. 06.10.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Thames Valley Class 37's
Michael Adams & Michael Forward
Michael Adams sends this shot of 37009 drifting through Oxford with an MOD train from Didcot, probably for Bicester. This loco is still with us and under restoration at the Nottingham heritage centre. Copyright Michael Adams.
My own shot now of 37692 stabled at Didcot station,both pictures 26 May 1987. Didcot power station still functions in the background and 0-4-2 tank 1466 sneaks into the picture on the GWS demonstration line. Copyright Michael Forward.
Many thanks Michael and Michael, great historic photos.