Severn Valley Railway, Worcestershire
CGM’s relationship with the popular Midland heritage railway line began in spring 2012 when we were asked to provide media relations support for the visit of the London 2012 Olympics Torch Relay in May.
The visit received extensive broadcast, print and online coverage courtesy of a wide range of organisations including BBC Midlands Today, Central News, BBC Hereford and Worcester and the Express and Star.
CGM was then delighted to be offered the opportunity to help promote the SVR’s ground-breaking £3 million share offer.
The media and public response was staggering with the £1 million mark reached in December 2012 – less than three months after the launch on October 1.
The momentum continued in 2013 as the total rose to £2 million and the SVR’s heritage skills training academy was launched. This was featured on BBC Breakfast, when business reporter Steph McGovern visited Bridgnorth station to find out about heritage railway apprenticeships, and Inside Out in the West Midlands.
CGM also provided media relations support for the fund-raising Head to Head Challenge between a steam locomotive and Morgan three-wheeler in October 2012 and the temporary transformation of locomotive Bradstoke Manor into Bradley Manor to mark cyclist Bradley Wiggins’ Tour de France and London 2012 time trial success. The smokebox was painted gold and doormats became Wiggo’s famous sideburns. The loco left Bewdley to be greeted at Olympic sailor Alison Young at Kidderminster.
