Catch Me Who Can

The Trevithick 200 charity

Trevithick 200 was formed in 2007 with the purpose of constructing the replica of Catch Me Who Can and arranging events to celebrate the 2008 bicentenary of the original locomotive. The charity aims to promote the historical importance of the locomotive and its Bridgnorth connection, both to the local population and nationally.

History

The idea first emerged in 2001 at a public meeting to discuss how to commemorate the events of 1808. It was arranged by Chris Magner, who had already written a book on Catch Me Who Can. David Reynolds, an engineer at the Severn Valley Railway, proposed a replica of the locomotive. The idea was later considered for some time by Bridgnorth Low Town Action Group, along with other ideas, such as a statue of Trevithick. When the group concluded that the locomotive replica was not the way it wanted to go, Trevithick 200 was formed to pursue that objective.

Organisation

We are a charitable trust run entirely by our volunteer trustees and members, who are all local residents.

Achievements

We have raised over £50,000 towards the construction of the replica locomotive.
We organised a series of entertaining and educational events in the spring of 2008 and 2009.
We instigated the Trevithick 200 Steam Rally at Severn Park in July 2008, including a unique gathering of historic engines and replicas from across the country and attracting over 5000 visitors. This was followed by the even larger Rally in the Valley in 2009.
We have taken the locomotive to support events at Barrow Hill Round House in 2008 and the Museum of Iron, Coalbrookdale in 2009.

Plans

Our current focus of attention is on completing the Catch Me Who Can replica and having it approved for use. We are making steady progress with this work as our limited volunteer time allows.

Contacts

You can email us at mail@catchmewhocan.org.uk or write to: