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 charity run entirely by our volunteer trustees and members, who are all local residents. Formerly a charitable association, we converted to charitable incorporated organisation status in August 2015.
Achievements
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We have raised over £50,000 towards the construction of the replica locomotive.
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We organised a series of entertaining and educational events in the spring of 2008 and 2009.
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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. Now handed on to management by another group, The Rally in the Valley has become an annual event.
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We have taken the locomotive to support events at Barrow Hill Round House in 2008, the Museum of Iron, Coalbrookdale in 2009, and the Black Country Living Museum in 2012.
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In 2014 the locomotive spent the summer on loan to the Dutch national railway museum, Het Spoorwegmuseum in Utrecht, to help mark the 175th anniversary of railways in Holland.
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.
Acknowledgements
This section is new and as yet very incomplete. We intend to acknowledge with thanks all organisations we have been sponsored by.
We are most grateful for the continuing indulgence of the Severn Valley Railway and in particular the Motive Power Department at Bridgnorth, without whose facilities the whole project would have been impossible.
This project has been part funded by Shropshire Council, which has provided a grant under the Local Joint Committee scheme.
Contributions
Please consider ways you might be able to help us.
Contacts
You can email us at mail@catchmewhocan.org.uk or write to:
Trevithick 200
70 Well Meadow
Bridgnorth
WV15 6DE
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