A Wickham trolley purchased by the London Group around 20 years ago is currently under restoration, thanks to the generosity of its namesake. The Bernard Wickham, so called because it is powered, unusually, by a French Bernard Moteurs engine, was discovered outside Wickham’s factory in Ware, Hertfordshire, during the 1980s and purchased for a nominal sum. It was moved to Kent where it spent several years sitting in London Group chairman, Gavin Bishop’s parents’ garden, eventually boasting a tree growing through its frames!

Two years or so ago, it was moved to former London Group secretary Peter Treglown’s home in Norfolk where it was given under-cover, dry accommodation, while it waited patiently for restoration and the funds to pay for this.

Enter, stage left, Mr Bernard Wickham from London. Searching his name on the internet, he discovered the SDR’s Bernard Wickham on our website and contacted the railway to learn more.

Thanks to Bernard’s generosity, the Wickham is currently well advanced in a complete restoration at Salhouse Service Station, Peter’s local garage in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. With chassis and engine restoration largely finished, attention is now turning to the construction of a new body – it never had a body, having, presumably been destined for somewhere in Her Majesty’s colonies, where the sun always shines and roofs are not obligatory.

Attracting local interest, it has even been heard, ticking over sweetly, on BBC Radio Norfolk!

The photos show “before” and “now” if not quite at the “after” stage. The full story of its discovery, wilderness years and restoration will be published in Bulliver once restoration is complete, together with an explanation of why it will have been finished in the colours of Charlton Athletic FC!