In Memoriam

Sadly, earlier in 2026 we had to announce the death of our Vice President, Ian Shapter.

Ian was an early recruit in the 1980s to the groups that purchased the locomotive 3850 and Dinmore Manor and following his retirement from the Army he became involved in the hands-on work as well as serving for many years as a Director of Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd

When the 2874 Trust was first conceived in 2014 Ian, along with the late Malcolm Temple was instrumental in ensuring the concept became a reality.  He continued to serve as a Trustee until increasing mobility issues required a more background role but he continued to give us the benefit of his wise council for as long as he was able and kindly agreed to serve as our Vice President.  We will miss his input.  A Devon man who never lost his deep love of the  county, his funeral was in Dawlish.  Our thoughts are as always with Ann and the family.

Malcolm Temple

Malcolm was the 2874 Trust's First Chairman and was instrumental in its set up, along with Ian Shapter he  was part of the inital team that helped the trust through its early years.

Previously Malcolm had been Chairman of The GWSR and steered it through some very stormy times, not least the land slip at Chicken Curve , helping to raise significant funding which resulted in , by default, the railway's survival .

Malcolm was also part of the group that saved Newport FC . A County fan since the 1960s, he first joined the Newport AFC board of directors in 1994 and he was chairman of The  Club’s Trust until he stood down due to ill health.

Malcolm worked with American musical legend Jerry Lee Lewis for some 3 years, Wow that must have been a roller coaster ride ,  of which we were reminded at Malcolm’s funeral with Jerry Lee providing the last tune . ( Great Balls of Fire) 

Malcolm sadly died in September 2017 after a short illness and we will for ever be grateful to him for his experience , his support and his wicked sense of humour .