A CHANCE visit to the memorabilia shop at the Severn Valley Railway in Bewdley was the beginning of a railway buff's loyal 18 years voluntary work there.

Geoff Richardson is now the sales manager of the Erlestoke Manor Fund and buys collections of railway books and gifts, the funds from which go towards the maintenance of two locomotives owned by the fund.

Mr Richardson, of Maypole Close, Wribbenhall, Bewdley, explained how his love affair with the SVR began. He said: "One Saturday I went to the shop there and saw a notice appealing for volunteers.

"It struck me as something I would love to do in such a lovely place as Bewdley."

The 68-year-old has also been the divisional secretary for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association in the Bewdley, Stourport and Tenbury Wells areas.

Mr Richardson, who was born in the village of Flitwick in Bedfordshire, got his first job after leaving Bedford Modern Grammar School in the advertising department of the Luton News.

After spending a year there, at the age of 17 he signed on as a regular airman with the RAF.

His final posting with the RAF was at Cosford and on completion of his time there he was awarded the air officer commanding commendation in the New Year's Honours List of 1971 for his personnel and welfare duties.

His efforts in welfare work were also marked when he was invited to attend the Queen's garden party in 1996.

After his time with the RAF he went on to spend five years with the Inland Revenue collection office in Church Street, Kidderminster.

His main aim now is to complete 20 years service for both SSAFA and the SVR.

He said: "I have worked for 16 years at the railway and for 18 years at SSAFA and the normal thing at SSAFA is for welfare officers to retire at the age of 70, so when I reach the age of 71 I will have given 20 years service."

Mr Richardson, who has brought up two children and has two grandchildren, concluded: "In my life I have been there, done it and seen everybody have their highs and lows.

"I have realised everybody needs help sooner or later and during my life I have tried my best to help as many people as possible."

He believes a great sense of humour is required to make the most of life. He said: "At the SVR I am well known for my high-class insults. A group of visitors I know from Swansea came to the railway and I was very cheeky towards them.

"One of my colleagues told me not to speak in that way and the visitors replied that they wouldn't come back if I wasn't the way I was."