At the 2021 National Railway Heritage Awards held in London on 1 December, a special award was made to the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway for the restoration of the former canopy from Maidenhead at Wallingford. In tribute to Theo Steel, the NRHA’s chairman who had sadly passed away shortly before the award ceremony, the award was named in his honour. On Saturday 20 August members of Theo’s family and of the NRHA gathered at Wallingford station when the plaque was officially unveiled
Despite the rail strike the event went ahead with a good turnout on a day that was pleasant with sunny spells.
The Steel family were represented by Linda Steel (Theo’s widow), Gareth Steel (Theo’s son), Hannah Deveson (Theo’s daughter). Four of Theo’s grandchildren also attended.
Representing NRHA were Andy Savage MBE (Chairman), Malcolm Wood (Awards Manager and Trustee), Mike Stanbury (Patron), Tony Tomkins (Treasurer and Trustee) and Robert Thornton (Judge /Adjudicator)
The event was hosted by Dr Tony Stead (Chairperson of Cholsey & Wallingford Railway Preservation Society) and there were around a dozen volunteers in attendance.
Tony Stead welcomed the attendees and handed over to Andy Savage, who spoke on behalf of NRHA, paying tribute to Theo and describing his role and impact on the National Railway Heritage Awards. Andy observed that Theo’s presence, influence and personality are greatly missed by those who knew Theo, and Andy passed on the condolences of all to Linda, Gareth, Hannah, and the rest of the family.
Andy spoke of the significance of the Chairman’s Award, which was one which reflects the aspects of the competition, entries and historic importance of railway structures which were supported by Theo in his role as chairman, and indeed throughout his railway career.
Andy then invited Linda Steel to unveil the plaque and, accompanied by Theo’s grandson Joshua, the ribbon to the curtain was cut and the plaque revealed.
Initial photographs were taken, and Tony Stead then spoke on behalf of CWR giving a potted history of how the canopy came to be at Wallingford, after its removal from Maidenhead. He described the issues which were faced with a structure delivered in barely recognisable pieces and the support which the railway received both in advice, support and financial assistance, from various sources including The Morton Partnership, The Railway Heritage Trust, and Network Rail, as well as others.
After a further photographic session, refreshments were taken, and the attendees were invited to join a short return journey by train to Cholsey.
A very good event, which was enjoyed by all and a fitting tribute to the memory of Theo Steel.
The group assembled on the platform at Wallingford with Andy Savage paying tribute to the late Theo Steel prior to the unveiling of the plaque. The photograph is, appropriately, taken from underneath the restored canopy – the rebuilding of which was a worthy winner of the Theo Steel Award at the 2021 National Railway Heritage Awards. Photo by Robert Thornton
Linda Steel with Andy Savage following the unveiling of the plaque. Photo by Robert Thornton
Past and present members of the NRHA committee – Tony Tomkins (treasurer), Andy Savage (chairman), Malcolm Wood (trustee) and Mike Stanbury (patron and past secretary – are seen with the unveiled plaque at Wallingford station. Photo by Dr Tony Stead