|
The Easter 'Thomas' event was outstandingly good. Passenger numbers were
almost as good as last year and 10% up on 2000. There were virtually no
complaints, even on Monday. The event was featured on BBC Look North on
Thursday, and there were a number of good newspaper features including
photographs in the Yorkshire Post and other West Yorks. papers. Stephen
Walker writes: "I would like to thank all those who contributed to the event.
We had a particularly good atmosphere of co-operation amongst all those
working on the days, a major success was the provision of two 5-coach trains,
which prevented severe overcrowding. Can I suggest a vote of thanks to all
concerned."
Dave Barlow writes: "May I, on behalf of the Trustees and Executive Committee but particularly from myself, thank all those volunteers who helped to make the Easter Thomas Event such a success. Financial achievement is not the only criterion by which we can measure the Event (it was, of course, a resounding financial success) but we can also measure by the effectiveness of our operation and the level of team work and co-operation displayed. Suffice it to say that the Easter operation displayed both safe and effective operation together with an excellent team spirit and this augurs well for our railway. Thank you all."
RAB Construction
P-Way News
Following these will be several hundred concrete sleepers and (hopefully) a cast manganese common crossing. The materials should be used to re-lay the line to Bow Bridge, replacing the now expired track with better materials. There will also be rails available for re-railing under Holywell Bridge and other purposes around the line.
Carriage & Wagon
After the big push to get enough coaches ready for Easter, including a last minute dash to get the Peakrail brake ready, the main tasks are general maintenance. No 7 needs repainting when space is available under cover; repairs are being carried out at the moment. Wendy Anderson is now Deputy Manager of the Carriage & Wagon Dept. |
Eileen and Kate are working on getting the Gresley coach ready for its first
outing on the Vintage Train later in the month. It will be running with the
L&Y and GNoSR coaches. Peter Adshead and Steven Middleton are working on
a GER Directors' Saloon, No. 63 of 1911. This coach has had a lot of new
framework and the exterior has been panelled and glazed. The coach has a
surviving interior. It should be finished later in the year. Peter has made
teak seat ends for the GNoSR coach
Loco Department News
Beatrice has had its frames straightened and they are now in the shed and the driving axle boxes are to be inserted. S112 - all castings for the axle boxes are now in stock and will be machined by the Marrows and should be wheeled in the next few months. Ann the Sentinel is temporarily mothballed pending the removal of the inner firebox for a boiler exam, something that is necessary with this type of engine.
People
John was born in 1932. He attended Prince Henry's Grammars School, Otley. One of his fellow pupils was David Jenkinson, the writer of railway books, including Rails in the Fells. John's first experience of train spotting was during the hard winter of 1947, when Scottish expresses and freight trains were diverted along the Ilkley line. He studied textile chemistry for five years at Leeds University, but left without a degree. John then did his National Service in the REME (No. 23176487 - ask him how he remembers his number!), where he learned to repair radar systems - and to skive!. One of his postings was to a civilian depot at Seacroft, so he was allowed to live at home in Burley-in-Wharfedale. While on National Service, he was able to complete his degree and skive off to receive it from the then Princess Royal. On leaving the army, John went into the textile industry, working for Denbirayne and Bradford Dyers Association. He then went into teaching, his subjects being science and RE. At his 2nd school he met Henry Meyer, who was then a geography teacher, who introduced him to Embsay. where he graduated from general duties to running the shop, where he's been ever since, Christmas Day excepted. He also helped out on the display at the Great Yorkshire Show. He also met Dr. Fred Youell, at that time involved in the Middleton Railway, and the Olicana Railway, a miniature railway by the river in Otley. John helped on the Olicana Railway, eventually taking it over from Fred. |
As well as his Railway interests, John has also been involved in scouting; he
met Lady Baden-Powell twice - and she remembered him! John has also been
involved in the United Reformed Church, serving as church secretary in Burley
for 30 years.
A high point in John's life was when he and his wife Joanna spent five weeks touring Canada and the USA by train, travelling from Toronto to Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco and Denver. Anyone who wants to see John as a little boy should ask to see the video he's had made of old family cine films. Matthew Bell asks that anyone with uniform or working clothes which they no longer need bring them to the railway where they may well fit other members. Uniformed staff make a big contribution to the appearance of the railway, but suitable clothing can work out expensive. Please take items to the ticket office at Embsay or speak to Matthew. Tim Warner wants photographs of the Railway for the website, new or old, so have a look through your old snaps. He's also interested in any news or ideas for the website you might have. His e-mail address is: click here.
Lost
Passes
Job opportunity
Help is also needed for the Learning with Thomas days this June. If you are interested, contact Stephen Walker.
200 Club
Editor: Lesley J Bird
|