Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust
'Abbey Lines'
Newsletter
Spring 2007
Shrewsbury Station looking towards Abbey Foregate
We are continuing to work on the restoration of the Old Abbey Station site in Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury. Once completed, the reality of a reconstructed Railway Station building, will become Shrewsbury's first Visitor Centre, even more - a Railway Visitor Centre, which will be a huge achievement in itself and will be a celebration of Shrewsbury's proud Railway and Industrial History.
2007 is also a momentous Anniversary Year, as it is the 40th anniversary of the end of the steam era for Shrewsbury's railways. In 1967 the Paddington - Shrewsbury - Birkenhead service ended, the last steam engines were seen on the Cambrian Coast Express and it was the year that the Shrewsbury Sheds were decommissioned.
To mark this important Railway anniversary, the Directors of Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust are mounting a 40 th Anniversary Exhibition & Display. The event is to be held in the Gallery of the English Bridge Workshop in Abbey Foregate and will run from Thursday June 21st to Saturday July 7th.
Throughout the exhibition period, there will be Illustrated Talks and Historic Walks, led by Trust members. If you wish to exhibit any interesting memorabilia, historic items, books, artwork or photographs related to the theme of the exhibition please contact me directly at the address below.
Finally, on behalf of the Directors and members of the Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust, I want to extend my full appreciation to the Chief Executive and Members of Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council, who have supported the Trust throughout its endeavours and who continue to support us to establish the Railway Visitor Centre in Abbey Foregate.
Cllr Mansel Williams, Chairman
15 Havelock Road, Belle Vue, Shrewsbury. SY3 7ND.
Tel 01743 235103
Email: mansel.williams@shrewsbury.gov.uk
MY RAILWAY LIFE: 1954 TO 2004
The Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust has invited Bill Clarke, its Secretary, to give a talk later this year.
This will be a first hand opportunity to hear a fascinating story of life on Railways from Bill Clarke who has spent 50 Years as a Railway Operator and is involved with a number of new railways and railway services in a long and varied career.
Bill grew up in and around Birmingham in the World War II years and starts with a flavour of the railways under stress and under resourced. What's new! The scene then changes eastwards with first practical railway experience in Cambridge University days, followed by two incredible summers working in and around the East Coast and Great Central lines while steam remained supreme. Even his National Service in Yorkshire saw him become very familiar with the York to Newcastle part of the East Coast.
He joined the Operating Department of the Underground in 1958 and was lucky enough to work on the Metropolitan before modernisation came - he later became Divisional Inspector at Rickmansworth.
Then came secondments to the Victoria Line Project and to BR in connection with the Hixon accident. In 1971 he arrived on the District and Piccadilly Lines as Assistant Divisional Manager, became Divisional General Manager in 1978 and besides opening the new line to Heathrow, managed to get involved in several major incidents and accidents.
Disaster
Bill had never expected to be asked to build a new Railway but that was the task which, at 20 minutes notice, he was given in 1983 - to start the building and operation of the Docklands Light Railway. Another unexpected move came in 1986 when he was appointed Operations Director of the Underground at a time when the system was incredibly busy and very short of money! That led to the sad night of the Kings Cross disaster and its aftermath - Bill can be heard explaining the cause if you go to www.20thcenturylondon.org on the internet - quite chilling and different to the official Enquiry.
LT had a new Chairman in 1989 and he asked Bill to become responsible for major Underground investment including new lines like the Jubilee Line Extension and CrossRail - the latter a joint project with BR. In addition for 6 years he was responsible for International Affairs for LT as a whole.
Retirement
He retired in 1995 to do consultancy worldwide (which included a spell with Indian Railways) and specialising in public transport quality matters for the European Union whilst continuing as President of the World Committee of Metros. He was also asked by BAA to advise the project for the Heathrow Express Railway, an open access operator and served as a Director and Board Member for Safety from 1997 to 2004.
The title of his talk describes an amazing breadth of railway life; all will be told in an informal evening of anecdote and reminiscence.
Metropolitan Loco No 12 'Sarah Siddons' hauls an excursion with BR Stock on the District Line in 1993.
BOX BOYS UNITED
A group of former 'Box Boys' who worked the signal boxes in and around Shrewsbury staged a re-union some 50 years after they first met. Johnny Morris who began work at age 15 in the Coleham Box set up the meeting which took place on February 21st first at Johnny's home and then at the Prince of Wales pub, "for a drink and a natter".
Johnny Morris with left, Deryck Jones and right, Terry Nightingale
"We weren't signalmen", says Johnny, "we were 'Box Boys', the real train spotters!" We wrote trains into the section and out of the section into a book, and answered the phone. I was also at Sutton Bridge Box which is still there".
Those attending* were: Deryk Jones, Ron Jones, Ken Lovegrove, Ron Wood, Terry Nightingale, Thomas Mound, John Jones, Ken Ayres, Jack Cuthberton, Ray Paddock, David Preece, Bert Pemberton, Geoff Rushworth, Gerry Scott, Roger Trillo and Murray Edwards. The majority of these retired 'Box Boys, together with a Fireman, a Driver and a signalman came from Shrewsbury but two came from Stafford, one from Wem and one from Telford.
Editor. *Well done, Johnny for getting these great people together. We hope you all keep in touch.
TRACKING THE OLD POTTS LLANYMYNECH TO KINNERLEY
This line fascinates all of us, doesn't it? We cannot but be amazed whenever we look at the old photos, and if we are lucky to find them, talk to anyone who travelled on it. Now all we can hope for, in addition, is to get out there and follow what is left of the 'evidence'...... and there is more than you might think!
Familiar with the Abbey end, thanks to Dave Giddins' inspired walks, Bob and I have decided to 'walk the line' further along, beyond Hookagate. We started at Llanymynech. Why? Because the 'Potts' started at Nantmawr quarry northwest of the town.
We followed the track bed as it swung round to the left over swampy land and found traces of the large signal box to the right where it joined the line from Welshpool.
Bob's sharp eyes detected the dates on the Brymbo Iron works bridge (1864) at the station which spanned two double tracks. This proved that the bridges were built BEFORE the line was opened (1866) and before those further down the line... standing on the remains of the platform here under the road bridge (below left) you can just about determine, with the help of old books, the direction of the lines to Oswestry and the area where the Potts, with its own platforms, (long gone) curved away to the right towards Maesbrook.
The old track passed under two roads and the bridges are in excellent condition still. The first reached is at Plas-cerrig (above).
The Station house at the level crossing at Maesbrook still stands. No gates though!
Kinnerley Junction
Arriving at Kinnerley Junction the platform edges are visible, through mature trees which abound. The branch to Criggion, swings in from the right past a water tower, sheds and a depot where the platform is visible. The old Nissan style hut, in most old photos of the station, is still there.
The road bridge at Kinnerley (above) has, sadly, now been filled in - for safety reasons no doubt - but Bob and I were there before this 'dreadful act' as our picture shows.
In our next newsletter, "The Criggion Branch Today".
SMETHWICK HERITAGE CENTRE
OK, why Smethwick, what's that got to do with us? Well more than you might think! We were advised by the HLF that we might want to chat with volunteers at the Heritage Centre to see what was involved with a similar sized application which was successful. A group of members made a visit to their Heritage Centre on 3 rd January. A smaller group went again on 10 th March. We think we can learn a lot from this group. Here's a few aspects in addition to a VERY rich industrial heritage.
They have converted an old Park Keeper's House into a Visitor Centre, funded by HLF and others. It is quite small and although it has a full time Curator they do not make 'big bucks' from it. It houses many items of historical interest and is many visitors' first stop to finding out about the history of Smethwick.
OK it isn't about railways BUT we would be proud to have so many ACTIVE volunteers! They have a big membership including Sponsors and many overseas members who receive a very smart magazine 6 times a year (free to members) This is a high quality booklet packed with interest and supported by advertising.
Ted Jones and Mansel Williams with David Bryant, Chairman, at the March ROADSHOW in Smethwick
They have a technique of involving the community with their activities, which also increases membership. A 'ROADSHOW' is a travelling exhibition and they run four each year. They choose a theme which highlights one of the many famous but now defunct industries of Smethwick and they produce a large amount of information exhibited attractively and effectively, involving retired and ex employees. They are very well attended occasions. We saw 80-90 people there by 11am!
These events are held 'around the parish' usually in Church halls for a day and in the afternoon they have a speaker relevant to the exhibition. The people there have made us most welcome and do not mind us copying anything we think might be relevant. In fact they are flattered! We collected many little tips in putting on exhibitions and we feel we will build up this contact over the coming years. Look at their web site too; www.smethwick-heritage. co.uk. Very attractive!
ABBEY STATION PROJECT
Progress report from our Architect, Mary de Saullles.
The County's archaeologist found brick footings but other 'finds' were unlikely to remain within this depth. Our Engineer has shown ways of strengthening the walls and devised a special slab-foundation to avoid underpinning and the need to go below existing fittings.
Photographs of the inside of the present 'ruin' are useful for design work - and will provide interest to look back on.
1st draft Working Drawings and Specifications are completed. The Quantity Surveyor is costing Phase 1 work and listing the materials required by the Contractor. Building Regulations have to be met whilst retaining the character of the original building.
Meanwhile I have been designing the interior to provide opportunity for retired railway workers and families especially, to sponsor and give names and mini biographies to display screens.
HENRY ROBERTSON
On one of our summer evening walks, after having introduced the walkers to the life and times of the railway contractor Thomas Brassey, I was asked whether the engineer Henry Robertson who worked with Mr Brassey on the Chester to Shrewsbury line in 1848 was commemorated in Shrewsbury by having, like Brassey, a road named after him. Yes I responded there is a Robertson Way, a stretch of carriageway between Crowmere Road and Telford Way. Answers to questions can sometime prompt self-doubt on whether the response was adequate.
What did this man do to justify his place in the gazetteer of Shrewsbury Streets?
A visit to the National Library of Wales at Aberystwyth, where his papers are archived, led to a second hand bookshop in Rhyl to buy a 1949 published book "Henry Robertson Pioneer of Railways into Wales".
Trips followed to the former site of Robertson's Brymbo Iron Works outside Wrexham, where a Heritage Centre is planned and then to what was for a time his home at Palé near Bala. I was learning about a man of great influence in the expansion of the railway system in Wales and along its Borders.Co-incidentally during this time Trust Director Dave Giddins passed over a copy of the Autumn Issue 2006 of the magazine "Steam at Llangollen" in which was published the first part of a two part article "Henry Robertson -an extraordinary man". Contact with the lady author was made and knowledge exchanged.
Henry Robertson was born of Scottish parents in Canada in 1816.
Upon the death of his father the family moved to Glasgow. He gained a scholarship to Aberdeen University. At the age of 26 and with an engineering degree and an aptitude for commerce he was sent by some Scottish businessmen to report on the industrial area of Denbighshire.
Henry set about his duties, with energy and enterprise. Like many of his contemporaries he realised that the railways were better at moving goods than by cart or canal. In 1842 with associates he formed the Brymbo Mineral and Railway Company. The partnership unfortunately lacked harmony and led to litigation. However the people of Brymbo favoured Henry Robertson and with their support he succeeded in forming a new company at Brymbo. A member of the iron making Darby family joined the venture so enabling Henry to devote himself to railway construction.
The frenzied expansion of the railway network in the 1840s and 50s made great demands upon his time not only in the role of engineer but also as an expert witness before the Parliamentary Committees empowered to legislate on provision of railways.
The Chester to Shrewsbury project, which he led, encountered hostility from some landowners necessitating some survey work being carried out under cover of darkness. One angry landowner was reported to wish that someone would "throw Robertson and his damned theodolite into the canal". Despite the threats of such indignified treatment he succeeded in obtaining parliamentary approval in 1845 to extend the railway linking Chester to Shrewsbury.
The story is told of a chance meeting with the railway contractor Thomas Brassey on a train journey from Wrexham to Chester during which Henry persuaded the contractor to build the line from Ruabon to Shrewsbury.
Arguably the most spectacular feature between Chester and Shrewsbury is the viaduct over the River Dee at Cefn Mawr. Its 19 stone arches rising to 147 feet high was completed in August 1848. The magnificent structure stands after nearly160 years of daily use as a tribute to the skills of Robertson and Brassey.
With the completion of the Shrewsbury to Chester railway he became a resident of Shrewsbury and was responsible for most of the lines running out of the town. He was involved with many schemes which allowed him to boast before his friends of being the pioneer of railways into Wales. In a speech he made during his latter years he said "I recollect well my contest with Mr Brunel and his Broad Gauge but I was a stronger man than Brunel in those days and carried the Narrow Gauge".
While much of his time was still devoted to railways he ventured into other commercial interests becoming a partner in Beyer,Peycock and Co well known to engineering historians as locomotive engineers. In 1858 they supplied Gooch designed engines to the G.W.R. for use on the Chester - Shrewsbury line.
His prowess as a businessman and his gift of persuasion led him to Parliament. He was elected as Liberal member for Shrewsbury on three occasions between 1862 and 1880. A popular figure in the town he designed the Kingsland Bridge, which opened in 1882. In 1885 he moved from Shrewsbury to Merioneth where he was elected that constituents M.P. However disagreement over Ireland with Prime Minister Gladstone in 1886 caused Henry to retire from Parliament.
He died in 1888 and was buried at Llanderfel near Bala. Sadly the position and state of his tombstone in the churchyard does not give credit to a man who contributed much to railway heritage in Shrewsbury and the Welsh Marches.
By Bob Jones
OUR STATION
Shrewsbury Railway Station
by Johnny Morris
-----
What a station Shrewsbury has!
Victorian as can be
Stands for a time when railways were meant
to be; tells some stories? "I bet it can!"
Two World Wars to start with - Off they went on solid rails
With steam and smoke about them
The Station stood and watched
While folk were quickly parted
And still stood there when some came back
What a time the Station had, when
They were re-united
From the Raven the Yanks came down
To the Station front, as off they went
To their homes. 'chewing a bit of gum'
not to be forgotten
Fun and tears went all together
Lovers left and came back What a place to be!
FRANK LEATH - PRESIDENT
One of our founder members, Frank Leath, has been elected the first President of Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust.
Frank, who began his working life in the telegraph office of the railways in Shrewsbury, has been company secretary of the Trust since its inception. He will remain a director, with the company secretaryship passing to Bill Clarke of Dorrington.
Our chairman Mansel Williams says: "Frank has been and still is a valuable member of the board of directors and has made a full contribution to our aims of ensuring that Shrewsbury's role as a key railway town is recognised."
Frank, who comes from a railway family, is a former full time organiser with the clerical workers union APEX. He is a former chairman of Shrewsbury magistrates, and ex chairman of the old Shrewsbury Hospital Management Committee and Shropshire Health Authority. In 1991 he received the OBE for services to the community in Shrewsbury and Shropshire
SPRING & SUMMER WALKS
A few walks took place over the winter months. These were enjoyed by the hard core few!
Coming up..................
"Northern Trail" Wednesday 25th April.
Meet at the Plough, Castle Foregate at 7pm. Castle Foregate Goods Yard, Greenfields Area, over to the Flax Mill, Crewe Bank and the Shrewsbury Canal, taking about two hours, easy walking. Led by Bob Jones.
"Underdale & the Potts" Wednesday 9th May.
Meet at Old Abbey Station, Abbey Foregate at 7pm, covering Underdale area, Tankerville Street, Crowmere Road, Bell Lane, and along the New Meole Link road back into the Abbey Station. Led by David Giddins.
"Belle Vue Railwalk" Wednesday 23 rd May.
Meet at the Boars Head public house, Coleham at 7pm. Up Betton Street, over Sutton Bridge, along Pemberton Way across to Montague Place after crossing the Hereford line, then via Brook Road and Drawell Street. Discuss the Exchange sidings that were here. Led by David Giddins. "Back of the Sheds" Monday 11 th June. This walk is for the Local Belle Vue History Week. Meet at the Abbey Station at 7pm. Led by David Giddins.
"Back of the Sheds" Wednesday 18 th July, This will be a repeat of the walk on 11 th June. Meet at The Abbey Station at 7pm. Led by David Giddins.
Severn Valley Railway
This year the SVR offers a range of Restaurant Car Services.These include:
Evening Gala Specials
Murder By Appointment
Evening Scenic Rail Cruise
Charters and Special Functions
NEW for 2007: "Shrewsbury". This is the second Observation Car Saloon for private functions, small wedding receptions, birthday parties etc.
The Shrewsbury Saloon is attached to the Dining Car Christmas Train on selected dates in December for one round trip.
For further details call 01562 827232
FUTURE EVENTS
From Tuesday 8th May until Saturday 12th May, David Giddins will provide a photographic display of the railways around Abbey Foregate at the Wildlife Trust Gallery across the car park from the Old Station This will be part of 'Discovering Abbey Foregate' promoted by Mary White.
From Thursday 21st June to Saturday 7th July we are planning a Summer Exhibition - 'Over The Points' to recognise the end of the Steam Era in Shrewsbury 40 years ago. This will take place at The English Bridge Workshop located opposite the Wakeman School. More details and publicity to be announced shortly.*
Later this year Bill Clarke, our Secretary will be giving us a talk 'My Railway Life - 1954 to 2004 - LT, BR and More'. See Newsletter article for a preview.
Sunday 26th and Monday 27th August - we propose to have a presence at Onslow Park Steam Rally again. This could be in 'Roadshow' format and we are looking for a 'theme'. Whatever we do we shall need VOLUNTEERS to help, please!*
Saturday 6th October - A Musical Evening with Mark Dowding and Chris Harvey at a venue and time to be decided.
Wednesday, 31st October - A talk by Barrie Trinder entitled, 'Thomas Telford' at the Shire Hall at 7.30pm.
*AT THESE EVENTS WE NEED YOUR HELP.
PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU ARE WILLING TO HELP IN ANY WAY
The Cambrian Express to Paddington
The (6024) have organised with The Railway Touring Company a 'special' to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Cambrian Coast Express with a very special steam hauled train run right through from Salop to Paddington using the old route as closely as possible.
The special will return diesel hauled to Shrewsbury in the evening with an afternoon break in London.
For more information look at their web site:
www.railwaytouring.co.uk/6ukProg.html
MEMBERSHIP OF SRHT
Now is the time to join the Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust. The next few years are going to be exciting times. Plenty of activities for you to join in and an opportunity to help set up the new Visitor Centre in Abbey Foregate.
We want your involvement and we need your help. There is something for everyone to do and you will enjoy our entertaining events from summer walks, musical evenings, talks, and exhibitions of memorabilia and paintings. Come and add your ideas for events as well! We are now a registered charity!
JOIN NOW, and tell your friends.
Contact Phil Hughes, Membership Secretary, on 01743 359853 and at 22 Highfields, Shrewsbury SY2 5PQ.
WHOOPS! - I'M STUCK!
Editors Note:
Thanks to all those members who have contributed to this Newsletter. Thanks also to Chris Endacott whose skills have turned some words and pictures into a NEWSLETTER. We hope you like the style and that the font 'size' is not too small. Its always a balance between putting enough together and being able to read it! Please let us know what you think. We plan to improve the format and presentation in the future especially if we can gain some sponsorship and possibly include suitable advertisements for small local businesses. Any ideas and help with this will be appreciated.
Copyright © 2007 Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust. All rights reserved.