Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust Newsletter Autumn 2006

On site of the old Abbey Station at last! Denis (JR Slee), David Micklewright (SABC), Tom Williamson (SRHT), Cllr Mansel Williams, Mary de Saulles.

Since I last reported, the Directors and Advisory Group members of the Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust have had a very busy summer and autumn. Their excellent work has resulted in the Trust becoming a Registered Charity. As we were already a Company Limited by Guarantee, the newly achieved Registered Charity status gives the Trust a firm Constitutional foundation. The Trust has also signed a 25 year Lease for the Old Abbey Station site in Abbey Foregate, with Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council. For the preparation and completion of this work, I wish to record the Trust's particular thanks to our Director, Mr Bill Clarke.

On behalf of the Trust, I also want to record our sincere appreciation to the Borough Council and to the Chief Executive, Mr Robin Hooper in particular, for his support and enthusiasm for our Railway Visitor Centre Project throughout this preparatory stage in its development.

The site itself, in Abbey Foregate, has been cleared of trees and the collapsed roof dismantled and removed. The Trust has taken out Public Liability Insurance and our architect/Project Manager, Mary de Saulles, now has the keys to the site and preparatory work with the engineer and the quantity surveyor has already begun. I wish to extend the appreciation of the Trust to Mary, for her professional approach and her generosity of time and commitment to the Project.

The Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust's objectives are of course more than establishing a Railway Visitor centre in Abbey Foregate. We want to preserve railway and industrial heritage in the wider Shrewsbury region. We want to establish Railway walks and cycle-ways along the old tracks into and out of the immediate area. We want to support other Groups who are planning to re-lay and re-open old lines for heritage railway purposes. But our immediate focus is the establishment of our HQ at the Old Abbey Station.

To achieve our objective of building and running a Railway Visitor Centre at the Old Abbey Station, the Directors are establishing small, informal work-groups to tackle our medium-term requirements. If you are able to provide any expertise in the following areas of need, please make contact:

1. A Visitor Centre Group: planning to run it (Contact Mr Terence Hyde 01743 270258)

2. Editorial & Publicity Group: articles, communication, newsletters, (Contact Mr Russell Mulford 01743 352710).

3. Future Events Planning Group: to think about & organise interesting events (contact Mrs Joan Hughes 01743 460333)

4. Membership Group: driving to increase membership (Contact Mr Phil Hughes 01743 359853).

5. Marketing Group: keeping the Trust in the public eye (Contact Mary de Saulles 01743 233600)

6. Railway History Group: capturing information and establishing an archive (Contact Mr Ernie Jenks 01743 872492)

7. Railway Walks Group: working with Dave and Bob to devise new walks and to train and provide guides (Contact Mr Dave Giddins 01743 368590).

8. Oral History Group: establishing a collection of stories and recollections, on CD, of retired railway employees and their families (Mr Ted Jones 01743 340245).

The 25 year lease is signed! Mr Robin Hooper, Chief Executive SABC; Frank Leath, SRHT Company Secretary and Bill Clarke, Secretary to the Directors signed the lease earlier this summer.

Meanwhile other foundations were being laid:

At the same time as preparing for Heritage Lottery Fund Grant [with over 100 questions to be answered] we have been able to include a great deal of the preparatory work in connection with setting up the Visitor Centre.

So we are now ready to enter what the English Heritage calls the 'Development Stage'. This is where we can start to think beyond the 'theoretical' and to start thinking of the real practicalities; e.g. what displays will be included? What will be the best souvenirs to stock?, what books? How will the volunteers be recruited and trained for manning the Visitor Centre? How will we build up a mailing list, what cash register will be best for recording sales and stock levels?, what leaflets will be needed?… and so on.

There is no direct pattern for us to follow in Shrewsbury. The nearest is the English Bridge Workshop and Art Gallery but there are differences too; there is plenty of scope for pioneering and initiative. We live in interesting times!

OUR TRAIN HAS LEFT THE STATION!

ON BOARD ARE THE CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS SOCIETY AND THE SRHT!

We are on our way……….our destination is quality CDs which record stories of those people in and around Shrewsbury who worked in The Age of Steam and whose lives were touched by that great era. These include wives, widows and passengers.

As with all journeys there needs to be preparation……. we had to find people who worked on the railways during those times…. they were found; retired drivers, firemen, signalmen, clerks, station staff, all willing to tell their tales of a hard life but a happy one, by and large……

We had to find suitable equipment to take into people's homes to record the anecdotes and stories… we found the EDIROL and a super little machine it is too… we found a few interviewers but we may need more - can YOU help?

We are transferring the recorded material onto CDs, but face a complex task of 'editing' the contents so that we get a sample of wonderful stories to be available to the public, in schools and also for the Archive…and, of course, to members of the Trust.

Such stories are emerging….. Royal Visits to Shrewsbury….. heart rending accounts of rail crashes, ghost stories…..just plain stories of what people did and how they did it…… often under extremely difficult conditions.

We'll tell you more as we 'travel' along this fascinating journey and at the end of it we'll have the CDs for you to listen to!

If you think you can help us in any way, please contact Ted Jones on 01743 340245

TRACKS IN 'THE CHRONICLE'

Ernie Jenks, local Archaeologist and Historian, has bravely begun a complex project for the Trust to track the history of the railways in Shrewsbury. He has started regular visits to the Shropshire Archives in Castlegates specifically to examine copies of The Shrewsbury Chronicle, which are held there.

"Several references are already well known", says Ernie, "like the opening of the Shrewsbury to Chester line on 13th October 1848, when 300 gentlemen sat down to dinner in the Music Hall. But there are many, many other interesting topics to be found alongside articles of other contemporary affairs".

Ernie will use his valuable experience to create a system of indexing and referencing as well as to use his judgment to decide what to include and what to leave out. "There are stories which are repetitive with some minor amendments and we also want to create interest and not just a factual record", he said.

His project will include the transcription of lengthy reports, time-tables, court cases, letters and articles. All these will have to be copied, condensed and, at some future stage, published.

Ernie Jenks standing outside his former home; No 10, Rea Street at "The Back of The Sheds". Ernie's stories about life here, close to the hustle and bustle of both LMS and GWR engine sheds in the '50s are a real treat.

If anyone can provide some help with transcriptions, please contact Ernie on Shrewsbury 872492.

ONSLOW PARK STEAM RALLY

This year we decided to raise the profile of the Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust at the Shropshire Steam Fair at Onslow Park over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Thanks to Johnny Morris's established pitch some splendid display boards prepared by Dave Giddins with some decorated chinaware (featuring John Austin's famous painting of Shrewsbury Station) and The Old Potts CDs.

Johnny Morris, Dave Giddins and myself turned out to answer questions and provide the 'presence'! Despite being at the mercy of strong gusts from a capricious wind we managed to persuade several people to take membership forms and sold one CD and a couple items of china.

Was it worth it? Yes! But for next year we need:

Not forgetting that the enterprise will need financing!

If we show that we are an organisation that is positively doing something, that is the best way of encouraging others to join our ranks. And the more we are the more we can do - see you at Onslow Park next year!

Joan Hughes

RAILWAY SONGS CONCERT

Bygone Days of Steam

The Old Potts Line now has its very own claim to immortality thanks to a song specially written in its memory. It was premiered at a concert in the Belmont Arts Centre, Shrewsbury on June 17th.

The song, "The Old Potts Way", had been commissioned by one of the SRHT Directors - to whom we are greatly indebted - written by Mark Dowding and Chris Harvey, was one of the highlights of a lively concert of railway songs performed by this pair of very talented folk musicians from Lancashire.

We heard songs with lively, catchy tunes and the audience could not resist toe or finger tapping in time with the music. It was pure nostalgia for the bygone days of steam with songs encompassing the humour, pathos, respect and pride of the men who worked the railways and committed their lives to the companies they served.

Now, if you missed this 'gem of a concert' you have a second chance! An excellent CD is available, 'The Age of Steam', at £12.50. This is a selection of about a dozen songs, including "The Slow Train" by Flanders and Swann; Keith Roberts, "Last days of Steam"; and of course our very own "The Old Potts Way".

I can thoroughly recommend this CD. With Christmas coming up what could make a better present for a railway enthusiast friend?

If you would like a copy (or two or three…!) please contact Joan Hughes 01743 460333.

ANOTHER YEAR OF SUCCESSFUL 'RAIL WALKS'

THIS YEAR, the Trust has conducted nine 'Railwalks'. Dave Giddins also led a "Back of the Sheds" walk for the "Belle Vue Local History Week; with donations to the Trust. We had two walks in May and June on Wednesday evenings. Led by Bob Jones, doing his "Northern Trail" and "Station Walk"

GREENFIELDS AND THE FLAX MILL

The first took us via Greenfields and the Flax Mill then, following the path of the old Shrewsbury Canal back to the "Plough" pub in Castle Foregate.

The second was on a trail from the main station forecourt, telling about its history and development; how the station frontage and lower level entrance was dug out in 1902. Down Chester Street Bob recalled the cattle being herded from the Smithfield to the loading pens in Castle Foregate Goods Yard, under Cross Street bridge, up past the Buttermarket to the Shropshire Union Yard, where there was transhipment between railway and the canal; its last use was for shipping out bananas.

Bob repeated these well attended walks on two Wednesday evenings in early August.

UNDERDALE & POTTERIES JUNCTION

Dave led the walks south and east of the station including "The Underdale & Potteries Junction" which resulted in 26 participants, thanks to a successful plug on Radio Shropshire that morning. Our Chairman put a little write up in the Shropshire Star too!

Dave says, "My childhood home was alongside the railway in Gayfield Terrace, I sat for many hours on the wall watching trains go by, until we moved to Chester in 1967. Originally there was a level crossing here, replaced by the present under-bridge in 1875, when the loop was completed and after the footbridge was struck by a locomotive"

The 'Belle Vue' Walk starts at the Boars Head Public House, once popular with railwaymen, then across the road to the entrance of Bertram Edwards and the Network Rail depot, looking at the original LNWR & GWR Joint Goods Shed, still in use by the Builders' Merchant.

We hear about the Maltings in Betton Street, on to Sutton Bridge Junction signal box where Johnny Morris recalled his early working days and at Coleham. We recall how the engine sheds were, now a Business Park. Here the Severn Valley and Cambrian lines branched south and north.

Down Pemberton Way, along the Severn Valley track bed, via Adams Ridge and Primrose Drive, following the old Potts line. We crossed the Hereford line on the cast iron bridge of 1862 - the bridge abutments of the Potts can still be seen - into Montague Place and Sussex Drive. Over the Hereford Road to view the site of the Meole Exchange Sidings from the 'Potts' onto the Welshpool line, thence back to the Boars Head"

SPECIAL THANKS

Dave says, "I would like to give special thanks to Ernie Jenks, whose knowledge of the "Back of the Sheds" and Coleham is tremendous. Thanks to Bob Jones for his excellent descriptions and Walks leadership. And a big 'thank you' to all who supported the walks; I would particularly like to thank Mr Yerbury, who has just about come on every one of our walks. The least number of participants this year was 5 and the maximum was 26. Donations from all are very welcome income for the Trust. Are there are any volunteers who are willing to be guides to relieve Bob and me? I will provide them with the stories to tell"

The Editor wishes to record the Trust's thanks to Dave Giddins whose willingness and expertise inspires all and Mrs Joan Hughes for her enthusiasm and (dare I say it) common sense approach to our challenges.

ON A DAY TRIP

by Johnny Morris

Memories of a small boy on a Sunday School outing 1948-1952

What a sight would light our faces

As we went off as children

With spades and buckets in our hands

To Rhyl or New Brighton

Happy laughs as we went to give our tickets in

Through the iron shutters and off we would run

Along the tile glazed tunnel

You would hear a rumble

"There's a train coming in!"

And off we would scamper up the steps

Two at a time if big enough

What a sight we would see!

The train was waiting there,

with steam floating everywhere

An engine 'simmering' for attention!

A window seat was the prize

Or a window down, looking out!

As the train pulled away

Only spoilt if you had a little something

In the eye, "is there a handkerchief about?"

These trips, when we were young

Seemed to last forever -

But I can't remember coming back!

"Well I never!"

OUR FORTHCOMING RAILWAY WALKS

Here is our Autumn/Winter timetable: Sunday afternoon walks start at 2:00pm from either the Old Abbey Station, Boars Head Pub, the Plough in St Michael's St or the main station forecourt: 2006 5th November Station Walk - Main Station 19th November Belle Vue - The Boar's Head 2007 25th February Underdale - Abbey Station 11th March Back of the Sheds - ditto. 24th March Your Choice! On the 24th March Dave will repeat whichever walk popular demand wants. We may even set a treasure hunt with clues…. a family event!

Dave Giddins

LOST COLUMN

The wooden column that supported the Old Abbey Station roof is missing! Is it in your garden or do you know where it is?

Please contact Dave Giddins (Tel Shrewsbury 368590)

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

May I thank Ted Jones for his assistance in producing this newsletter. If you wish to contribute to our efforts in any way please do not hesitate to get in touch with me on Shrewsbury 352710.

Russell Mulford

OTHER EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARIES

ISAMBARD KINGDOM BRUNEL

You are warmly welcome to an Illustrated Talk by Dr Barrie Trinder on Wednesday 1st November 2006 at the Council Chamber, Shirehall, at 7.30pm

In the upstairs lobby of the Shire Hall, from 3pm onwards on the same day, there will be displays by Railway Societies and Groups.

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EXHIBITION OF ORIGINAL RAILWAY PAINTINGS

Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust present an exhibition November 1st-11th by invited artists at the English Bridge Workshop Gallery daily between 10:30am and 4:30 [except Sundays]

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"THE SHREWSBURY RAILWAY STORY"

An Illustrated 'CD' Show By David Giddins Thursday November 9th at 7.30pm At the ENGLISH BRIDGE WORKSHOP in ABBEY FOREGATE

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Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING At The Guildhall, Frankwell Quay On Wednesday December 6th 2006 7.30pm

JOIN SHREWSBURY RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST TODAY!

Shrewsbury Railway Heritage Trust is a Registered Charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee established to safeguard and promote the Railway Heritage of Shrewsbury.

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