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Published by Norfolk Railway Society, 2019-06-18 10:17:43

NRS NL 64-2 Mar-April 2019

NRS NL 64-2 Mar-April first published April 2019

Norfolk Railway Society

Founded 1955 www.norfolkrailwaysociety.org.uk
Volume 64 No. 2 Mar - April 2019

_________TRACK REPORT

news from railways in and around Norfolk

National Network four extra services will run Monday to Saturday between
Norwich, Ipswich and London Liverpool Street only departing
The first Class 745/1 arrives in Norwich at 0900 and 1700 (Ipswich at 0933 and 1733) and
Norfolk 1 returning from Liverpool Street at 1100 and 1900 (Ipswich 1155
4 and 1957).
As the sun emerged from behind the
early morning cloud and mist, the first of 12 So what of passengers wishing to alight at the intermediate
Greater Anglia's new Class 745 electric stations served by the current services? Quite simply the
multiple units was delivered to Norwich
Crown Point on Thursday 28th February. 13 current 0900 and 1700 from Norwich are re-timed to depart at
0903 and 1703 and the 1100 and 1900 from Liverpool Street
745104 is seen (upper right) at Caistor
St Edmund passing the Roman Town 15 are re-timed to depart 1102 and 1902.
headed by DB Cargo UK 66001 with the
0343 Ripple Lane Exchange Sidings to
Norwich Crown Point working.

By way of contrast 90011 (lower right) is
seen heading the 0800 Norwich -
London Liverpool Street service shortly
before the arrival of 745104.

Destined for the Stansted Express
service the 745/1s have no cafe bar or
first class facilities. The plan is for the
first four 745/1s to be delivered first
followed by all ten 745/0s for Great
Eastern Main Line Norwich to London
Liverpool Street service and finally the
remaining six Stansted Express EMUs.

The 745/0s will replace the Class 90
hauled Mark 3 sets on the inter-city
service which do not meet the
accessibility standards being introduced
from 1st January 2020.

Norwich in 90 - first services

The new railway timetable comes into
effect on Sunday 19th May and “Norwich
in 90” services will start the following
day. Greater Anglia has announced that

In This Issue

Track Report
National Network

Pick-up Goods
NRS News
Feature
Day trip to Brighton by Andrew Wright
Working Timetable

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_________TRACK REPORT

Information on realtimetrains.co.uk shows these workings Under the new structure there will be five NR Regions -
pathed as Class 745 EMUs. However given that no first class Scotland, Wales & Western, London North Western, Southern
seating is available - try booking a seat on the GA website - it and Eastern - each will be led by a Managing Director. The
must be either the 745/1s destined for the LST - Stansted current eight routes will be increased to thirteen and each
Express services or pairs of Class 755s that will be operating allocated to a Region. It is hoped the changes will bring track
these services initially. and train closer together making routes more responsive to
local needs.
Sheringham station upgrade
Eastern Region will comprise the following routes: East Coast,
Greater Anglia has announced plans to install a new platform at North East, East Midlands and Anglia.
Sheringham doubling its length to 80 metres. This will
accommodate the 3-car and 4-car Class 755 Stadler bi-mode A map showing the proposed route/region structure can be
trains which will replace existing units on the Bittern Line during found at www.networkrail.co.uk. Search for: proposed routes
the course of this year. The £1m investment will also see and regions.
improved lighting and a new shelter for waiting passengers.
The station will shut from Sunday 31st March to Sunday 5th May East Midlands Franchise - interim award
for the work to be completed. During this period trains from
Norwich will terminate at Cromer. Sadly those who hoped to The Department for Transport has made a direct award to
travel by train to the North Norfolk Railway Spring Steam Gala Stagecoach Group subsidiary East Midlands Trains to continue
over the weekend of 5th-7th April will have to make do with a rail to operate the East Midlands rail franchise following expiry of
replacement bus service between Cromer, West Runton and the most recent extension of the franchise on 3rd March. The
Sheringham. new contract runs until 18th August, when the next long term
contract is scheduled to start, although a further extension of up
Re-creating the Big Four + 1? to 24 weeks is possible. DfT says the direct award is to “ensure
a smooth transition from the current operator to the next
Network Rail has announced a reorganisation aiming to bring franchise.” Refranchising was delayed in July 2017 when the
“radical change” to its operations. Chief Executive Andrew government announced cancellation of planned electrification
Haines acknowledges NR’s performance is not good enough between Kettering, Nottingham and Sheffield. Stagecoach,
and says “devolution has to go much deeper to enable us to get Abellio and Arriva have been invited to tender for the next EM
much closer to our partners and customers and be in a much franchise.
better place to put passengers first and deliver for business
too”. £5m fine for GTR

Norfolk Railway Society On 14th March the rail regulator - Office of Road and Rail - fined
(Founded 1955) Govia Thameslink Railway a record £5m for its role in last
year’s timetable chaos. The ORR criticised GTR for “persistent
President: Ken Mills, Esq. and prolonged failures” in failing “to provide appropriate,
accurate and timely information” leaving passengers uncertain
Committee and Officers 2018-2019 Telephone which trains would run. GTR, which has 21 days to respond to
the penalty notice, expressed disappointment with the fine
Chairman Brian Kirton maintaining that “industry-wide factors” were to blame for the
disruption.
Vice Chairman Warren Wordsworth

Past Chairman vacant

Secretary & Andrew Wright Delay Repay Improvement
Webmaster
From 1st April passengers on Greater Anglia services will be
Treasurer John Laycock able to claim compensation for delays of over 15 minutes and
follows a new deal between GA and the Department for
Membership Sec Mike Handscomb Transport. The current threshold is 30 minutes.

Newsletter Editor & Edward Mann
Indoor Programme

Indoor Programme Graham Kenworthy Compensation is paid at the following rates:

Show Day Manager Brian Cornwell Length of delay: Payment - % of ticket cost
15 - 29 mins 25% single; 12.5% return
Committee Member Malcolm Wright 30 - 59 50% single; 25% return
60 - 119 100% single; 50% return
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 120 and over 100% whether single or return

Norfolk Railway Society Newsletter

Editor: Edward Mann

Layout & Picture Editor: Andrew Wright Claims can already be made online, by email or hard copy form
Distribution: Graham Smith and when approved payment is made direct into a bank
account, a credit card account, by voucher, Paypal or
Please contact Graham if the next edition does not arrive by alternatively as a charitable donation. Since last summer when
the end of the month of publication. this last option was introduced £8,000 has been raised for the
Samaritans.
Opinions expressed in any articles are those of the author
and should not be taken to represent those of the Society. I used the scheme to make an online claim on 12th March when
Next issue published 6th June 2019. I planned to catch the 0830 from Norwich to London. However
Copy date: 23rd May 2019. the 0600 ex-Liverpool Street, which forms this service was
cancelled throughout due to a fault with the door locking

2

_________TRACK REPORT

mechanism. Arriving in Norwich as an empty coaching stock
move instead, I spotted the train in the Royal Dock while an
attempt was made to fix the problem. A helpful GA staff
member on the Information Desk provided me with this
information together with a voucher for a free coffee! I
boarded the 0900 service provided by a couple of 4-car Class
321 units. I arrived at London Liverpool Street at 1052 (2
minutes early) instead of 1019 . Being more than 30 minutes
late I made a claim online when I returned home that evening.
The process ran very smoothly and less than 24 hours later a
repayment had been made to my account.
(All preceding contributions by Andrew Wright)

Local Sightings

Class 755 and Class 37
Richard Adderson writes: A class 755 ventured east of
Norwich for the first time (as far as I know) in daylight on 28th
January 2019, and the trips were repeated today (29th
January). I’d hoped to be able to photograph the new trains
with the semaphore signalling before it disappears, so I was
pleased to get a few shots “in the bag” this morning. I was
particularly pleased to get the 755 and 37 together – one of
the newest trains alongside one of the oldest locomotives still
in day to day use.

Images: Top right, On 29th January 755407 is seen at Acle
where it passes the ‘short set’ with 37407 on the rear. Right,
On 15th February 755407 departs Great Yarmouth passing the
soon to be decommissioned semaphore signals and Yarmouth
Vauxhall box.

Class 57 and DVT
Right lower: On 1st February Andrew Wright captured this
image of the 1102 Norwich Crown Point to Bounds Green
working as it passed the Roman Town at Caistor St Edmund
running 16 minutes late with 57303 hauling DVT 82107.

Class 37s and Mark 2 set
Still working the Norwich - Yarmouth/Lowestoft routes the
DRS Class 37s and Mark 2 coaches will not be here for much
longer. On social media there is a suggestion their last day of
operation will be Saturday 18th May. Below, 37423 heads the
short set with 37425 on the rear crossing Reedham Swing
Bridge with the 1548 Lowestoft to Norwich service on a balmy
25th February (Andrew Wright).

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______PICK-UP GOODS

A miscellany of news and members’ contributions

Recently at the URC Hall

“To Tebay on ebay” – David Pearce (17th January)

David makes one of his inimitable presentations about once a year.
These are made with little reference to notes, and this one turned out
to be something of a misnomer as not all of the images were ebay
acquisitions. Nothing detracted, however, and David was fortunate to
be friendly with the families of photographers whose work he admired.
Some of David’s preferences can be summed-up – people often
enhance an image, and smoke effects are enjoyed. As the evening
progressed a number of themes were explored e.g. railwaymen,
signalboxes and snow, and locations such as the Peak District and
Tebay itself. He had, however, also drawn upon the work of two
Society “elder statesmen” – Arnold Hoskins and Peter Starling –
neither a slouch photographically speaking.
He particularly favoured the work of the late Jim Carter – a Patricroft
fireman who took excellent night shots (his job would have helped) and
was also good at “panning”. Jim probably came to wider attention
thanks to his image of 1013 County of Dorset leaving Chester and
which graced the cover of the March 1964 Railway World (anyone
interested please email me – Ed.). Many of the other photographers
whose work David displayed were not “household names” in the
railway-photography sense but their work was still excellent.

Interspersed with this report are a few of David’s images, and
I’ll leave the rest to you.
Many thanks to David for his thoroughly enjoyable evening,
and to Andy Wright for operating the projector.
Images anti-clockwise from left: A GW 2-8-0 climbs Dainton
bank, west of Newton Abbot, on 5th June 1961. The period
flavour is completed thanks to the Morris 1000 Traveller (the
late Arnold Hoskins); 46229 Duchess of Hamilton makes a
dramatic sight outside Northwich M.P.D. in 1984 (the late J.R.
Carter); An ex-Great North of Scotland 4-4-0 (LNER D40)
latterly B.R. 62271 takes water at Craigellachie in April 1956 ;
GW “Manor” 4-6-0 7813 Freshford Manor backs out of
Reading Southern after arriving with a train from the Redhill
area (the late Peter Starling).

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“My Life as a Railway Journalist, and what Joining up the missing link (Okehampton – Tavistock) is
awaits Greater Anglia?” – Richard Clinnick, unlikely as the area is sparsely-populated. Moving the Dawlish
Assistant Editor, RAIL Magazine (7th February) route a little way inland is a better option in the long run. The
Class 800s seem to have a water-aversion although the 802s
I contacted Richard in the autumn, on the off-chance of a are fine!
presentation, and was delighted to receive a positive response.
A few facts and figures: Richard is a trained journalist, having Richard regards the HS2 project as vital for the UK and
joined RAIL from the Yarmouth & Waveney Advertiser in 2005. capacity, but is concerned for its long-term future north of
He is presently working on RAIL’s 350th issue and also looks Crewe due to the current political situation. He believes that
after RAIL’s website. Richard and his boss (Nigel Harris) are that and the “Northern Powerhouse” rail schemes must both be
both enthusiasts, although as the enthusiast-readership is built. Charters are thought to have their place, but confined to
falling they have positioned themselves closer to the Modern secondary routes. Where possible, electric haulage will be used
Railways readership. Unsurprisingly, perhaps, he lives next to for the bulk of charter journeys.
Crown Point but, more surprisingly, is a Norwich City season
ticket-holder! A surprising statistic to end my report – there are 8 different
types of coupling in use in the UK!
He is by no means faint-hearted; a Scotrail Press trip took him
to the top of the Forth Bridge, which wobbles when a HST goes Many thanks to Richard for his presentation, and for answering
across! Somehow, he is certified to drive a Class 700, even if many questions, Thanks also to Andy Wright for operating the
stops can be overshot! The use of Class 37s on the (very) short projector. (EM)
sets has brought noise complaints from a Postwick resident –
others take a different view! “A Journey Through Time” – Andrew Munden
(21st February)
Overseas tours e.g to the Stadler factory in Switzerland have
enabled him to see the Class 755s under construction. A 4-car We were very pleased to have a presentation from Andrew
unit has 2,700 bhp at its disposal. It’s also possible to walk Munden, General Manager of the NNR, who came to Norfolk
through the engine room. Train seating in general has come in some 2 years ago.
for a lot of criticism, but Richard believes the seating in the
755s is good. By comparison, the Bombardier Aventra Class His railway career dates back to 1981 when he joined the SR’s
720 seating, with a 3 + 2 arrangement, looked cheap. The DfT Chief Civil Engineer’s Dept. In his Southern days he controlled
is, apparently, seat-orientated. 984 trains in an 8 hr. shift, and has been Network Rail’s Route
Director for HS1. Other moves have seen him as the Route
He thought that the Great Eastern Main Line Campaign (Task Director for Anglia at Liverpool St, and he has been an
Force), co-chaired by Norwich North M.P. Chloe Smith, had Operations & Safety Director responsible for the re-opening of
done a good job in bringing much-needed improvements to the the Oxford – Bicester route. His qualifications include that of
area’s railways, but both she and her co-chairman have moved Chartered Surveyor, Fellow of the Institute of Railway
to pastures new, and the same sense of purpose may have Operations and Fellow of the Permanent Way Institution. In his
gone (members interested in reading more should go to spare time he has a penchant for old Land-Rovers.
[email protected]). The use of Class 158s on EMT’s
Norwich – Liverpool/Manchester run came in for criticism, and He reminded the audience that Sheringham NR station – which
more criticism will doubtless be aimed at the service if it is split receives about 300,000 customers annually - will be closed
at Nottingham as its only good point (no changing) will have from 31st March to 5th May to allow for the construction of an
gone. 80m platform to accommodate the new trains. During the
closure services will terminate at Cromer.
The Q & A was longer than Richard’s career summary, and was
most interesting. I can do more than write a little about some He also reminded the audience of the pivotal role and positions
points, and in response to a question about the scrapping of the held by William Marriott (1857 – 1943). As is well known, he
maintenance depot at Brantham (Manningtree) he explained pioneered the use of concrete and we learned that the GN
that the ground was contaminated and that it sits on a flood bought concrete station names. The M&GN Marriott Museum
plain. AGA have not helped by not being particularly open contains many artefacts, only about 10% of which are on public
about anything. There was also to be a new depot at display, and he drew attention to a large clock presented to a
Cambridge North. Now the plan is to have a depot at Harwich George Freeman (clerk at Holt) by Alfred Jodrell, High Sheriff of
whilst the new units will go to Ilford! Norfolk in 1890. Although Freeman’s star may have been
shining brightly then, in 1893 he (with many others) was made
The GW electrification seems to be a case of “almost redundant immediately before the M&GN came into being.
everything has gone wrong that could go wrong”. NR do not They were, naturally, re-engaged at lower rates of pay!
seem to have a central record of infrastructure, and
“improvements” to tried and tested electrification equipment Andrew believes that the M&GN was responsible for the
have been the reverse. development of North Norfolk and, to return to the artefacts,
where would we be if closure notices for the
As for the Wherry Lines, the Berney Arms line will re-open to Norwich/Cromer/Sheringham line had taken effect? Also of
deal with the extra summer traffic, but once again NR have interest is a set of Marriott blueprints, one of which shows a
been slow off the mark, PR-wise. Probably 2020 is a more track layout at Sheringham that never existed!
realistic re-opening date.
Weybourne is a station in the middle of nowhere. It did not open
NR was in his sights again, this time over Dawlish. There have until 1901, no doubt being seen as a means of bringing trade to
been 2 closures since 2014, and the closures will continue until the nearby Weybourne Springs Hotel which opened in 1902.
NR tackle the cliffs. It would be good, though not a priority, to The guests failed to materialise and the hotel had a chequered
restore Okehampton to the railway map; likewise Tavistock to existence, serving variously as an old people’s home and a
Bere Alston but progress here is very slow. home for wounded officers. Its prominent position would have

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made it an easy enemy target and so the Army demolished it in And talking of Realtime Trains, the 1L03 0752 EMT Nottingham
1940. Weybourne had, however, seen the establishment of – Norwich is shown as coming from Mansfield Woodhouse,
Army camps – which lasted until the late 1950s – which also which seems to be shorthand for the working starting from
generated special trains. The NNR have restored the station to Woodhouse at 0707 and picking up at Nottingham! When did
its 1910 condition; the footbridge is from Stowmarket. Norwich previously have a through service from Mansfield, I
wonder?
In the longer-term, the NNR plan to restore Sheringham
station to its 1955/BR condition; the NNR has planning
permission to rebuild the buildings on Plstform 2 – the likely
cost will be approx. £300,000, with the canopy being the most
expensive part. Andrew produced a postcard of an accident at
Sheringham on 5th July 1909 when a van was shunted into
the rear of the station building. What was remarkable,
however, is that this postcard was sent the day after the
accident, no mean feat production-wise!

We saw images of the passenger and goods stock; the Quad-
art set just escaped being burnt at King’s scrapyard!

The Q & A revealed that it was Government policy not to 37425 Concrete Bob is throbbing ready for its run to Yarmouth
permit new level-crossings. Nor would support be forthcoming on the 1036 on 27th February.
for a level-crossing to “break out” of Holt. This year, there will
be 8 dining trains to Cromer – the stock is cleared for use
anywhere on NR. Coal supplies remain a problem for heritage
railways – about 30,000 tons is burnt on the heritage system,
of which the NNR uses about 1,000 tons. The going rate for
coal is £160 per ton, and complications arise matching the
type of coal to fireboxes and ensuring that firebars are not
burnt through as if they were going out of fashion!

At the end of the presentation, member Steve Ashling outlined I think the answer to my question is Never! There used to be a
his plans for moving Reedham signalbox to Holt. The big Summer Saturdays overnight Shirebrook – Yarmouth (arr
problem is one of cost – about £35,000 for transportation alone. Yarmouth 0520) which called at Mansfield but which ran via the
Steve sought ideas on how the transportation should be funded Wensum Curve, but I think that’s as close as we get and, in any
(the NNR will be unable to help). When installed at Holt it case, the line closed in 1964. Of course, the Worksop –
would be a part historic/part interactive display. Mansfield – Nottingham route reopened in 1998.

Many thanks to Andrew and Steve for an entertaining evening, 175th Anniversary of Norfolk’s First Railway
and to Andy Wright for operating the projector. (Trevor Garrod)

Pointless 30th April will be the 175th anniversary of the Norwich –
Reedham – Great Yarmouth railway – the first in Norfolk.
I suspect many of you watch Pointless on a weekday evening
and, at very long last (30th January), the contestants selected The Wherry Lines Community Rail Partnership is preparing a
“Night Trains”. The British questions offered very easy money, programme lasting over 3 months to mark that milestone, not
as the contestants were required to name any station in only looking back over the history of the line but also into the
Scotland served by the Caledonian Sleeper or any station on future to a modernised infrastructure with modern trains. This
the “Night Tube” network. anniversary falls at a time when the first of the bi-mode trains is
being tested on local lines and the re-signalling and associated
The “Beast from the East” Was Only a Year Ago works on the line to Great Yarmouth are nearing completion.

The glorious weather at the end of February got me out of The Community Rail Partnership is also working in co-operation
hibernation and I bought a Wherry Lines Day Ranger which with local councils and voluntary bodies, including the East
covers the Yarmouth/Lowestoft routes. Strangely, there’s no Norfolk Transport Users’ Association which is mounting an
railcard benefit but seniors enjoy a ⅓ discount. The 2P18 1036 exhibition of the past, present and future of the line under the
to Yarmouth (1117 return) had reverted to its 3-coach set and title “175 Years Young”. This ranges from a press notice of the
37423 Spirit of the Lakes and 37425 Concrete Bob provided the opening of the line through to pictures of the new bi-mode
power. No prizes for guessing the interests of a large number of trains. The exhibition will be on display at Great Yarmouth
the passengers. Yarmouth retains some of its semaphores, but Library (29th April – 12th May), Gorleston Library (20th May – 1st
they’re on borrowed time, awaiting commissioning of the colour- June) , Brundall Co-op and Post Office (3rd June – 15th June)
lights. Back to Norwich and lunch and then off again on the and Reedham Village Hall and Heritage Room (16th June – 30th
2J78 1405 to Lowestoft with 153309. Everywhere looked very June).
pleasant in the sunshine, though it was somewhat nippy at
Lowestoft – at least the station looks better than it did. Society member Trevor Garrod will lead a walk from
Buckenham station to Strumpshaw village on Sunday 5th May
Without the benefit of Realtime Trains I was surprised to find from 1110 and give a talk to Brundall Local History Group on
the 2J80 1455 from Norwich in the hands of 37423/425, going Thursday 25th July at 1930.
back as the 2J83 at 1548. Big gripe – although the low sun
made matters worse, when did the carriage windows last get
cleaned?

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The station adopters at Cantley will have a model railway immediately south of Breydon Viaduct! Other luxuries were a
display and exhibition at the station on Saturday 4th May marshalling yard and new locomotive facilities in the South
between 1000 and 1600. Town area.

Other events are being planned, including the unveiling of a The LNER was not short of far more important schemes and
seat at Berney Arms when the line through this unique halt is that seems to have been that. Both of the new stations would
back in use. have been out of action immediately after the 1953 floods!

Full details of the programme will be in an anniversary brochure A Day at the Races (With thanks to Barry Gayton
obtainable from Trevor Garrod, 15 Clapham Road South, for delving into his handbill collection and for
Lowestoft, NR32 1RQ or via the website www.wherrylines.com supplying both the images and the article)

Bourne End Interlude Following the football-based article in NRS/NL 64/1 p.4, this
time Barry investigates how the railways promoted horse-
Isn’t this image by Mike Roach great? It’s full of interest from racing.
the single unit arriving from Marlow round to the “main line”
platforms – a train from the High Wycombe direction seems to Starting close to home with the two-day September meeting at
be due, and it will continue to Maidenhead. Sadly, the High Yarmouth in 1937, this bill is more interesting as the special
Wycombe – Bourne End part of the line is no longer with us as train took an unusual route. From Histon the train headed west
this section lost its passenger service from 4th May 1970 but if before doubling back on itself across the Fens by virtue of the
you look at a railway map you can discover what a useful line it junctions at St Ives and Needingworth. Calling at every station
could be today as just the Maidenhead/Bourne End/Marlow part along the Sutton route, closed to passengers in 1931, including
remains open.
Bluntisham and Earith Bridge (when did you last see that
name in print?), the punters were presumably shoulder to
shoulder in the corridors by the time it left Stretham
because even Ely didn’t warrant a stop! After arriving at
Vauxhall station there was plenty of time for lunch and a
few pints of Lacon’s mild in the Star & Garter or the Lord
Roberts before heading for the North Denes. The big race
of the day, the 3.30pm Norfolk & Suffolk Stakes worth
£400, was won by the favourite – Gallalane – owned by Mr
T. Blackwell and ridden by Geoffrey Barling.

To return to the image, it dates from 1st February 1964 and
Class 121 W55029 has just arrived from Marlow. Mike will
catch the 1115 to High Wycombe, with single unit W55028, and
head away from us, whilst we can see passengers waiting for
the 1104 to Maidenhead. A small station bursts into life for a
few minutes! It enjoyed an approximately hourly service both
ways.

Don’t You Know There’s A War On?

A recent issue of Branch Line News contained drawings of the
LNER’s proposals for amalgamating Yarmouth’s 3 terminal
stations into a single Yarmouth Central. The odd thing was that
the drawings dated from 1943 when resources could have been
expected to be stretched.

Yarmouth Beach, South Town & Vauxhall would have gone. The point of interest in the second bill from 1961, featuring
Under the less ambitious scheme, Yarmouth Central would departures from New St, is that it promotes two long-closed and
have been near the old South Town, but closer to the Haven developed racecourses – Manchester and Birmingham. There
Bridge, with little effect on Beccles or Lowestoft services. It was a long tradition of racing at Manchester over no fewer than
would have seen the M&GN and Norwich trains taking a five known locations including the Old Trafford cricket ground.
different route into town via Breydon Viaduct. The other The last course at Castle Irwell closed in 1963 to become
scheme would have placed Yarmouth Central near the
confluence of the Bure/Yare, not too far from Vauxhall. The
M&GN would have come in, with Norwich trains, alongside
Vauxhall, or over Breydon Viaduct. The station would have
been a through one i.e. to serve the direct route to Beccles as
well as Lowestoft. Both schemes placed new carriage sidings

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playing fields for the
embryonic University of
Salford although part of
the stands, incorporated
into the student village,
survived until recently.
Birmingham racecourse
at Bromford Bridge in
Castle Bromwich lasted
until 1965
notwithstanding a
somewhat chequered
history. The main stand
was burnt down in 1914
by suffragettes in protest
at the arrest of Lillias
Mitchell who was
allegedly involved in an
arson attack at Kings
Norton station, and
during WW2 it was
requisitioned for military
use. Dominated by the
Fort Dunlop rubber
factory the site of the
course succumbed to
residential use.

It may be surprising to
see both Southwell and
Pontefract on the top of
the bill as well, especially
as the former lost its
passenger service in mid-1959. All becomes clear as the
reverse of the bill shows that passengers needed to alight from
the service train at the former junction at Rolleston (“Adjacent
Southwell Racecourse”). Intending punters for Pontefract could
(surprisingly) catch a through train from New St at 0905 and be
at Pontefract (Baghill) at 1223. Coming back, the 1746 from
Pontefract would return its passengers to New St at approx.
2100. Pontefract (Tanshelf) is the nearest station to the
racecourse, though! (I wonder if enthusiasts had a temporary
interest in horse-racing! Ed.)

Finally, nothing can be more iconic in racing circles than Grand
National Day and what would be more fitting for well-heeled
suburbanites in 1936 than travelling in style over the Great
Central to Aintree (C.L.C.)? Leaving High Wycombe at 0810,
with connections from stations out of Marylebone, for just under
£2.60 first class you would be served breakfast and luncheon
outward and tea and dinner on the return. Sadly, we can only
speculate as to what was on the menu. As for the race itself,
10/1 shot Reynoldstown, ridden by Fulke Walwyn, romped
home by twelve lengths so perhaps those first class dinners
were enjoyed by returning bookmakers! As a postscript, the
1936 Grand National is believed to be the best attended horse
race ever with crowds estimated in excess of 300,000 most of
whom, of course, travelled by train. No wonder those handbills
were produced by the thousands.

Harleston Sports Day (see NRS/NL 63/6 p.5)

Whilst trawling through the East Anglian Film Archive Barry
Gayton has (fortuitously) found colour footage of the 1953
Sports Day, which confirms it as a substantial and well-
organised event, together with Coronation celebrations. The
archive catalogue number is 1609.

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Annual Show Report (9th March)

The team that organised our Show last year was back to
run this year’s Show, and I had my first experience of
Poringland Community Centre. Although there’s much
more car parking, it still “overflowed” to the playing field
and Budgen’s. There is, I think, a Law about parking areas
and how the number of cars expands to fill them whatever
their size!

Not everything on display was railway-related – weird and
wonderful Meccano creations (skyscraper/windmill etc)
rubbed shoulders with 1950s Hornby-Dublo 3rd rail;
Malcolm Cooper had a display of “Thomas” trains, and a
funfair, much appreciated by the younger brigade. The
Norfolk Mardlers carried on quietly, and had an impressive
display of GE locos.

When it comes to size, Graham Smith’s Continental trams
display (and much more) is amazing. At the other end of
the scale, the NDSME had a super N gauge display of
Alsop-en-le-dale. Another group had Princes St Goods
Yard, and a really intriguing display of Lowe St – a
creosoting/sleeper works.

Having mentioned 1950s Hornby, there was, inevitably, a
1950s Tri-ang TT layout. Brian Cornwell took time away
from Show organisation to display his large Lego system,
which he has assembled over many years.

The Gauge 1 Model Railway Association was up-to-date
with a Class 66 and containers, but tradition came in the
form of a V2 and a Midland Compound. Another NDSME
display was of horizontal/beam/stationary engines. David
White showed his Underground models. The Norwich
MRC had a display explaining the different scales, starting
at 0 gauge 1:43, descending through 00/TT/N/Z and finally
T @ 1:450.

Numerous societies had publicity stands, including
Bressingham, Bure Valley Railway, Southwold Railway
Trust, M&GN Circle and M&GNJRS whilst Arthur Barrett
“did his bit” publicising minor railways such as the RH&D.

The RCTS had a sales stand whilst our own Mike
Handscomb was kept busy as some downsized their book
(and other) collections; others saw it as an opportunity for
some judicious re-balancing!

Outside of the large hall, Ken Mills showed his extensive
Hornby 3rd rail collection – pre-war locomotives and
pre/post-war wagons. Brian Kirton is custodian of a large
model of a Sealink Cross-Channel ferry; this and a
number of smaller models made for a different display.
David Rowlands, meanwhile, showed his artistic skills with
various railway-themed paintings, cards etc. Thanks also
to Robert Scarfe for showing his railway DVDs which could
be watched during refreshment breaks.

We are grateful that so many exhibitors (many of them
members) gave of their time to make our Show such a
success. Thanks go to Malcolm, Mike, Peter & Philip for
the Show’s organisation, and most of all to Brian Cornwell
who oversaw the whole thing. We are also very grateful to
Ann, Jane, Janet, Jenni, Julie, Maureen & Rose for their
tireless work in the kitchen, and to the unknown ladies
who provided the home-made cakes. Andy Wright was
busy with his camera/phone, and thanks to him for the
images seen here.

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_________PICK-UP GOODS

Pullabrook Halt 1956. Bassingbourn is well to the south of the old route
whereas Cambourne is north of the old route.
Congratulations – you’ve recognised it! But my guess is that
nobody would know where it was if simply shown the image. The paint is barely dry…
Well, it’s on the now-closed Newton Abbot –
Moretonhampstead branch not far from Lustleigh. Michael Roach took this image at Wetheral at the west end of
Opened in 1931 as Hawkmoor Halt, to serve the hamlet of the Newcastle – Carlisle line on 29th August 2009. An
Pullabrook, no doubt the GWR seized on the fact that imaginative bit of painting I’m sure you’ll agree. The internet will
Hawkmoor County Sanatorium (for the treatment of T.B. tell you the station was closed during the Beeching Cuts (sic) in
patients) was also close enough for visitors to walk there. The 1967 but reopened by BR in 1981. Wonder what the station
halt was renamed Pullabrook Halt in 1955 but passenger looks like today?
services on the branch ceased from 2nd March 1959.
Mike Roach’s images date from October 1961 when the branch
freight was a bonus. Note the well-maintained track and the
sunshine in one direction and the rain in the other.

East – West Rail The Pesky Quiz

Public Consultation on the 5 possible routes from Bedford to 1. Nuts, I suppose – where are/were the Almond Valley Viaduct
Cambridge closed on 11th March. All visualise a traditional & the Walnut Tree Viaduct?
southern approach to Cambridge. Briefly, Route A is 2. Where is the Wymington Deviation?
unexceptional to Sandy, but then there is a southward diversion 3. “As I was going to St Ives…” is the beginning of an English
to take in Bassingbourn. Route B follows a more northerly nursery rhyme/riddle. But when was it last possible to travel
course from Bedford, possibly crossing the ECML in the between St Ives (Cambs) & St Ives (Cornwall) by train?
Tempsford area, then across to Cambourne. Route C is Year/month please.
another northerly, possibly sinuous, route from Bedford to the 4. Manston, Manton & Menston are all railway-related – please
Tempsford area, south towards Sandy and then Bassingbourn explain;
again. Route D seems more direct from Bedford to Tempsford, 5. A Dock, a Palace & a Parade – what’s the common first
thereafter very similar to Route C. Route E is a more direct word?
route from Bedford to Tempsford/St Neots but after reaching an 6. Where is 0.0 km on the Underground?
apex at Cambourne heads S.W. to approach Cambridge. As 7. Unpleasant infection at an Oldham station?
there are “options within options” nothing is set in stone and no 8. What was unusual about Broomielaw station on the
doubt the Nimbys will have to summon reinforcements! Go to Darlington – Barnard Castle line for 85 years?
www.railwaygazette.com and search for Bedford Cambridge 9. Where is Bopeep Tunnel?
railway to look at the route maps. 10. If you’re of a certain age you’ll recall “The Cambridge Buffet
Express” – a frequent Cambridge – KX service. What was its
One of your Editor’s historical notes: Tempsford station was full pre-war title?
between Sandy & St Neots, and closed from 5th November Answers on Page 16.

Network Rail doubling at Trimley (Graham
Smith)

Today, 27th February, I had a recce visit to this site as the sun
was predicted to disappear tomorrow and the temperature
return to normal!

The day was indeed sunny, and I had copied NR's map from
their web entry, although I found it to be wrong in a few
respects.

I went to Grimston Lane where the former LC has been
removed and barred off (also to pedestrians) so vehicles have
to use Thorpe Lane Crossing only a few yards away. I enquired
of one of the men in orange garb as to where the dualling

10

_________PICK-UP GOODS

begins from that end and he told me it was Thorpe Common
next to the new (not working) signal we could (closed)
see from there. I drove and walked down the
footpath adjacent (still closed although the Thorpe Lane
sign said it would reopen on 28th December (open)
2018!) and found the new point, fully working
and ballasted on the old railway but very Grimston Lane
much unfettled and unsuitable for traffic on (closed)
the loop. Driving to Trimley station I saw the
site of the new "Equestrian Bridge" which will Trimley (closed)
replace six closed LC's for pedestrian and
horse use, but there was no structure, just a St Martins “Equestrian Bridge”
few poles to show where it would be. (closed) - under construction

At Trimley, a new point is installed the Ipswich Gun Lane (closed)
side of the old one (which was of the trap
variety) and then a completely new crossover
before the old point. At the Felixstowe end,
there is another crossover to connect the
passenger line to the freight branch (so
perhaps the units will go into the up platform
once again?).

It is certainly worth another visit to see how Alternative routes for
they are getting on, but my excursion shows closed level crossings
how long they take to do everything, bearing
in mind they had the whole of Christmas set Keeper’s Lane
aside for this job. We shall have to wait and (closed)
see.
Map drawn by Andrew Wright using Trimley (open) Trimley
Further to the above I saw our member John data from Openstreetmap.org Station
Day today (Sunday 3rd March) who informed © OpenStreetMap contributors.
me that NR were having a big push today and
had imported a crane to assemble the new
bridge.

I thought I would investigate as I was down
that way and the crane was in position and
had put two sets of metal stairs into the
ground and appeared to be waiting for the cross
piece. As Storm Freya was imminent I set off for
home only to see the metalwork hammering along
the A14 under escort, so hopefully they were able to
finish the job, despite the weather.

Editor’s Note: The 6 closed level-crossings were all
on the Ipswich side of Trimley station.

Norwich to York and a word on the 9-car EMU arrived at Platform 5 on a King’s Cross to Leeds
Class 800 Azuma working and 800102 a 9-car BMU (Bi-Mode) departed Platform
1 at 1002 for York. At the time neither unit was in LNER livery.
On 27th February Mike Fordham and Andy Wright
made a visit to the NRM at York. The trip was
inspired by a LNER ticket offer late last year.
Peterborough to York First Class cost £10 each and
the return, Standard Class, £5. The expensive part of
the journey was Norwich to Peterborough as we had
to leave Norwich during the peak period. With railcards the cost
was £25 return. Leaving Norwich on the EMT 0757 service to
Liverpool we reached Peterborough on time at 0924.

At the end of January NRS member Steve Cane had passed More recently the Office of Road and Rail has authorised the
through Peterborough and while waiting for an EMT service to operation of Class 800/1 9-car and Class 800/2 5-car trainsets -
Norwich spotted one of the new Class 800 units - 800112 - in the Class 800 are bi-mode units - to work in 5, 9 or 10-car
LNER Azuma livery (above right) which was heading north formations at up to 200 km/h, but with some restrictions when
towards Grantham on a test run. Inspired by Steve we hoped sets are running in multiple formation with more than one
for plenty of activity to keep us amused and our camera pantograph raised. LNER has announced the Azuma ( “east” in
shutters firing for the 50 minutes before our train for York. Japanese) will commence passenger operations from London
The Hitachi Class 800 trains are undergoing testing on the East to Leeds on Wednesday 15th May.
Coast Main Line and we soon spotted two trainsets: 801201 a

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_________PICK-UP GOODS

Outside in the South Yard is a 7 ½ inch miniature railway which
opened in 2014. The locomotive working was a diesel powered
model of a Deltic 55002 King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.
On a short standard gauge demonstration track was what we
were told was the oldest working steam engine - Beattie 2-4-0
Well Tank 30587 - providing brake van rides.

Following lunch and a look round more exhibits it was time to

return to the main line station where a range of HSTs, Class

91/Mark 4 sets were in operation together with CrossCountry

Voyagers, Transpennine Express Class 185s and Northern

Pacers amongst others.

Continuing our journey to York, a Class 91/Mark 4 set arrived

arrived and departed 1 minute early headed by 91101 Flying Our return trip to Norwich ran smoothly. An HST took us to

Scotsman. We were soon reaching speeds of 125 m.p.h. (timed Peterborough where we joined a CrossCountry service as far

by an app on Mr Fordham’s phone) and arrived at York well fed as Ely and then a GA Class 170 back to the Fine City.

and watered (the benefit of First Class travel) at 1136, 4 (Andrew Wright & Mike Fordham)

minutes late.

Photography at York Station would wait until later in the day M&GN Remembered at the Museum of the
and we walked over to the NRM. Here the poor lighting and
Broads (Brian Kirton)

layout of exhibits hindered taking pictures but in the North Shed The Museum of the Broads at Stalham hosts an exhibition that

workshop we found 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley in pieces with its changes every year. Their 2019 exhibition is The Lost

boiler away for overhaul and 60103 Flying Scotsman with its Railway of the Broads. Visitors will discover how important

motion partly removed. the M&GN was to the Broads holiday industry and the impact of

its loss in the 60th year since closure. The

Images - Top left and above: At Peterborough 800102 stands at Platform 1 exhibition includes models of Catfield station,
before departing for York and 801201 at Platform 5 en-route to Leeds (both Potter Heigham Bridge and the nearby Halt.

Andrew Wright); below, left to right a Class 91 on the rear of a southbound Another development will be the launch on 23rd
service, an HST and Azuma stand in platforms 6 and 7 at York; top right, June of their new boat, the Marsh Harrier,
Beattie Well Tank 30587 at York (both Mike Fordham). currently in build. It will be a heritage style

electric-powered launch, wheelchair accessible

and with weather protection. The Marsh Harrier

will be a supplement to the popular steam-launch

Falcon.

The Museum is open daily except Saturdays from
27th March to 1st November.
More information at
www.museumofthebroads.org.uk

___________NRS NEWS

New members

We are pleased to welcome Mike Finlay of
Dereham and Chris Shingles of Lingwood. Both
have attended recent meetings.

12

_________FEATURE

Day Trip to Brighton (Andrew Wright)

Last year Thameslink introduced a through service between
Cambridge and Brighton which I hoped to sample. My plan
was to travel from Norwich to Cambridge and then join a
Class 700 unit providing the Thameslink service via Canal
Tunnel to London St Pancras Low Level, Farringdon,
Blackfriars and on to Brighton. However the timetable chaos
of spring/summer 2018 put paid to that idea. Detecting
improvement in timetable reliability as the months passed I
decided to try again.

On Wednesday 12th February I set off from Norwich on EMT
158813 with the 0857 service to Liverpool. We arrived at Ely
at 0949, 4 minutes late so I missed the 0948 Great Northern
service to Cambridge and instead joined CrossCountry
170639 with the 0952 service to Cambridge (0722
Birmingham New Street to Stansted Airport) which itself was
running 3L late. I quite like the Class 170s which have given
good service around our region although they can feel
cramped, especially when full as this service was.

One of the joys of mobile communications technology is that
you can keep up to date with what is happening around the
network as you travel. Unfortunately my plan to travel direct
from Cambridge to Brighton was coming under threat once
again. Even as I left Norwich the 0807 Thameslink service
from Brighton to Cambridge, which forms the 1054 return
service I planned to catch, was 14L at Gatwick Airport and
21L by the time it reached London Bridge.

Cross Country delivered me to Cambridge at 1010, 2 minutes
late, so what of the Thameslink service’s progress? Although
making up some time north of the Thames it arrived 14
minutes late at Letchworth where it was cancelled. The
information screens at Cambridge soon showed the 1054 to
Brighton was cancelled. Instead the service started at
Letchworth as the 1121 to Brighton service.

There is a timetabled 14 minute turnaround at Cambridge That phenomenon was magnified several fold during last year’s
before the 1054 departure and presumably to have continued chaos.
with the planned service would have injected further delay into
the system. This is one example of how cross-London services Fortunately Cambridge has frequent services to London
can transmit disruption from one side of the capital to the other. Liverpool Street or King’s Cross so I opted for the 1044 non-
stop Thameslink service to King’s Cross which had left King’s
Lynn an hour earlier. Departing 1 minute late 387108 ran non-
stop to the capital arriving on time at 1134. About ½ mile
before King’s Cross we passed the Canal Tunnel portal which
provides access from/to St Pancras Low Level station – the
route I would have taken on the 1054 service.

My revised plan was to walk from King’s Cross to St Pancras
Low Level and catch another Thameslink service. Trains pass
through this station every 2-3 minutes, so even short delays to
services can easily cause disruption. As luck would have it I
was able to board 700106 on the Bedford to Brighton service,
which arrived at St Pancras minutes before the truncated
Letchworth to Brighton service I’d originally planned to use.
Already 8 minutes late we lost more time in the Horley /
Gatwick Airport area but gained a little on the final run into
Brighton arriving into Platform 5 at 1319, 7 minutes late, but at
exactly the same time the 1054 direct from Cambridge should
have arrived.

Images from top: At Ely EMT 158813 after arrival from Norwich; After a quick walk to the sea front to capture a few
CrossCountry 170639 arrives at platform 2; at Cambridge, Great photographs to record my visit I headed back to the railway
Northern 387108 arrives from King’s Lynn to form the 1044 station to catch the 1408 Thameslink service to Cambridge on
service to London King’s Cross. 700124. This was due to pass through central London mid-

13

_________FEATURE

Above: A Thameslink Class 700 exits Canal Tunnel to join the
East Coast Main Line with a northbound service.
Right: Information displays on Platform A at St Pancras Low
Level show our train is running 7 minutes late.

afternoon so I hoped would avoid the worst of any rush-hour
congestion and delays. And so it proved. Other than being 2L
at Gatwick Airport we were either right time or early for the
remainder of the journey arriving at Cambridge at 1640.

The final stage of my journey was made on Greater Anglia
170208 with the 1709 service to Norwich. Leaving Cambridge
on time we were delayed 4 minutes at Ely by the late running
158856 with the EMT service from Liverpool to Norwich.
Thereafter we lost more time at Thetford eventually arriving
back at Norwich 1846, 17 minutes late.

I spent a total of 3 hours and 40 minutes on two Class 700
units so what are they like? I think “utilitarian” best describes
the interior and layout. They are not ideal for long journeys
and although the seats are firm (a criticism of many new
trains) I didn’t find them uncomfortable - I did not have back-
ache when I got to Cambridge, which for me is a good test.

In essence the Class 700s – built by Siemens of Germany -
are designed for moving large numbers of passengers and
getting them on and off the trains quickly to reduce dwell

Above: Arriving at Brighton Station the sweep of the double
spanned glass and steel roof immediately impresses as
700106 stands at Platform 6. Left: 700124 waits at Platform
5 with the 1408 service to Cambridge.

times at stations. They have good acceleration, a decent ride
and are capable of travelling as fast (100 mph) as Class
90/Mark 3 sets are permitted to run on the Norwich - London
line.

The in-carriage information screen scroll details of scheduled
stops, which coach you are travelling in, loadings in each
coach to help passengers find a space to sit (or stand),
location of toilets and whether or not they are in use and
network status for LU, LO, the DLR and TfL Rail.

Over the course of 9 hours and 49 minutes I travelled on 6
trains (4 different classes), visited 4 stations and covered 358
route miles. My day trip gave me just 50 minutes in Brighton
but there are times when it is the journey that really counts.

14

_________WORKING TIMETABLE
a selective look ahead at local railway events

NORFOLK RAILWAY SOCIETY and Norfolk Transport Group meetings take place (unless otherwise stated) at: United Reformed
Church Hall, Ipswich Road, Norwich, NR4 6QR
Events are listed in good faith, but visitors should check with the organisation concerned before travelling.
Norfolk Transport Group - please contact Mike Fordham on 01508 493437 or John Laycock on 01603 720125.

Meetings

Thursday 11th April - NORFOLK TRANSPORT GROUP - Aircraft evening including a flight engineers job explained - Barry Fane
and Andy Wright (1930).

Friday 12th April - NORFOLK TRANSPORT GROUP - Visit to see the Wherry Yachts in winter storage at Wroxham (next to Barton
House Railway, Hartwell Rd, Wroxham, NR12 8TL). Meet at 0945 on site.

Thursday 18th April - NORFOLK RAILWAY SOCIETY - “From Box Boy to Driver” - Presentation by Andy Denny (1930).

Thursday 25th April - NORFOLK TRANSPORT GROUP - Members’ Slide Evening (Please bring about 25 slides) (1930).

Thursday 2nd May - NORFOLK RAILWAY SOCIETY - Presentation by members of the Ipswich & District Historical
Transport Society (1930).

Thursday 9th May - NORFOLK TRANSPORT GROUP - Short AGM followed by Members’ Evening (1930).

Thursday 16th May – NORFOLK RAILWAY SOCIETY – “Lines around Stratford” – Presentation by Jim Connor (1930).

Services on our Local Railways

Ashmanhaugh Light Railway: East View Road, Stone Lane, Ashmanhaugh, NR12 8YW. For information:
www.ashmanhaughlightrailway.co.uk

Barton House Railway: Hartwell Road, Wroxham, NR12 8TL. For information: www.bartonhouserailway.org.uk or tel: 01603-
782008.

Bressingham Steam & Gardens: Low Road, Bressingham, IP22 2AA. For information: www.thebressinghamgardens.com or tel:
01379-686900. Steam services in operation.

The Bure Valley Railway: Aylsham Station, Norwich Rd, Aylsham, NR11 6BW. For information: www.bvrw.co.uk or tel: 01263-
733858. Daily running until 3rd November.

The Mid-Norfolk Railway: Dereham Station, Station Rd, Dereham, NR19 1DF. For information: www.mnr.org.uk or tel: 01362-
851723. Regular running until 13th October.

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway: Brockford Station, Wetheringsett, IP14 5PW. For information: www.mslr.org.uk or tel: 01449-
766899.

NENTA Traintours: Saturday 4th May – “The Welsh & Victorian Highlander” - By train from Norwich dep 0505 approx then via
Ipswich & Ely to Chester/Llandudno Junc/Bangor & Holyhead for optional visits to the Llangollen Steam Railway & the Llanberis
Lake Railway. Norwich return 0025 approx. Fares from £84.75 with First Class & Premier Class available. Go to
www.nentatraintours.co.uk or tel: 01692-406152.

The North Norfolk Railway: Station Approach, Sheringham, NR26 8RA. For information: www.nnrailway.co.uk or tel: 01263-
820800. Daily running until 3rd November.

The Norwich & District Society of Model Engineers: Eaton Park, Norwich. For information: www.ndsme.org

The Wells & Walsingham Light Railway: Stiffkey Road, Wells-next-the-Sea, NR23 1QB. For information: www.wwlr.co.uk or tel:
01328-711630 (up to 1700 please). Daily running until 3rd Nov.

The Whitwell & Reepham Railway: Whitwell Rd, Reepham, NR10 4GA. For information: www.whitwellstation.com or tel: 01603-
871694.

Note that the events listed are selective and not comprehensive.

ASHMANHAUGH LIGHT RAILWAY:

Sundays 5th May & 2nd June – Running Days 1400 – 1700 (weather permitting).

BARTON HOUSE LIGHT RAILWAY:

Sunday 21st April/Monday 22nd April/Sunday 19th May – Running Days 1430 - 1730 (weather permitting).

15

_________WORKING TIMETABLE

BRESSINGHAM MUSEUM, STEAM & GARDENS:
Monday 22nd April – “Everything Goes” (from 1030);
Saturday 4th/Sunday 5th May – “Heritage Steam Gala” (from 1100);
Sunday 12th May – “1940s Day” (from 1030);
Saturday 1st June – “Narrow Gauge East” (from 1030).
BURE VALLEY RAILWAY:
Saturday 25th – Monday 27th May – “Everything Goes!” (All available engines and coaches in action).
EATON PARK MINIATURE RAILWAY:
Public running from Sunday 7th April and then every Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday until 6th October 1300 – 1700 (weather
permitting).
Monday 6th May – Fundraising Day for EACH Nook Appeal 1300 – 1700.
MID-NORFOLK RAILWAY:
Thursday 11th April: Visiting “Steam Dreams” charter – Dereham 1610/1750 approx.
Sunday 12th May – Vintage Bus & Coach Day.
Friday 28th – Sunday 30th June – Steam Gala Weekend.
MID-SUFFOLK LIGHT RAILWAY:
Sunday 21st/Monday 22nd April – Easter Steam-Up.
Sunday 5th/Monday 6th May – “Middy in the War Years”.
Sunday 26th/Monday 27th May – “Bank Holiday Steam-Up”.
NORTH NORFOLK RAILWAY:
Saturday 4th/Sunday 5th/Monday 6th May – “Day Out with Thomas”.
Sunday 26th/Monday 27th May – “Dad’s Army Live”.
Friday 14th/Saturday 15th/Sunday 16th June – Mixed Traction Gala.
WELLS & WALSINGHAM LIGHT RAILWAY:
Saturday 11th/Sunday 12th May – “Wells at War”.
WHITWELL & REEPHAM RAILWAY:
Sunday 5th May – Steam Sunday.
Sunday 26th May – Bank Holiday Steam.
Sunday 2nd June – Steam Sunday & reunion of M&GN passengers.

Pesky Quiz Answers

1. Almond Valley Viaduct is on the Edinburgh – Falkirk – Glasgow line near Kirkliston. Walnut Tree Viaduct was on the
former Barry Railway near Taffs Well. 2. On the Midland main line between Sharnbrook & Wellingborough. 3. October
1970. 4. “Battle of Britain” 4-6-2 34070 Manston; Manton was a station between Corby & Oakhan; Manton Tunnel is
adjacent; Menston is a station on the Bradford F.S./Leeds – Ilkley line. 5. Alexandra Dock (Hull or Liverpool); Alexandra
Palace (North London); Alexandra Parade (Glasgow). 6. Ongar. 7. Mumps. 8. It was a private station, and did not serve the
public until 1942. 9. Hastings/St. Leonards. 10. Garden Cities & Cambridge Buffet Express.

Printed by Pride Press Ltd. Tel: 01603 665045.

16


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