9th April 2019 · ‘Diverted – Wakefield – Leeds via Huddersfield, Barnsley & Castleford’

Presenters: Phil Lockwood & Enid Vincent

On 9th April Phil Lockwood and Enid Vincent presented a further instalment in their “Diverted” series. This time travelling from Wakefield to Leeds via Huddersfield, Barnsley and Castleford with photos taken from 1975 to 2019 showing the changing scene of locomotives, traffic and surrounding infrastructure.

We were taken inside Procor Wagon Works, reducing use of Healey Mills yard and down the remains of the LYR Dewsbury branch to the cement depot. Pausing at Mirfield with the changing layout and additional platform before an explanation of the changed junction at Heaton Lodge, then on to Huddersfield and west as far as Standedge tunnels.

After returning to Huddersfield our tour took the line to Penistone with the tall viaducts then down to Barnsley calling at the former Court House station now a pub. A further reversal up to Crigglestone for a visit to the Bombardier (Charles Roe then Procor) works showing refurbishment of tube stock and 220/221 Voyagers. A second visit to Wakefield Kirkgate then as far as Burton Salmon before returning to Castleford for the last lap to Leeds but only after a diversion to Pontefract. In Leeds visits were made to Freightliner Midland Road (ex Barms Road Goods) depot and Holbeck shed.

Another fascinating rail tour highlighting what has disappeared. Phil and Enid advised those present that they have one more “Diverted” to entertain us in the future.