17th February 2020 · The End of Steam around Bristol

Presenter: Mike Beale

For our February meeting our venue was converted into a Tardis as Mike Beale transported us back for a 1950’s and 1960’s look at steam in and around the Bristol area. Being born in Bath and moving to Bristol as a boy, and following his father’s appointment as a driver, it is not surprising that he began to take great interest in the steam activity locally. Using both his own and acquired photos we were transported back then to see the evolution of train workings from that time forward. The 1960s of course brought gradual dieselisation of services and March 1966 saw closure of the steam operated Somerset & Dorset and with it steam’s extinction. Or so everybody thought, Great Western 150 brought steam hauled specials back into the area and eventually evolved into the regular programme of excursions seen today. Many thanks to Mike for an enjoyable and informative evening of steam. and of course for the time travel!