2 December 2022 ‘Railway Holidays in the West Country Part 2’ with Stuart Warr

Stuart Warr was due to give a presentation ‘Railway Holidays in The West Country Pt 2 – Devon & Somerset’. Due to bad weather in South Wales, Stuart was not able to make it to Bristol, and so Brian Arman gave a presentation of Russell Leech’s slides in Stuart’s  absence.

The slide show started at Swindon with several views of overhauled locos of various classes in the early sixties outside the works. Also, a view inside the works and an early black & white picture of Swindon Station. We then moved on to Bath with various shots of steam and diesel locos. We then progressed westwards visiting Oldfield Park, Twerton, Saltford, Keynsham and Bristol East yard.

The second half started with black & white shots of Great Western and Midland  locos including a Midland compound, mostly taken in the fifties at Temple Meads . Later photos were in colour with steam and diesel locos including HSTs. We travelled all around Bristol including Bath Road and Barrow Road.

The show finished with a sad sight of withdrawn steam locos in the process of being cut up at Sharpness.

Arthur Turner gave a vote of thanks to Brian for a very entertaining show which highlighted how the railway scene has changed over the years.

During the interval break the Baverstock family served seasonal refreshments and Branch President Arthur Turner signed copies of the new book, ‘Bristol Railways 1979-1990 which is illustrated with Arthur’s excellent photos.