6 March 2026, ‘A Short AGM followed by – ‘Midland Blue – Midland Railway Lines in the 1980s’ by Stewart Jolly.

Our 6th March meeting opened with a short AGM where chairman Brian Arman reported on another successful year with interesting meetings which were well attended. During the last few weeks eight new members have joined the branch, several of whom were present tonight.  The committee were re-elected and recently retired Chris Brown was added to the committee.  In closing Brian was thanked for all his hard work in leading a successful branch.

Branch Treasurer Stewart Jolly then presented Midland Blue – Midland Railway Lines in the 1980s.  We started at Chesterfield with Midland Line trains to St Pancras and Cross Country Edinburgh to Plymouth trains worked by Peaks on AC coaching stock.  We also saw Class 25s on parcels and pairs of Class 20s on engineers and MGR trains.  Each set of pictures was accompanied by a 1980s rail map of the area including freight lines to collieries and power stations which have since closed.  At Sheffield Station there was a 4-road line up of passenger trains worked by a HST, 47, 31 and a Peak.  At Barrow Hill Open Day 55019 was seen with a 37, 08, 56 & 58 on the turntable and on the last evening before the shed closed 58027 & 20085 were present.  Westhouses depot was visited in the snow and at Derby Works 45127 was receiving a new nose.  We ended with prototype 150001 working a special on the Worksworth Branch, a unit which is still in service today.

An evening of a feast of excellent pictures of scenes which have since been consigned to history, enjoyed by the 39 members present, and Stewart has promised to return next year with part two.