15 in 15

Our meeting on 17 December followed the traditional format of 15 minute presentations by members.

Ian Knight began the proceedings illustrating visits he made to Ireland in the late 1990s and early 2000s when passenger trains were mostly loco hauled. He was followed by Stephen Bigley showing scenes photographed on special charter events such as at Didcot, the Watercress Line, and Dean Forest Railway. Stephen was followed by Eric Nicholass with digitalised slides of 1938 Tube Stock on the Underground and Isle of Wight, and illustrations of Swiss railways taken on recent visits. John Godfrey’s interest in Eastern European railways was reflected in his choice of Polish, Czechian, and Slovakian railways with the theme going, going, gone (a line of withdrawn locomotives)

Home produced video footage of the Bodmin and Wenford Railway and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway was shown by Mike Swaffield. The contribution by John Goodrich was on the theme of number 1 based on locomotive or unit numbers ending in this digit, for example, 4-EPB 5001, E5001, and 701001. Many of the photos shown were taken in the 1980s and 1990s, thus enabling the audience to see how much things have changed in the intervening years. Philip Haines showed footage of trains filmed at his home town of Fareham in recent years, including a number of steam specials, Class 313s making their way to Eastleigh for scrapping, and Class 69s on delivery from Eastleigh to Tonbridge after they had been painted in the Works. Finally, Mark Greening showed slides taken in 1985 when Class33s could be seen on Portsmouth - Cardiff workings and freight in our local area, and even Class 45s could arrive at Eastleigh on Speedlink workings from Severn Tunnel Junction.

Thanks to all those who contributed to an enjoyable evening and Irina for the festive buffet.