“A West Riding Roundabout”
Presenter: John Holroyd
September’s meeting was specifically set up in order to recognise that this current year happens to be the 70th Anniversary of the West Riding Branch. To recognise this John Holroyd, a very long serving officer and well-travelled member of the Branch, presented a most splendid compilation of his slides describing many of the countrywide rail tours initiated by the Branch throughout the 50’s and 60’s.
Tours over virtually the entirety of the lines in Northern England were shown in some depth, hauled by both steam locomotives in their final years or by diesels in their early days. The Settle & Carlisle line was shown to be very popular displaying a wide variety of motive power.
Scotland was also a popular destination where the Carlisle to Edinburgh Waverley route was suitably covered to be then further embraced via a couple of tours over their delightful scenic railways to the far North and West Highland lines. Attractions in Wales were focussed on ventures to the narrow-gauge lines of Talyllyn and the Vale of Rheidol.
The latter elements of the presentation then focussed on outings to several signal boxes within the West Yorkshire area and on the Settle & Carlisle line thus nicely reminding members of the enthusiasm of Malcolm Riley, who was a past prolific organiser of both Branch and National outings.
This very nostalgic and detailed show was a delightful photographic summary of the many bygone West Riding Branch activities that helped keep the Branch alive over the passing years.