“All things North and North Eastern”

Presenter: Steve Armitage

On a dark and dreary November evening Steve Armitage delighted an excellent turn-out of members by presenting his collection of superb images entitled “All things North and North Eastern”.  Dating across a wide expanse of time from the 1930’s to the end of steam all of the photographs were beautifully restored and of historical interest.

The initial pictures focussed around local areas in Northumberland describing much of the rich industrial freight traffic that abounded within the region.  Steam day photographs on and around the many motive power depots were to be seen, such as Tweedmouth, North & South Blythe, Hartlepool and several others.

The many goods yards provided extended opportunities to illustrate the widespread variability and volumes of traffic and differing motive power generated from within this heavily industrialised region.

Notable passenger traffic interest examined activities in and around both Newcastle Central and Gateshead showing pictures of the Tyneside electrics together with several images of Raven’s North Eastern Pacifics.  Interesting local passenger activities comprising of vintage North Eastern motive power were nicely covered and seen at vicinities such as Low Fell and Gateshead.

Moving southwards Darlington provided a number of opportunities to feature both regional and LNER motive power as visitations to both the works and shed generated many pictures of significant and interesting locomotive adaptations.  Similarly, York was described in some depth featuring many vintage photographs of the station, sheds and locomotives.  The final phase of the programme illustrated a wide variety of traction seen on a number of the countryside lines, depots and stations around West, North and East Yorkshire.

In summary this classy detailed presentation was a most fascinating insight into all things Northern which was greatly enjoyed by all.