SRY Meeting Report
20 November 2025 – Introducing SWR – from the Pandemic to Public Ownership by Alex Foulds, SWR, Integration Programme Director
Alex began by introducing himself and providing an outline of his background in railways from when he started in the 1980s. He joined the railways at the same time as…
Read More16 October 2025 – A Year of Celebration – Railway 200 and the National Railway Museum at 50 by Andrew McLean
Andrew began by highlighting that this was a huge year for the railway and he hoped to give a flavour of the celebrations and the background. He would cover Railway…
Read More18 September 2025 – A Railwayman Reminisces by Jim Lester
Jim started his career as an engine cleaner at Nine Elms in 1957, taking us through his progress, through the ranks of passed cleaner, passed fireman and, eventually, when he…
Read More15 May 2025 – Future UK Locomotive Strategy by Karl Watts – MD of Railmotive Limited
The presentation started with a statement from Karl that he is still passionate about railways even after 47 years as a railwayman and this enthusiasm was clearly evidenced throughout. Karl…
Read More17 April 2025 – Colonel Stephens and the Economical Railway by Chris Jackson, Colonel Stephens Society and honorary editor of The Colonel
Many have heard of Colonel Stephens but not many know exactly how much work he did on railways. Our speaker Chris began with an outline of what would be covered…
Read More20 March 2025 – The Rail Industry and Political Intervention 1923 – 1973 by Stewart Palmer – former MD of South West Trains
Stewart started by emphasising that these were his personal thoughts and no-one else’s. Why 1923 to 1973? The creation of the Big Four grouping in 1923 was a pivotal moment…
Read More20 February 2025 – Railway Scenes in Germany – Berlin Brandenburg by Steve Ollive
Steve very kindly stepped in when our advertised speaker from SWR had to pull out and a replacement from the company was not available at such short notice. A regular…
Read More16 January 2025 – Electrification for Freight by Julian Worth, Chair CILT (Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport), Railfreight Forum
Julian introduced himself – he has 45 years experience on the railway most of it working in the freight sector except for 2 months of clerical work dealing with passengers. …
Read More19 December 2024 – The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI) by Leslie McAllister
The evening began with the Branch AGM with business being conducted quickly and efficiently, all members of the committee willing to stand again and being re-elected accordingly. The committee seeks…
Read More21 November 2024 – Railway Bridge Disasters and Mishaps by Alan Hayward, Civil Engineer
Alan is a well qualified practicing civil engineer and we were delighted to welcome him for a full length presentation at the Branch having been impressed with a short impromptu…
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