Memories of a Gorleston Spotter (Part 2)

Today the Branch were again taken back in time to the end of steam in the 1960’s. Chris Wright presented “The Memories of a Gorleston Spotter (Part 2)”.

Now living in the Gorleston area, Chris’s childhood was determined by where his father’s job took him, but he did spend quite a few years in East Anglia and regularly stayed with relatives near Hitchin, where Herts & Beds offered many spotting opportunities, at places such as Hitchin, Peterborough, Watford and Bletchley.

The WCML was a particular favourite as it ran the Duchess Class and 9F’s. Chris was very much a numbers man with his spotting relating shed and station visits and comparing the various number of steam / diesels and cops noted on each occasion. We also went on various trips, including regular shed bashes in the London area, visits to Clapham Junction and Eastleigh along with the occasional Merrymaker or excursion to places further afield. We had detailed accounts of stays with an aunt in Cheltenham which was one of his favourite areas, seeing trains from London, the Midlands and the north all working their way to the west of the country. We spent a while hearing about special trips to Wales and in particular to the scrap-lines of locos at Barry Island.

A very enjoyable afternoon with many memories for some of us.

Dave Elsdon

Branch Secretary