Photographic Journeys

Presenter: John Holroyd

December’s well attended pre-Christmas meeting was presented by John Holroyd which was to comprise of several differing but distinct elements.  Phase one illustrated extensive coverage of the Martin Light Railway, a narrow-gauge steam railway in India, photographed whilst touring with colleagues in 1979.  Although detailing much of the line, its depot and motive power the array of excellent photographs specifically homed in on a line-side chase, by taxi(!) as the morning and afternoon services journeyed between Fatuah and Islampur.

In complete contrast the second element told of a walking trek across the Forth Bridge in Scotland.  In addition to railway activities the pictures artistically portrayed much of the high level structural engineering features and sea going traffic along the river beneath.

Either side of the break for Christmas refreshments members were shown slides to which, in quiz style fashion, they were asked to identify quite remote locations.  Additionally to also specify the country origins of certain foreign locomotives and the classes of a number of illustrated UK motive power.

The final phase of the evening’s entertainment returned to the 1979 tour of India where four rear-end powered paddle steamers plied their trade between Patna and Peleza Ghat.  All of their individual components were of UK manufacture in 1926 for on-going assembly in Calcutta.  The photographs superbly demonstrated the engineering details of these fascinating vessels in conjunction with members of the travelling public and members of the crew.