“Steam Day Memories – Past & Present”

Presenter: Vic Drake

The first meeting of 2023 attracted the now usual good attendance in order to witness Vic Drake present a collection of black and white photographs by a number of steam railway photographers, including himself.  The material mainly focussed on northern territory describing steam over Shap, plus the Settle & Carlisle thus providing excellent pictures of locomotives from Carnforth, together with a goodly collection of visiting engines.  Black Five’s, A4’s and Duchesses were well to the fore.  Scenes covering localities in the moorland northern regions of Yorkshire depicted action over Copy Pit, the stations and hinterland at Hellifield, Skipton, Garsdale, Helwith Bridge and the triangle at Shipley.  The localised element of the programme was widened to include details of steam day action in the principle West Yorkshire cities of both Leeds and Bradford and the nearby Lancashire town of Bury.  Early day photographs covering the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway generated many fond memories and a great deal of fascinating interest.  Glimpses of two UK Railtours illustrated an RCTS visit to the Ffestiniog Railway and the ‘Farewell to the Crab’ special.

On a far broader front visitations to foreign territories yielded steam activities in both Portugal and South Africa, whilst North American action focussed on the Cumbres & Toltec and the Denver & Rio Grande Railroads alongside more modern day action over the famous lines of Soldier Summit in Wyoming.

Thanks to Vic for putting together a most excellent evening of entertainment.