Stephen Gay – Picture Postcard Railway Rambles – The Hope Valley Line.

MEETING REPORT 12.05.26

Stephen returned to present one of his fantastic shows to Sheffield branch, this time with very much a local theme. Tonight’s show took us south out of Sheffield and into the scenic Hope Valley through the Peak District on a 20 mile journey from Sheffield to Edale. There were plenty of pictures of trains, of course, but the audience also enjoyed countryside, reservoir and fabulous snow views as well, all amid breath-taking scenery in what was Britain’s first National Park. Using photos taken from the last 15 years, almost every image had a story behind it and we were treated to a myriad of historical information, some poetry reading and many laughs and anecdotes along the way as Stephen toured the Hope Valley with his faithful German Shepherd “Wrawby”. Other highlights included Dore & Totley station before and after its recent rebuilding, views of trains on the Hope Cement Works branch from Earles and some fabulous snow shots around Edale. In order to reach Ladybower Reservoir to get the optimum light Stephen once caught the last train of the evening from Sheffield to Bamford and then observed freights passing through the station at night with “Wrawby” before hiking to Ladybower at first light. The results were certainly worth it! Tonight’s show was enjoyed by a large and highly appreciative audience. We look forward to welcoming Stephen back again next season!