The Line from Doncaster to Hull

A presentation by Stephen Gay.

Today we welcomed back Stephen Gay from Sheffield with his presentation on the line from Doncaster to Hull. Although many from our area regard the north as industrial, they should have visited us today to see some great rivers and countryside. This show was originally put together 6/7 years ago, starting with a view of the refurbished Doncaster Station, which is fronted by a number of vertical steel columns each one bearing the name of a St. Leger winner, which of course is run at Doncaster. Moving on to Kirk Sandal one of three new stations built in the area around Shaftholme Junction, along with one of the original large LNER lineside signs indicating 5 miles to Doncaster. We came across many waterways including the Yorkshire Navigation, the River Don, the River Ouse & the Aire & Calder canal, to name just some. We saw a section of four tracks just north of Hatfield & Stainforth with severe damage due to a severe landslip. We also spent time looking at Goole Swing Bridge over the River Ouse and at Goole Docks Britain’s most inland port. Having reached Gilberdyke, Stephen showed us the longest stretch of straight track in the country (12 miles), then on to where the site and remnants of Yorkshires first station built in 1834 but soon replaced. Apart from other great views we finished the afternoon viewing The Humber Bridge and Hull Paragon station.

A highly recommended presentation.

Dave Elsdon
Branch Secretary