Presenter: Stewart Liles

The February meeting commenced with a formal presentation to David Beeken who has been awarded the very first “Certificate of Appreciation” by the Board of Trustees in respect of his 50 years as Treasurer of the Branch.  An award which he richly deserves.  This was also recognised by the Branch who presented David with an artistically created picture, specifically drawn by branch committee member John Holroyd, depicting a North Eastern ‘Z’ Class Atlantic passing through Ripon Station – David’s home town.  Following the presentational pleasantries the formal meeting continued when Stewart Lisles narrated Part 2 of his fascinating rendition of the industrial railway scene in the magnificent scenery of the Yorkshire Dales.  This thoroughly researched piece of work superbly extended the detail beyond his Part 1, further telling of an industry centered largely on the quarrying of limestone.  Within the quarries the supporting internal railway systems were shown to be very varied, embracing narrow and standard gauge systems often operating in conjunction with necessary overhead ropeways for the transportation of material over steeply inclined gradients down to their interface with the National Railway network.  Details of the quarries visited described their internal layouts and motive powers via innumerable relevant photographic images.  Particular attention was given to operations at Arthington (Pool Bank), Bolton Abbey and the four quarries around the town of Skipton, of which Swinden continues to operate today.

Suitable attention was similarly accorded to the Wensleydale group of limestone quarries.

Beyond limestone, slate, lead and stone quarrying operations were also to be found, along with coal and metallic elements but all of which were much smaller operations.

Thanks to Stewart for both creating and presenting this excellent and enjoyable two-part record of the industrial railway scene in the Dales of North Yorkshire.