TYNEDALESMAN
MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTH TYNEDALE RAILWAY PRESERVATION SOCIETY
NUMBER 154�������������SUMMER 2008“TWENTY FIVE YEARS AGO” ARTICLE PAGE
Twenty Five Years Ago
by Steven DykeThis is how the opening of the South Tynedale Railway was reported on the front page of Tynedalesman No. 53, published in August 1983:-
- “The first section of our line, from Alston to the temporary terminus at Gilderdale Halt, was opened to passengers on Saturday 30th July (1983), following a satisfactory Department of Transport inspection on the previous day.”
- “The first train, comprising of the Hibberd diesel locomotive, the two bogie carriages and the brake van, departed from Alston station at 10.15 am, driven by the South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society’s Chairman, Eddie Dyke. This was, of course, the first passenger carrying train to leave Alston Station since the last day of British Rail services on 1st May 1976, and represents a major achievement by the Society, made possible only by the hard work and support in both practical and financial terms by our members.”
- “We thank all of our members who have assisted in any way, together with the many non-members who have supported our fund-raising activities. We also thank Cumbria County Council, Eden District Council, the English Tourist Board, the Cumbria Tourist Board and the Manpower Services Commission, whose involvement and support have been extremely valuable. However, the opening of the Alston to Gilderdale section is only the first stage of our project and we look forward to continued interest and support to ensure our future progress.”
- “We are sorry that it was not possible to notify all of the members in advance of the start of passenger services, as it was necessary to await the Department of Transport inspection, the date of which was finalised only at short notice, following completion of work on the line and rolling stock. In addition, we needed to obtain confirmation of Cumbria County Council’s approval, as the land owner, for commencement of passenger trains, which was received only a few days before the inspection. For the same reasons, the amount of publicity which could be given to the start of services was very limited, although the enthusiasm of one of our members, ensured that the time of the first train was being broadcast by Radio Cumbria within a few minutes of the inspecting officer giving his decision!”
- “The first day of operation proved quite successful, considering the limited publicity, and benefited from the continuing fine weather � a very marked contrast to the last day of British Rail services! For the first train, 27 adult tickets and 10 child tickets were sold; the totals for the day were 129 adults and 51 children. An hourly service was operated, from 10.15 am to 6.15 pm and return fares of 50p for adults and 25p for children are being charged.”
Back in 1983, the procedure for obtaining Railway Inspectorate approval was far less complex than it is today and involved much less paperwork. If the inspecting officer was satisfied with what he saw during his visit, he was able to authorise an immediate start of services, with a confirmatory letter to follow. The inspection visit was nonetheless nerve-wracking for the members present, as recounted in Jim Foster-Smith’s article, entitled “A Day to Remember”:-
- “Friday 29th July 1983. It was a fair and warm morning as a � let us be honest � somewhat anxious group awaited the arrival of Major A.G.B. King, Department of Transport Inspecting Officer of Railways. Cups of coffee or tea were consumed in relative silence.”
- “Upon his arrival, Major King and the Society party set off a brisk walk northwards along the track, and a minute inspection of every yard � or should it be metre � of the way commenced. As the inspection proceeded, the atmosphere became relatively relaxed, with the Inspecting Officer making comments here and there and suggestions now and then. Some shrubbery should be cut back here to improve visibility. Some sleepers should be packed there and attention given to rail ends and joints.”
- “As the party progressed along the track, a “war” developed between them and masses of very attentive flies, who also wished to do some inspecting, though not of the railway. They were kept at bay by waving hands and clouds of smoke from those members who indulge in that pastime.”
- “Having reached the end of the track at the temporary northern terminus, the party discussed the operating procedures there and then set off on the return walk to Alston station. By this time, anecdotes were added to comment and the atmosphere became more informal � as the fly war increased in intensity.”
- “After arrival back at Alston, the signalling system was inspected and tested. The party then adjourned to the staff mess room where, over very welcome coffee and biscuits, the findings were discussed in detail and many helpful suggestions were offered by Major King.”
- “Finally the moment arrived. The Inspecting Officer gave authority for operations to commence.
- “It could not have been someone applying the air brakes on the train, for there was no-one aboard, though it did sound like a Westinghouse hiss. Ah well, perhaps we should be forgiven a sigh of relief and pleasure.”
- “We are in business at last � and if the Chairman was later seen with two celebratory glasses in his hands (we have evidence to prove it), one can only add that if anyone deserved them, he did. Many thanks to all those who have worked so hard to bring all of this about, especially from those of us who were able to lend little more than moral support for most of the time.”
- “Saturday 30th July 1983. At 10.15 am the first revenue earning train since 1976 pulled out of Alston station, but that is another � and continuing � story.”
Those who came to the railway on 30th July 1983 were able to obtain the South Tynedale Railway Visitors� Guide:-
- “The first copies of this new guide book, written by our member Dr. Thomas M. Bell, arrived from the printers on the first day of passenger services. The book includes a brief history of the Alston Branch and the work of the Society, a description of the Alston � Gilderdale section and of the route northwards into Northumberland, plus details of our rolling stock. There are seventeen black and white photographs in the text, plus two colour photographs on the cover.”
And twenty-five years later, copies of the newly-published fifth edition of the Visitors’ Guide were available for guests on the 25th Anniversary Special train.
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For more information about the South Tynedale Railway, please contact:-
THE SOUTH TYNEDALE RAILWAY PRESERVATION SOCIETY,
Registered Office Address:-
The Railway Station, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3JB.
Telephone 01434 381696.
Talking timetable - Telephone 01434 382828.Registered Charity No. 514939.
Limited by Guarantee: Company Registration No. 1850832 (England).E-mail enquiries - please click on links below:
South Tynedale Railway information - Send e-mail to South Tynedale Railway
STRPS membership information only - Send e-mail to Kathy Aveyard
Tynedalesman information only - Send e-mail to Tynedalesman compilersMission Statement for the South Tynedale Railway:-
“To provide satisfaction for our customers and volunteers
by operating a friendly, safe and efficient narrow-gauge railway.”
� South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society, September 2008.