Transport Magazine Olde Wheels

Rushden Historical Transport Society Transport Magazine Olde Wheels

Spring 2017 Issue 243 Members FREE Non-members £1 www.rhts.co.uk Contents Committee Contacts 3 Events 4 Spring 2017 message from the Chairman 5 Skittles 7 Olde Wheels News 8 Rushden Historical Transport Society Winter Highlights 9 Rushden Transport Museum, Rushden Station, Station Approach, Rushden, Northants. NN10 0AW Member’s Q&A 10 Telephone: 01933 353111 | Email: [email protected] | Charity No. 285535 Birch Brothers Cover Feature 12 Carriage News 15 Station Bar Review 16 Cavalcade 18 Buffet Carriage 20 Mailbag / Photo Competition 21 Plea for Volunteers 22 Your New Editor 23 Easter Bunny Express 24 Membership 25 Boilerplate 27

Deadline for the next issue: All submissions for the next issue should reach the new editor, Mark Castro-García ([email protected]) by Saturday 17th June 2017.

Every effort will be made to include all articles received, they may not appear straight away if space is limited. We are always pleased to accept members’ photographs for publication.

2 – Olde Wheels Transport Magazine – Spring 2017 Olde Wheels Transport Magazine – Spring 2017 – 3 Spring 2017 message from the Chairman

Coming events Hopefully the Easter in early 2017 Bunny or Chicken will be The first event is on Sun- putting in an appearance day 26th March where After- sometime over the 2 days. noon Teas are being served in This then leaves a gap of 4 the Gresley Buffet Carriage days before all our efforts are on Mother’s Day. This has to turned to setting up for our be pre-booked and as I write, major event of the year and all seats have been taken.. the one that is so vital for any Our first event for trains improvements or develop- running is the Fish and Chip ments at the Station. Supper on Saturday 8th April. This year is the 39th This again needs to be pre- Cavalcade of Transport and John Sugars, Chairman, RHTS booked which can be done Country Show that the Soci- ue to unforeseen online, thanks to the work ety has organised. For those See www.rhts.co.uk circumstances to arrange this by Catharine members who have joined Saturday 8th April 2017 Fish and Chip Supper D for booking details our winter edition of Olde Young for which I am very in the last 12 months please Sunday 16th – Monday 17th Wheels was only available grateful. With both Class 31 look carefully at the poster on See www.rhts.co.uk April 2017 Easter Bunny Specials for distribution a couple of diesels now away it means pages 18 & 19 which lists the weeks ago. Consequently we will have to rely on one attractions. This will be the Sunday 30th April – www.cavalcade.org.uk my Winter Message con- of the diesel shunters to take first rally of the season in this Tuesday 2nd May 2017 2017 Cavalcade tained reports of the last charge of the train when we area and for the proud owners Saturday 20th – Sunday 21st of vintage vehicles it is pos- Superheroes Weekend See www.rhts.co.uk events of 2016. are not running Edmundsons. May 2017 During January and Feb- As our operational shunters sibly the first time that they See www.rhts.co.uk ruary the main Committee do not have train brake equip- have been able to show off Sunday 4th June 2017 Cream Teas for booking details in any year, is very much ment fitted it has necessitated their pride and joy after a lot involved in preparing for the that this is now being fitted of hard work over the winter Saturday 17th June 2017 See www.rhts.co.uk Armed Forces Day coming year’s events which to the WD before we will be months. Sunday 18th June 2017 Father’s Day Specials See www.rhts.co.uk are all listed in our 2017 leaf- able to operate revenue earn- In line with this many let which has been available ing trains. members on the membership For the latest information, see www.rhts.co.uk and our Rushden, Higham and for a couple of months in the Our Easter Event then application form list helping Wellingborough Railway Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/Rushdenrailwaystation Bar. (See list of early events follows on Sunday 16th and at the Cavalcade as one of the on page 4). However it is Monday 17th April when Ed- things they are willing to help not only the organisation of mundsons will take charge of with. If you are such a mem- weekend events but we are the coaches. This is an ideal ber you may well be receiv- now having more and more event for families as every ing an email inviting you to interest in individuals and child travelling with an adult either an evening or a Sunday groups wanting to visit the will receive an Easter Egg. morning gathering in April Museum and Railway during Most of these have already where the duties of stewards the week especially in the been acquired with a few ex- will be explained to you and summer months. tra over last year. you will then be added to the Cavalcade rotas.

4 – Olde Wheels Transport Magazine – Spring 2017 Olde Wheels Transport Magazine – Spring 2017 – 5 Message from the Chairman continued

Amongst the Main Com- tried and tested events but at Goods Shed mittee and other volunteer some you should find some We are still awaiting a members is a growing con- interesting changes. reply from the County’s vat We have 3 teams that play cern and realisation that it is Our work with other expert in respect to our most on a Monday, Wednesday becoming harder to find in- groups to develop events recent submission for pur- dividuals who are willing to and attractions to encourage chasing the Goods Shed. Un- and Thursday. The Monday give time to help in our So- visitors to the area and to the fortunately as time goes on and Wednesday leagues are ciety in one way or another. Town in particular is continu- the felt on the roof is lifting to just about to start a new For some it is better to have ing. With the Rushden Lakes a greater and greater extent. designated times each week development due to open in season, where the Thurs- when they can meet with oth- late July, ideas to bring vis- Leaflet distribution day League is approaching ers at the Station to do some itors down the Greenway I have previously men- the half way point of the form of physical labour. into Rushden at the bottom tioned the availability of our This however isn’t pos- of Station Approach are be- 2017 leaflets so can I ask you season. For future editions sible for everyone for a wide ing developed with support all if you are out and about of the magazine we will variety of reasons. If you fall of the Nenescape Landscape visiting places of interest compile some results and into this category then there Partnership Project, is just please ask if you could leave statistics for a report. are things like helping in the one example. The work of some of our leaflets. Of course museum or Buffet Carriage our Railway and Museum are you may be asked to recip- for a couple of hours on their now considered to be a valu- rocate the gesture and bring rotas. Perhaps you like gar- able asset to the area in this away some of their leaflets to dening and could help out quest to attract more people display back in Rushden but here or you have some office into Rushden and Higham this is a good way of inform- and computer skills to help Ferrers. In my view it is ing the public what is on offer out with administration, ad- therefore a shame that every- at our Railway and Museum. vertising or creating informa- one does not share my enthu- tion sheets or booklets. I am siasm to develop our Railway Thanks sure you have something that and Museum further which On behalf of the member- you could use to the benefit of I believe will have financial ship I would like to express the Society.(See request for benefits to the small business- the Society’s thanks to Da- help later in this issue) es in the 2 towns. vid of Big Top Marquees for Later in May over the making a donation towards weekend of 20th and 21st we Planning Application producing our membership bring back an old favourite I am afraid I have no fur- cards for the second year. We ‘Superheroes Weekend’. Last ther information to pass on are all very grateful. year we tried something dif- to you about where we are I wish you an enjoyable ferent but all involved agreed with our planning application new rally season, or visits to that in 2017 we should return to extend the railway line to museums and heritage rail- to something that had been Higham Ferrers. There are ways but most importantly previously very successful. still a couple of issues that we tell everyone you know or For the rest of June and July have to sort before we are in a meet what we have to offer at we will be running some well position to re-submit. Rushden Station.

John Sugars, Chairman, RHTS 6 – Olde Wheels Transport Magazine – Spring 2017 Olde Wheels Transport Magazine – Spring 2017 – 7 Winter Highlights

NEWS “Had a lovely time at Santa’s breakfast with santa and his elves working hard to feed us and take us up and down the line. Slight Vauxhall Takeover Rushden Lakes Roadworks Update mix up with the booking but they auxhall-Opel sold to Peugeot- oad improvements include an up- got through it and we enjoyed our VCitroen by General Motors for €2.2 Rgrade of the A45 roundabout at morning” billion (£1.9 billion). GM Europe hasn’t Rushden Lakes, complete reconstruction of made a profit since 1999. the development access road and an upgrade Rachael B. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Both Vauxhall and Opel have been part of of A5001 Crown Way and B645 Northamp- General Motors for nearly 100 years. ton Road to provide additional capacity. “What a fantastic weekend... we all GM bought UK business Vauxhall in 1925 Phase 1 of Rushden Lakes is due to open in ast year’s Santa Specials event was enjoyed our time, Santa chatted for $2.5 million. It acquired a majority stake July, subject to the roadworks being completed Lagain a great success. We took our to the kids which was amazing, in Germany’s Opel in 1929 and bought the re- in time. It is being built on the site of the old first booking in early September and were my little one has been good ever maining shares in 1931. skew bridge. Groundworks started back in 2014. soon spending most evenings and weekends since knowing that the elves are The UK factories at Ellesmere Port and processing orders and tickets. Over the week- watching...! Well done and thanks Luton employ about 4,500 people. Northamptonshire Open Roads 2017 end we had 757 paying guests (438 adults and to everyone involved” With GM’s Opel and Vauxhall operations, his year the event is on August 319 children). PSA Group would become the second largest T19th at Rockingham Circuit – an All the children received a present from Hollie C. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ carmaker in Europe, behind Volkswagen. event that combines both Open Roads and Santa, thanks to Gwen Walpole and Angela PSA said it would return Opel and its National Bikesafe. Holdom-Eyles for the many hours spent shop- Vauxhall brand to profit, and expected to make ping and wrapping all those lovely presents! “Brilliant, absolutely brilliant savings of £1.47bn per year by 2026, with Flying Scotsman in Historic Very many thanks to all the members to helped Santa Special. All the volunteers most of the cuts made by 2020. Line-Up on East Coast Main Line to make this a great weekend – before, during are so friendly and go to such a lot Next year PSA will decide where it will lying Scotsman will help make and afterwards! of trouble to make sure everyone make the next generation of Astra cars current- Fhistory on the East Coast Main Line Sandra Edwards has a good time. Will continue to ly made in the UK against the background of in April, with four trains spanning four visit in 2017. Merry Christmas to Brexit negotiations. generations of ECML trains running side- 5-star Reviews: you all” PSA Group says it will cut costs to in- by-side, in the same direction, for the first crease profits, which has stoked concerns for time ever. Jean T. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Breakfast with santa was a more than 4,000 Vauxhall jobs in the UK. Taking place on April 23, the line-up will “ great experience and the kids However, it is generally accepted that the also consist of a Virgin Trains Class 43 HST, thoroughly enjoyed it. It was 24 factories the combined company will have a Class 91, and the train operating company’s great that santa and his elf spent in Europe is too many. newest train: an Hitachi Class 800, which is time chatting to all the children. due to enter service next year. The volunteers in the carriage did Rushden Fire Station Charity The historic trains, organised by Virgin a fantastic job of making us sure Car Wash Trains, Welcome to Yorkshire, Net- we had what we needed. For my n Saturday 21st March, work Rail and the National Railway children this was far better than Washbrook Road Fire Sta- Museum, will begin their journey at O seeing santa in a grotto. The train tion had a charity car wash from Tollerton Junction, six miles north of ride with santa and his elf made 10am - 4pm. In the next issue, we’ll report York, before heading towards the city in the experience. I would definitely how much they raised for The Fire Fighters a staggered formation at 20-25mph. go to this event again next year” Charity www.firefighterscharity.org.uk. (correct at time of writing in March) Tara C. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

8 – Olde Wheels Transport Magazine – Spring 2017 Olde Wheels Transport Magazine – Spring 2017 – 9 Member’s Q&A

n this issue, we get to We are all volunteers putting Q. favourite memory Iknow Dale West, who in hours of free time to of the society? works in engineering and is a good cause. There’s so Now this is a tricky one! from Rushden. many projects out there, the There are far too many. railway is a lovely place to Q. How long have have a drink or go for a ride I suppose getting to meet you been a member but none of this possible some of the people I know of the society? without people coming now, the railway when you A. Been a volunteer since I to lend a hand. We would join is just like a big family was 9. The Class 31 arrived really like to see someone and very welcoming! There one day and my dad asked do some gardening and just are some amazing skilled if I wanted to watch it general maintenance on the people who are all willing to unload then been involved station building. If anyone help and give a lending hand! ever since. Live local and can spare a few hours we are Also the first start up of a always lived in Rushden. always grateful. Eventually Class 31. Seeing the railway we will have a railway to progress although still Q. What do you extend and we will need needing a lot of work. Other “The railway do to help out? as many hands as possible memories are drenching Tim A. As a volunteer I help out on that! Just an hour can Spring twice while doing a is just like as much as I can. I’m more make a massive difference. wash out on Edmundsons. into maintenance on diesels Watching the two Class 31s a big family but have been involved in Always been into diesel stretch their legs on a lengthy steam and various other locomotives; class 31s are line. Picking up Clive projects along the way. high up on the list always (Class 03) on the hottest and very being involved with them day of the year! The list is I will be attending the have a soft spot! Currently endless but a lot of memories welcoming!” cavalcade to help out rebuilding a class 03 shunter that won’t be forgotten. around the site. that arrived at Rushden last year. Always liked 25/27 Thank you for your time, At the end of the day we if I won the lotto would Dale! We’ll keep an eye are volunteers but an hour a definitely be a loco I’d out for you, steaming week is always very grateful. look to get my hands on. up and down the line!

Q. What could If you are interested in being we do to help? Note from Editor: I will featured in another issue, The place could do definitely be chipping in contact [email protected] with a bit of a tidy up with the gardening, now for the public eye. its springtime and look forward to it! My son too

10 – Olde Wheels Transport Magazine – Spring 2017 Olde Wheels Transport Magazine – Spring 2017 – 11 BIRCH BROTHERS, LONDON TO RUSHDEN, VICE VERSA, AND MANY PLACES IN BETWEEN

Quite a few histories have been written on the subject of Birch Brothers, or Birch Bros. as it was In the case of Birch`s later double deckers, Although I remember the system, I would more often than not depicted, the best of course being “Birch Bros Ltd: On The Move”, written most were either Leyland PSU1/13 or Guy lie if I said that I remembered any of the ac- & published by Peter Skinner, Bernard Coker, and the Rushden Rotary Club. (Copies still available Arab III chassis`s with either Windover or tual bus rides, just the dim memory of that on eBay & Amazon). Willowbrook bodies. wonderful double-decker looking to me then Nearly all of these buses carried names on like a land based space-ship (of its day) with aluminium plates on the entrance doors. its streamline front end and doors instead of As such, being the non-technical & un- The only way we could get there in 1951 Somewhere there is probably a record as open access points. trained journalistic person that I am, there is to visit was to catch the United Counties bus to why this was done, but for whatever rea- no way I could improve on, or add to what is in Bozeat, via Irchester, to get as far as Rush- son, amongst many other names, “John Chur- already out there, so what is written here is den, then either walk to the “Lightstrung” bus chill”, “William Cadogan”, “Prince Eugene”, more recollections & miscellanea, both of my stop, or to Birch`s itself, and get on one of “Ramillies” & “Malplaquet” appeared on the own and those that have been passed on by those modern looking double deckers, which buses until after they were sold off. visitors to the Museum during open days. looked futuristic compared to the Counties On disposal, many of the vehicles went Firstly though, and very, very briefly for equivalent, and take the trip south to Bedford. through dealers, then onto other bus compa- those who have no knowledge of Birch Bros., By the way, when double deckers left the nies, and one eventually finished up in Gran they were a London based transport company Coach Station, they had to go up Washbrook Canaria in 1961 !! in the 19th Century, who gradually expanded Road, then left along Wellingborough Road to Back to the journeys, the routes went their horsedrawn omnibus fleet to motorised the Lightstrung, because that bloody railway through various villages, depending on which versions, and then spread out north (following bridge was in the way, and they could not go service you caught. the A6) as far a Kettering for a start, but Rush- around Rectory Road !! You could go through Sharnbrook & Har- den eventually on a permanent basis, building Seriously, it was only after “our bridge” rold, Oakley & Clapham, before arriving even- in the 1930`s the iconic Art Deco Coach Sta- was demolished in 1973 could double-deckers tually at the designated bus stop in Bedford. tion which still stands in High Street North, & ever higher trucks pass the Vic going south structurally in most of its original glory, al- and use that route, but by then, Birch`s were though currently disguised as a furniture shop, long gone. but even then, still retaining the main metal Now I can give you a little tech info here shuttered front, fixed in the “open” position, on the double deckers, as the design as such but being superfluous now due to the en- has always been significantly Birch`s to me, al- trance it once featured in being bricked up !! though they were only a small part of the fleet, One day perhaps, who knows, it might being far outnumbered by the single decker open & close again for buses !! buses & coaches, and earlier double-deckers. The station stayed “Birch`s” until 1969, Like today, buses and coaches were based when most of its vehicles and routes were on various different motorised chassis`s, with taken over by United Counties. the coach work being added by a third party. As a child & young boy, I lived in Bozeat, and we had close relations in Bedford.

12 – Olde Wheels Transport Magazine – Spring 2017 Olde Wheels Transport Magazine – Spring 2017 – 13 In addition, Birch`s also undertook coach BIRCH BROTHERS continued trip holidays to destinations such as the Lake Carriage News District, Yorkshire Moors & Dales, & Snowdo- Many visitors to the museum have men- nia, (6 days for £19.10.0 !!), even by coach and tioned the same experience when they, as air via Birmingham Airport to Eire (Ireland to children or younger people, went as far as the those not familiar) for the princely sum of £32 he new editor introduced Dave had a railway in “OO” gauge and thought it capital, where the terminus for many years for 8 days in 1959 !! TClipston to newest member/volun- was about time to get involved with something was Pancras Road, right next to Kings Cross The end came in 1969 when United Coun- teer, Timothy Morgan, 17, of Bozeat, who full scale! Station, and in fact, despite modifications car- ties took over, and the brilliant Coach Station set to work helping to restore British Rail’s “My dad owns a London Routemaster ried out over the last dozen or so years at was soon vacated as UC had their own depot Mk II Tourist Second Open carriage no. that I’ve helped out on restoring/maintaining St.Pancras, there is still a small part of Pancras on the corner of Rectory Road & Newton 5166, built in 1966. in some way or another as long as I can re- Road that you can identify with in Birch bus Road, now Lidl`s of course. By the end of the day, all of the large pan- member. This, I suppose, is what really got me photos from that era (of which the Museum We are so lucky that this heritage building els were tacked in place and a few of the floor interested in heritage vehicles on roads or rails has many in a fine album, check it out when still survives, and lets us hope and pray the vents were painted up. It really started to look and so here I am today”. next visiting) so not all progress wipes out the Council never gives permission to remove it as though it was coming together. “So far I’ve met Dave Clipston and helped past. for flats or yet another McDonalds or KFC !! Timothy is currently studying mechanical out a little on the Mk2 coach interior resto- The London trip called in many other By the interest on eBay for Birch images, engineering at Northampton College. He’ll be ration; finishing shaping the wooden panels places between here & there…Henlow Camp, there are still quite a few people out there 18 in December, so the station bar might be an that make up the wall. I should be around there just off the A1 south of Bedford where they who have a deep interest in Birch Bros history, option then! for the next few weeks to help him get it ready had another depot, then Hitchin, Hatfield, Wel- and not all of them are anoraks !! He’s loved trains since the days of Thomas for the new season, so come and see me; I’d wyn garden City, Potters Bar and many, many The Museum has a large photo collection, the Tank Engine and since the age of nine, has love to say hello to a few more faces!” others. available to view on any visit to the Station, For example, in 1965, if you caught the but the amount of Birch bus & coach images Monday-Friday 07.15 am bus from Rushden, out there seem to be endless, well, it seems you would arrive in Pancras Road at 10.20 am, so according to the amount of money I spend having passed through no less than 38 other trying to get them all !! stops !! Although they were indeed a London Not all the routes commenced or finished company, Birch Bros Ltd always seemed a local at London or Rushden. Many started at Hen- outfit to all who lived around here, and noth- low Camp, Welwyn, Hatfield etc, going as far as ing wrong with that, as it means hopefully as the end of the line both north & south. long as the Station is around, then people will Of course, after the opening of the M1 still remember them, despite it being some 48 around 1959, many routes were changed and years since a Birch “spaceship” travelled the “express” journeys were the norm, obviously highways. cutting out many of the stops, although many Article by Keith Brealey “cross-country” routes still carried on. Illustration by Mark Castro-García

Olde Wheels Transport Magazine – Spring 2017 – 15 decided to write this article on- Seating Real ale and cider Its refreshing to see so many local I site, rather than in my office There is plenty of seating and space Being a Free House and not tied to a breweries being supported; at a glance, I at home...I wanted to take in the atmo- in the bar, plus additional seating outside. chain of pubco’s or any brewery, they keep an can see on tap: Phipps of Northampton, Hart sphere, the sounds, the smells, the ales! I can imagine that the fireplace is popular in excellent, ever-changing range of local and na- of Wellingborough, Potbelly of Kettering. And Watch the world go by a little and just the colder months, and the outdoors must be tional ales and ciders. They have eight pumps; hear that they also have Nobbys, Great Oak- appreciate the place, relax and absorb it. lovely on a hot summer day, watching the seven of which are guest ales/ciders and ley, Digfield, Nene Valley and more. trains on the platform (something to look for- change weekly (some don’t last past a day!). They take their beers very seriously; they I sat writing in the society’s bar, beer in ward to!). And although it is in a traditional The resident ale appears to be Phipp’s have a bar committee and a beer manager. hand; near the fireplace in the comfortable setting, they also have WiFi and a facebook NBC India Pale Ale which is 4.3% abv and cur- They host an annual beer and music festival, corner bench seat. It is neither too noisy nor page, so they are keeping up with the times rently only £2.70 at the time of writing (who a cider and sausage festival, and are adding a too quiet. Conversation flows and some music as well. knows what the Budget will add to the price whisky and curry night to their list of events. plays quietly in the background to add some There are plenty of interesting things to of a pint between now and going to print?). Review by Mark Castro-García, ambiance. look at on the walls; bar and railway memora- with thanks to Simon Bishop bilia, vintage adverts, photos and paintings. CAMRA It’s little wonder that this former waiting Cat room won CAMRA National Club of the Year There is even a resident station cat, Alfie, 2010 and was the joint winner in 2000. who is resting in the corner. He is a bit on an internet celebrity, with his own facebook page Members and over 5,200 followers! The bar staff and the regulars are friendly, you feel right at home and can comfort- Social activities ably strike up a conversation with complete They have a skittles team, and also orga- strangers. The beer is spot on and the prices nise day trips and other events and activities. are excellent! Its Members only, but accom- Their opening times are: panied guests can sign in, who pay a £1 fee. Monday & Tuesday: 7.30pm – 11pm, New members need to be proposed and Wednesday & Thursday: 6.00pm – 11pm, seconded by two current members, and ap- Friday: 4.30pm – 11pm, and lastly, proved by the Committee. Saturday & Sunday: 12 noon – 11pm. Dogs seem to be welcome, and supervised If you are reading this and are not a children; although the latter need to be out of member, but tempted to become one, why the bar by 9:30pm. not pop in and fill in an application form and speak to some of our staff and members?

Find and like our new facebook page Search: Rushden station social club and ale bar

Keep up to date with our latest line-up of guest ales and ciders

16 – Olde Wheels Transport Magazine – Spring 2017 Olde Wheels Transport Magazine – Spring 2017 – 17

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ollowing a successful latter part of 2016 since from Fwhen Vicky and I took over the management of the buffet carriage, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who have kindly As of the next issue, this article will include letters to the Editor by post or email. given up their time to assist us with the day to This gives every member the chance to have their say in print, ask those burning day running of the venture. Help and of- questions, or put forward their ideas. Please note, only correspondence relating fers of help have come from a variety to RHTS will be considered for publication. It may also be used to publish feedback of members of the Society and fam- received from members of the public; where they agree to allow us to use their ily members, sometimes from the comment. But if no-one uses this opportunity, then it won’t be able to feature. most surprising sources, as well as our established volunteers who have [email protected] done a sterling job, without whom we would find it very difficult to continue to operate in the way in which we do.

If anyone is interested in volun- teering to offer some time to help, be it helping with the preparation and serving of the food, baking a cake or scones, clearing tables, washing up Photo Competition or helping to clean at the end of the running day please contact either myself on 07821269043, Vicky on 07773672576 or alternatively email In the absence of any letters for this issue, If you kill two birds with one stone and take [email protected]. I’m launching a photo competition... a photo AND its at an event we are holding, it’s We would also like to extend a huge thank you to our pa- maybe more likely to feature. trons both established or who have visited us for the first time, Please take a photo of something in the we very much look forward to seeing you again station’s confines and send your best/favourite You will also likely feature as the Q&A We will be open again on all running days and are offering shot to the email address above. member in focus as well, in due course. vintage afternoon teas during the week for pre booked parties of between 12 and 24. If anyone is interested in booking our It can be any vehicle or station building; in- Feel free to make it as artistic and interest- afternoon tea please contact either myself or Vicky on the above side or out. Any inanimate object. ing as possible. Black and white/colour/tints/ numbers. filters – I don’t mind. So again a huge thank you to all and we look forward to Not of people or cats please ;) seeing you again in 2017. This glossy magazine has gone full colour, so Delph Carlile The winner’s photos will be used either on let’s make full use of it! the front/back cover, or feature as a double page spread – depending on the subject matter and I look forward to seeing your entries! orientation of the shot. Depending on the pop- ularity of the response, I may even feature 1st, The Editor. 2nd and 3rd places’ images. And all winners get their name printed in the next issue.

All ready for another Afternoon Tea

20 – Olde Wheels Transport Magazine – Spring 2017 Olde Wheels Transport Magazine – Spring 2017 – 21 Your New Editor

My Dad and I are also lance) for seven years and trav- real ale and cider fans, so this el a lot for work...sometimes combination of interests lead working nights, and occasion- me to becoming a member. ally abroad. In fact, I got the subscription But this hasn’t stopped money for Christmas! me taking on a new social I don’t have any hands- hobby/interest by getting in- on mechanical experience, volved with the society, and but have over 16 years’ worth hope it will be a good way to of print, graphic design, art- meet new people, learn new Mark Castro-García, Editor, RHTS working, retouching, repro- skills and make new friends graphics and litho knowl- as we are still relatively new fter joining RHTS edge, so I jumped at the to the area. Ain January, I took chance to step in as your new What better way to in- up the vacant position of Editor; giving it 125% from troduce ourselves to around magazine editor in Febru- Day One. 450 members all at once than ary 2017. My family originate to say hello in this member’s My family moved to from Hemel Hempstead and magazine! Finedon in December 2015. Watford in Hertfordshire. As your Editor, I wel- We attended the Father’s Day They’ve all slowly moved come all letters, emails, pho- Event at Rushden station with north, via Dunstable and tos, ideas, feedback, etc – and both my Dad and my eldest Cranfield in Bedfordshire, would like to say that this is son, Luis; all three of us are before settling in Northants, your magazine, your voice. heritage railway enthusiasts, which we love! I hope you enjoy my new and enjoy the buses and fire Aside from family com- take on the design and ideas engines as well. mitments (we have three young for the magazine, and aim to children), I have my wife and evolve it over the next few is- house to keep me busy, plus I sues; without re-inventing the [email protected] have been self-employed (free- wheel too much.

We desperately need a Minuting Secretary and a General Secretary who can take some of the work off Catharine and John so we are asking for any volunteers to step forward to fill these 2 roles. It could be 1 or 2 people. Please send to [email protected].

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© 2017 Rushden Historical Transport Society. Rushden Transport Museum, Rushden Station, Station Approach, Rushden, Northants. NN10 0AW. Telephone: 01933 353111 Charity No. 285535 Email: [email protected] | CAMRA National Club of the Year, Winners, 2010. CAMRA National Club of the Year, Joint Winners, 2000. Arts Council Accredited Museum.

We apologise for any omissions or errors. Information is correct at the date it goes to print.

Designed and edited by: Mark Castro-García

Creative Consultant: Kelly Dunkley

Thanks to: John Sugars Timothy Morgan Catharine Young Delph Carlile Dave Clipston Richard Cole Keith Brealey Simon Bishop Dale West Kelly Dunkley Caroline Wrightson Sandra Edwards

Back issues available as PDFs:

Olde Wheels Transport Magazine – Spring 2017 – 27