Transport Matters Matters Transport

Ipswich & District

Historical Transport

Society ISSN 0306.0187

Narrow boat ‘Charlie’ at Stoke Bruerne (see pages 8-12) (Photo: John Shemming)

Contents … Page Editorial - Phil Argent 2 Cut-off dates for Transport Matters 2 Letter to the Editor - Graham Austin 2 Meeting Report: Time Flies at Old Warden: The Story of the Shuttleworth Collection - Mervyn Russen 3 Photos of the Shuttleworth Collection - Phil Argent 4-5 Visit to the Norfolk Railway Society in Norwich - Mervyn Russen 6 Chairman Change - Martyn Hunt 7 Committee Changes - Martyn Hunt 7 Apology - Phil Argent 7 IDHTS 2017 Excursion to Stoke Bruerne - John Shemming 8-12 Obituary: Richard Smith - Martyn Hunt 10 A Little Bit About Myself - Peter Berry 13 Friends of Transport Museum Trip to The , Acton 13 HMS Queen Elizabeth - Mervyn Russen 14-15 An Interesting Afternoon at an Industrial Feeder Branch Line - Peter Berry 16-17 No 257 Competition - Graham Austin 18 August Events 19-20 2017

1 Editorial ... Phil Argent

Welcome to TM257 which introduces our new Hon Secretary (from September), Peter Berry, to you all. Peter has also contributed an interesting article of a recent visit to Ketton in Rutland for this issue … it is the very thing that makes TM unique, the sharing of our transport interests and experiences. I would remind you all (as always) that TM is YOUR magazine and it is YOUR contributions that make it what it is! Whilst it may be an Editor’s ‘dream’ to receive highly polished authoritive, complete articles, equally welcome are YOUR suggested ideas and even the odd photograph (transport related) for inclusion in the future editions … it all counts to making TM a more interesting publication! With this issue is all the AGM gen required for our new season which begins on Wednesday 27 September where I look forward to meeting up with you all again … especially those of you with ideas regarding TM. Apologies for the quality of the group picture on page 10. Should any other member have a better quality image we will be happy to include it in the next TM.

Press/Cut-off Dates for Transport Matters …

To enable the smooth running of future Transport Matters contributors should be aware of the following press/cut-off dates. 15th of each of the following months, namely January, April, July and October. This will ensure that members will receive TM in February, May, August and November.

Letter to the Editor …

Dear Sir The article by David Chappell recalling his use of and fun with the Cyclemaster power unit installed in an ordinary cycle brought back memories of my own experience with these neat and relatively powerful machines. Amongst service and repair to items of plant used within the Civil Engineer department of British Rail it was normal routine to help staff with various forms of equipment from petrol lighters, cycles, household appliances to motor cycles (some from way back which would cost a fortune now) including the various power add-ons such as Powerpack, Mini motor, Raleigh, an undercrank Italian design and Cyclemasters, to cars and even the Engineer’s car. The Cyclemaster was originally 25cc, painted black and, if memory serves me correct, nearer the normal petrol/oil ratio of 16 to 1. The hand operated free standing pumps, worked like a one arm bandit dispensed more than one oil to fuel rate but did not last long. My mentor bought a 32cc model and used the new Shell Rotela oil, (we had a few barrels) one of the early detergent containing types which kept the engine very clean, only requiring a wipe of the piston and transfer ports when serviced. The crankshaft was fitted with a disc valve assisting with fuel flow giving these engines a performance above the ordinary two strokes. The majority of add-on units drove on the tyre, removing tread at a fast rate. Introduction of heavy duty tyres were fairly successful in overcoming the problem. My final evening before travelling to Great Malvern to commence national service was spent fitting a Mini Motor to my then girl-friend’s (within three months wife) cycle as the Cyclemaster had been sold and would no longer pull us both on the way home after work. Happy days, where have you gone?

Graham Austin

Please send articles for the next Transport Matters to Phil Argent (see back page for details) by 15 October 2017

2 Meeting Report ... Mervyn Russen Time Flies at Old Warden – the Story of the Shuttleworth Collection 24 May 2017 Debbie Land An audience of 68 members and visitors was entertained by an illustrated talk by Debbie Land entitled; ‘Time Flies at Old Warden’ - The Story of the Shuttleworth Collection. Debbie replaced the booked speaker; Alan Reed, he had been unable to attend on the night. The original driving force for creating the collection was Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth, born in 1909, at Old Warden. The family wealth came from the long-established firm of Clayton & Shuttleworth, agricultural engineers and steam-wagon makers. At the age of 23, Richard Shuttleworth inherited enough money to enjoy his passion for racing and aviation. 1913 Wellingborough S 3.30.T Richard purchased his first vintage car, (Photo: Phil Argent) the 1898 Panhard Levassor, which he ran in the Brighton Run. The car had previously taken part in the Paris-Amsterdam race. Around the same time he also bought his first aircraft the DH60X Moth (G-EBWD), both of which are still part of the Collection today. Richard was a keen horseman, and owned or drove a large number of cars including Bugattis, Alfa Romeos, Railton, a 2.3-litre sleeve valve Arrol-Aster, Rolls-Royce, and a vintage Jowett. He also enjoyed motorcycles and once owned a sleeve-valve Sparkbrook. He also enjoyed steam powered vehicles such as his 1901 Locomobile. Richard went on to have a successful car racing career until a serious accident in South Africa ended that adventure. After recuperating, Richard turned his interest to aeronautics. He was particularly interested in historic aircraft and would track down abandoned aeroplanes, then restore them to pristine condition in what is now the Engineering Workshop at Shuttleworth. When war broke out in 1939, Richard joined the Royal Air Force and was posted to RAF Benson. In the early hours of 2 August 1940, he was flying in an overnight cross-country training exercise in a Fairey Battle aircraft and was killed when it crashed into a nearby hill. His distraught mother, Dorothy, kept the Collection alive in his memory. All aircraft if possible would also be capable of flight. The aircraft collection includes several unique early aircraft such as a 1909 Bleriot Monoplane XI (original), a 1916 Sopwith Pup, a 1917 SE5a and a 1917 F2B Bristol Fighter. Second World War treasures include a 1938 Westland Lysander and a 1941 Hawker Sea 1914 Clayton and Shuttleworth Engine Hurricane 1b; the only one known to be still flying. and 1910 Deperdussin (Photo: Debbie Land) No collection would be complete without a Spitfire and they have 1942 Mark Vc which originally had the clipped wings. At the end of a fine swansong to the season; Debbie and her accompanying colleague from the museum were given generous applause by an appreciative audience. 3 Photos of the Shuttleworth Collection ... Phil Argent

Above left: View of Old Warden from ‘upstairs’ on the 1913 Wellingborough which offers free rides along the flight line at most events.

Above right: Bristol Blenheim MK1 from Duxford displaying at Old Warden 3 July 2017.

Left 1: SE5a F904 of 1918 and Avro 504K E3273 … just two of the Shuttleworth’s Collection of eight World War I aircraft.

Left 2: De Havilland Tiger Moth (K2585) originally T6818 when built by Morris Motors at Cowley in 1944 for the RAF. After the War it was in civilian hands registered as G-ANKT until presented to the Shuttleworth Collection in 1966. It has been extensively restored and is finished in the colours of the RAF Central Flying School Aerobatic Team of the late 1930s.

Below left and right: Comper Swift G-ACTF. Built in 1933, this aircraft was presented to the Shuttleworth Trust in 1996 where it has been restored in its original scheme ‘The Scarlet Angel’.

4 Above and right: Hawker Hurricane MK I P3717, an original Battle of Britain survivor restored in the markings that it wore in August 1940 whilst serving with 253 Sqdn stationed at RAF Kenley. It is one of three Hurricanes resident at Old Warden.

Below 1: Gloster Gladiator K7985 in the markings of 73 Sqdn circa 1938 and Hawker Demon K8203 of the same period in 64 Sqdn markings as stationed at Martlesham Heath at the time.

Below 2: Demon with its Hawker ‘stablemate’ Tomtit K1786 an RAF Training aircraft of the same period. This aircraft has been resident at Old Warden since 1956.

5 Visit to the Norfolk Railway Society in Norwich - 18 May 2017 … Mervyn Russen It was the turn of our society this year to present talks to our friends at the Norfolk Railway Society. Graham Austin, Barry Emms and Bob Malster, together with Merv Russen providing technical support, visited the above at the NRS meeting venue; the United Reformed Church Hall just off the Ipswich Road in Norwich. We were greeted by Edward Mann. It was good to meet him, Graham Kenworthy et al again. Barry kicked off the evening with a talk entitled ‘Restoration of a 1922 Model T Ford’ which was a truncated version of a talk he had given to our society last September (see report in Transport Matters, November 2016, number 254). I said at the time that it is fascinating to listen to an expert making a complex job sound deceptively simple. Bob Malster followed up with his presentation entitled; ‘Water Transport in Norfolk’. This was a delightful talk about the wherries working in Norfolk and Suffolk, transporting goods in the period from the fifteenth century up to the 1950s. Bob accompanied his talk with slides showing delightful contemporary engravings and watercolours from the nineteenth century. Graham Austin ended our visit with films showing the 1980’s visit of Flying Scotsman to Stratford and 1922 Model T Ford, restoration complete Woolwich area. He also (Photo: Barry Emms) showed shots of other locomotives such as a Bullied Pacific hauling the Golden Arrow, the Duke of Gloucester in action sounding her distinctive chime whistle, A4 Pacific 60007, Sir Nigel Gresley and Britannia Pacific number 70000 passing Bury St Edmunds Sugar Beet Factory in the 1990s. He completed his programme with shots of the Ipswich Transport Museum’s vintage car run from to Felixstowe filmed in 1977. After enjoying warm applause from our friendly audience; we left to travel home in driving rain along that jewel of East Anglia; the Wherries at the Devils Tower, Carrow in Norfolk A140, back to Ipswich. (Picture courtesy of Bob Malster)

6 Chairman Change ... Martyn Hunt

Friends, I have been a member of the IDHTS since 1977 being elected onto the committee at the 1986 AGM. It was at the 1996 AGM that a vote (on the evening) as arranged by Secretary the late David Barton that I became Society Chairman to replace Bob Moore. Having given considerable thought I announced at the committee meeting held on 6 July 2017 that I would like to see a NEW Chairman in place by September 2020. I feel that the IDHTS needs fresh ideas and a NEW front person to keep it in the PREMIER LEAGUE of successful Transport Societies both locally and nationally. I have seen an enormous amount of progression within the Society over the years THANKS to ALL those present and past committee members (and Sharon at Sharward Services Ltd (our printers)), who have supported me during my Chairmanship. Your existing Committee will ensure that the IDHTS will continue to be the success that it is now and the reputation that it has. Please give CONSIDERABLE THOUGHTS toward my replacement and contact myself for an insight into what’s involved - it’s been an honour and pleasure (most of the time) to have served the IDHTS. I wish the society ALL the VERY BEST for the FUTURE and will serve it until a replacement is in position.

Committee Changes ... Martyn Hunt

At a committee meeting held on 6 July 2017 the following changes were agreed and are applicable from the 23 September 2017 AGM. Mervyn Russen is resigning as Secretary, his place being filled by Peter Berry. Mervyn is staying on the committee as Meetings Reporter, his excellent write ups will continue to be published in Transport Matters and the Ipswich Star, they will also appear on the Society’s website. Graham Austin is retiring from the committee on health grounds, Graham has been responsible for the technical co-ordinations at the Ascension Hall and The Salvation Army Citadel, most of our presentations are now in digital format and are controlled at most meetings by David Back from the Salvation Army. Graham’s position will not be filled. THANKS are due for ALL their contributions we wish Peter and Mervyn future success in their new positions and Graham a more progressive health recovery.

Apology ... Phil Argent

Apologies to all. The following should not have been included in Stuart McNae’s excellent article Surviving Network Rail Mechanical Signalling in the Anglia Region - Part Two in TM256. • Cambridge-Bury St Edmunds in 2017 effecting closure of amongst others the manual gate box at Dullingham. • Clacton signal box, which escaped closure when the remainder of the line from Colchester was modernised 2008-9 will finally succumb during 2017. (Another source gives a date of 2044!!) An announcement is awaited from Network Rail giving revised dates.

7 IDHTS 2017 Excursion to Stoke Bruerne ... John Shemming This year’s annual excursion took place on Saturday 1 July and was to the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne. The coach left Ipswich Transport Museum shortly after the scheduled time of 8.30am, with the promise of fine weather for the day. The journey took us through some pleasant rural scenery, with the bonus sighting of the Cardington Airship Sheds, as we passed through Bedfordshire. The village of Stoke Bruerne is very small (population 373 according to Wikipedia) and straddles the Grand Union Canal. The museum, cafe and gift shop are located in canal- side buildings, with two traditional canal pubs, the Boat Inn and the Navigation Inn and other eateries close at hand. The museum itself is housed in a restored Corn Mill. To the north of the museum, the canal tunnels under Blisworth Hill and to the south of the museum there is a flight of seven locks. The photo left shows a narrow boat entering the top lock of the flight, with the museum in the background. On arrival many of our party were pleased to enjoy the refreshments in the museum cafe before proceeding further. The adjoining gift shop led to the museum itself which is located on two upper floors. Although the floor area was quite small there were a number of interesting exhibits, along with informative graphic displays describing them, as well as summarising the history of canals in the United Kingdom. This history dates back to the medieval period when the first canals were excavated to improve navigation along rivers that were used for waterborne transport of goods. The construction of purpose built canals began in the 18th century, most famously with the Bridgewater Canal engineered by James Brindley which opened in 1761, which is often described as a key milestone in the history of the Industrial Revolution. The golden age of canal construction was between 1770s and 1830s, the latter date of course reflecting the coming of railways, which soon superseded canals for many purposes. The canal at Stoke Bruerne was originally part of the Grand Junction Canal, the construction of which began in 1793, and became part of the Grand Union Canal, by amalgamation, in 1929. The decline of the canal system for commercial and industrial purposes was long and slow, with significant usage continuing into the 1950s. Today canal traffic is almost exclusively for pleasure on the traditional narrow canals, with some commercial traffic continuing on the wider waterways such as the Manchester Ship Canal. The artefacts and other items on display in the museum reflected the long history and diversity of the canal system. These included displays of the traditional canal decorative art styles that were commonly used when painting the hulls and superstructures of the narrow boats (see photo right) as 8 well as the utensils, oil lamps and the like used by the crews and their family members who often lived on board. Of particular interest to me were some of the historic documents on display such as a sectional drawing showing the profile of the terrain which the Grand Junction Canal had to cross, and the numerous locks and other works which made this possible. There were some interesting scale models of features of the canal system, in particular the inclined plane for lowering narrow boats from a higher to lower waterway that had been constructed at Foxton, to bypass two pairs of five staircase locks which were slowing traffic, and the pumping station at Claverton which used a waterwheel to power a pump to maintain the water level in the Kennet and Avon Canal. The diversity of skills needed to make and maintain the system were represented by a selection of surveying tools and the contents of a well-equipped boat builder’s workshop (see photo left). Although narrow boats are mainly used for cruising and as well-appointed floating homes today, we were reminded that in their commercial heyday, whole families were crammed into a small cabin at the rear, with most of the hull, of course, reserved for paying cargo. With no fixed home it was difficult for the children to obtain even a basic education, and life could be very hard; some historic photos show narrow boats icebound during a prolonged winter freeze, which reduced the families to begging as they were unable to earn any money. In contrast, a pair of mannequins in a glass case were smartly dressed in the traditional (presumably ‘Sunday Best’) outfits of male and female members of a canal family, representing more prosperous times. Another interesting display covered the impact of the Second World War on the canals. Although the industry had declined it was still sufficiently important that women were recruited and trained to replace fit male crewmen so they could be released to serve in the armed forces. Fortifications such as pill boxes were constructed at strategic points in the system, and provisions were made to minimise water loss and flooding should canal banks be breached as a result of the Luftwaffe’s bombing. Having completed the tour of the museum there was plenty to see along the canal-side and its environs. To the north, the Blisworth Tunnel, opened in 1805, marks the end of the canal-side area that is easily accessible from the Museum as the towpath ends at the entrance to the tunnel. The tunnel is 3,076 yards (2,813m) long, making it the third longest on the UK canal system. As there is no towpath the narrow boats had to be legged through the tunnel in the early years when horse drawn propulsion was the only option. Legging was an extremely arduous and often dangerous activity which required two people (usually men) to lie on boards at the front of the vessel and propel the barrow boat through the tunnel by the force of their feet and legs on the sides of the tunnel. Many members in our party took advantage of the opportunity to travel on one of the narrow boats, named Charlie which, for a modest fee, transported passengers northwards from the museum and ventured a short distance into the tunnel. It was naturally cold and damp, in contrast to the pleasant weather outside, and quite eerie with only the boat’s headlamp to cut through the darkness. The tunnel structure had to be restored in the 1980s and in damaged sections where the original brickwork could not be repaired, pre-cast concrete rings were substituted so that navigation could be maintained, one of these rings was put on display near the tunnel mouth and is pictured above.

9 The photo right shows a narrow boat emerging from the mouth of the tunnel. As well as making the journey by boat, many of our party walked north along the tow path as there were traders selling souvenirs and artworks from narrow boats moored along the way, as well as a blacksmith and stained glass workshop situated close to the entrance to the tunnel, that could be visited. To the south the towpath passes the flight of seven locks, which were in use with several narrow boats passing through, and it was interesting to see them in action, as well as enjoying the pleasant rural location. It was soon time to move on to the next port of call, the Lamb Inn at Stoke Goldington, where we were booked for our evening meal. Before this the party was assembled for the group photo below:

(All photos: John Shemming)

Apologies for the quality of the group photo. Should any other member have a better quality picture of the group taken at this time we will include in the next edition of TM. Editor

The excellent meal was, I am sure, enjoyed by all. The journey back to Ipswich was uneventful, and took in Newport Pagnell, a very pleasant looking country town (much nicer than the motorway services bearing the same name!), and original home of Aston Martin, the performance car manufacturer. I am sure that everybody who came along would like to join me in thanking Martyn Hunt and Pat Caddick for organising such an enjoyable day out, and would also like to extend our thanks to our new coach company M&A Dabbs for their safe and efficient service. See next page for a selection of photographs of the Stoke Bruerne excursion.

Obituary – Richard Smith ... Martyn Hunt News has been received from Bob Malster of the death of Richard on Monday 31 July in Anglesea Heights. Members will remember the various EXCELLENT slide presentations he and his late wife, Joan, gave to IDHTS on many occasions, also for the interesting articles he wrote for Transport Matters. Richard's funeral will be at Seven Hills Crematorium on Wednesday 30 August at 2.15 pm.

10 IDHTS 2017 Excursion to Stoke Bruerne ... More photographs by John Shemming and Mervyn Russen

Charlie passing museum (Photo: John Shemming)

Narrow boats (Photo: John Shemming)

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The Canal Museum is at the heart of the beautiful village of Stoke Bruerne on the Grand Union Canal. It’s a treasure trove of stories, displays, films and collections all about our waterways. The Canal Museum Housed on two floors of a historic corn mill, The Canal Museum provides an excellent overview of the history of Britain's canals. Together with the audio guide that is free with museum entry, it is the key to understanding the rich waterway heritage of Stoke Bruerne and the Grand Union Canal. Follow the story of Britain’s canals from the great engineers and navvies who created them, to the boat families, leggers and lock keepers who lived and worked on them. You'll find models of working boats, traditional clothing, canal crafts, a re-creation of a boat builder’s workshop, beautiful old signs and more .

Narrow boats (Photo: John Shemming)

Barges approaching and leaving the Blisworth Tunnel (Photo: Mervyn Russen)

Locks 16, 17 and 18 (Photo: John Shemming)

12 A Little Bit About Myself ... Peter Berry

Leaving school in 1974, I started working in the BR offices, at Toton in the East Midlands, then a very large marshalling yard and also home to Western Europes largest Diesel Depot. This was a busy time and the height of the BR Blue Diesel era, with most Locomotive Classes, apart from the hydraulics present on the depot at some time or other, naturally, I would find any excuse to venture into the depot itself, getting a ‘hands on’ view of the Locos under maintenance on the depot. The marshalling yards received trainloads of coal from the Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and sometimes Leicestershire coalfields, for onward journeys to the southern half of England. At this time, block trains of coal – MGR Merry Go Rounds were also passing through Toton, on the way to the massive Ratcliffe Power Station. Other traffic flows such as steel, aggregates, bulk cement and of course tubes, pipes and similar items from the massive Stanton and Staveley iron Works, on the doorstep of Toton. I soon managed to get a transfer to TOPS - the computerised freight system which BR used to plan and manage freight movement and subsequently transferred to the Ipswich TOPS Office in 1979, where I intended to stay for 12 months. I left the Railways in 1982 and did a variety of mainly sales based roles, coming back to Computers and IT in 1995 and have worked in that environment ever since. I have had my own IT support Business since 2001, looking after the computers and IT of many local businesses. One morning in early 2012, on my way to see a client, I was held up by the Automatic Barriers at Melton Level Crossing. I was surprised to see a Class 20 paired with a class 37 Locomotive pulling two Nuclear Flask wagons across the crossing, the first Class 20 I’d seen in this area since 1980. This particular sight rekindled my interest in the Mainline Railway scene, which had faded over the previous years and I have been active on the scene since. I also have an interest in the older , usually the single cab AEC Routemasters, RTs and Regals.

Friends of Ipswich Transport Museum ... Trip to The London Transport Museum Depot, Acton

On Saturday 23 September, leaving the museum at 8.00am, returning from Acton at 5.00pm. Cost per person is £25.00 including admission. It is recommended that participants take some form of packed lunch as catering facilities at Acton are limited. This year we are using a 41 seat coach from Felixstowe Travel (M A Dabbs). Cheques, made payable to ‘The Friends of Ipswich Transport Museum’, should be sent to the museum for the attention of Bernard Simpson or can be left in the museum office for him. Please advise your name, your contact phone number, and the number of persons you are booking. Any bookings taken after the 4 September will be on a space available basis so please book early. For museum volunteers there is a booking sheet in the Savoy, please complete it as shown. Please contact Peter Cansick on 01473 689032 or [email protected] with any questions or to book.

13 HMS Queen Elizabeth ... Mervyn Russen

The first appearance of HMS Queen Elizabeth (All photos: Mervyn Russen)

HMS Queen Elizabeth arrived for the first time at 7.10am on 16 August 2017 at her home port of Portsmouth after leaving Fife seven weeks ago for sea trials. She apparently had 14 inches clearance either side of her in the channel through the Solent. HMS Queen Elizabeth is the lead ship of the Queen Elizabeth Class of supercarrier, the largest warship ever built for the United Kingdom's Royal Navy and capable of carrying up to forty aircraft. The ship was named by Queen Elizabeth II on 4 July 2014, and began sea trials on 26 June 2017 and will formally be commissioned by the end of 2017. Her first Commanding Officer is Commodore Jerry Kyd, who had previously commanded the carriers HMS Ark Royal and HMS Illustrious. As Captain of HMS Queen Elizabeth, Kyd will wear the Royal Navy rank of Captain while retaining the substantive rank of Commodore. HMS Queen Elizabeth has no catapults or arrestor wires and is instead designed to operate V/STOL aircraft; the air wing will typically consist of F-35B Lightning II multirole fighters and Merlin helicopters for airborne early warning and anti-submarine warfare. The design emphasises flexibility, with accommodation for 250 Royal Marines and the ability to support them with attack helicopters and troop transports up to Chinook size and larger. She is the second Royal Navy vessel to bear the name Queen Elizabeth and is to be based at Her Majesty's Naval Base Portsmouth.

Accompanying shipping including tugs

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Her vital statistics are astonishing: Displacement: 70,000 tonnes Length: 280 metres Propulsion: Two Rolls-Royce Marine 36MW MT30 gas turbine alternators and four 10MW diesel engines Speed: 25 knots Range: 10,000 nautical miles Capacity: 1,600 bunks Troops: 250 Crew complement: 679 Life expectancy: 50 years

There will be a second ship in her class; The Prince of Wales, she is, however, four years behind schedule. Queen Elizabeth is, however, dwarfed by the USS Nimitz supercarrier which has a displacement of 100,020 tonnes and a length of 332.8 metres.

Upper two photos: Her crew lined up as she entered port

Lower photo: Lying at anchor on Friday 18 August

15 An Interesting Afternoon at an Industrial

Feeder Branchline ... Peter Berry

I recently had the opportunity to visit Ketton, with its large Cement producing facility, in Rutland. This factory is one of the few locations left which has a private branchline, feeding the rail borne traffic in and out of the facility. Motive power is now an ex-BR Class 08 Shunter, hired in from Rail Support Services (RSS) who have a small number of 08s out on hire around Britain. I arrived at around 2.00pm on a Friday afternoon, with a view to heading down to the mainline, which runs from Syston Junction, north of Leicester, through to Manton, and then the East Coast Mainline, near Stamford, passing through the towns of Melton Mowbray and Oakham on the way. A train of empty cement hoppers was due to arrive at about 4.00pm, from Churchyard Sidings, near Kentish Town, North London. After walking the long way round to my target lineside location (I found the quick route on the way back) I 170110 Cross Country Service from Birmingham to duly took a few test shots, of the Cross Country Class Stanstead Airport 170 units on the Birmingham – Stansted Airport (All photos: Peter Berry - 14 July 2017) services, which passed at very frequent intervals. In between the running passenger trains, I could hear the distinctive gentle rumble of a Class 08 on the far side of the line, where the reception sidings were. Due to the heavy growth of trees surrounding the sidings, I struggled in vain to see the loco. Bang on time, the train load of empty cement hoppers arrived, behind DB Cargo Class 66, 66174 and can be seen here, reversing the train into the Ketton Ward Reception Sidings, off the mainline. I then had to walk very quickly back through almost to the main road, where the branchline into the Cement Factory passed and where the Class 08 would shortly bring a raft of the empties up to the loading silo. 66174 reverses the Churchyard Sidings – Ketton There was already a train load of bogie coal wagons in Cement empties into the Ketton Ward Sidings the four road sidings and between this and the thick line of trees, an effective screen blocked the view of any shunting in the sidings, so I elected to position myself close to the main road and await the shunter. After a thirty minute walk and a twenty minute wait, I was rewarded by the arrival of the Class 08 Shunter, hauling a rake of six Hoppers, along the twisting branchline. On its way to the Factory, the Branchline crosses over the River Chater, on a Concrete bridge (of course it’s concrete) and through a tight ‘S’ bend, it then directly approaches the Factory, where it passes under the main road, which sees a steady stream of articulated bulker lorries and then up a fairly steep length of line to the RSS Class 08 Shunter 08375 heads towards to loading silo. Ketton Cement Factory with a rake of empties

16 The Factory is now run by Hanson, part of the Hanson Heidleburgh Cement Group. It started life in 1925, when a Sheffield builder, Frank Walker was looking for a site to establish a works for cement products and concrete sectional buildings. He later raised capital to expand, from the brother of Thomas Ward - of scrap metals fame and subsequently sold his holdings to Thos W Ward. Ketton Portland Cement Company was formed in 1928 and initially employed 90 men, rapidly rising to 250 men and boys. The factory and its Kilns were fed by limestone from the firm’s adjacent quarry, using a standard gauge railway and industrial locomotives. The quarry upgraded from the railway, to dump trucks and then to a conveyer belt system by 1975, as output in the factory surged to 08375 approaches the factory which can be seen in the background 700,000 tonnes of cement annually. The four road Exchange sidings at Ketton are still known to this day as The Ward Sidings. Shunting duties used to be handled by steam locos - supplied, of course, by Thos W Ward, for the despatch of finished concrete and incoming fuel. In 1961, five Fowler Diesel Locos were supplied, also from Wards. By 1967, two of these, 2 and 3, had been returned to Fowler after Plant efficiencies and a third, No 5, was withdrawn in 1971. Fowler 4WDH No 4220007 built in 1960, which was Ketton No 1, can be seen on display at the Rutland Railway Museum.

ADDITIONAL PARKING Please note: additional car parking is NOW available on our meetings evenings on the HiQ premises but PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN FRONT OF THE LARGE SIDE DOOR (access is required 24/7). Also parking MUST ONLY take place on ONE side of the access road leading to the SA car park and apartments - this private road MUST BE AVAILABLE at ALL TIMES for the SA, residents and EMERGENCY SERVICES. PLEASE support HiQ for your vehicle requirements, ask for Dominic or Harley (and mention the IDHTS holds its meetings at the SA).

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Competition

A brain-teaser from Graham Austin

Purely for fun - answers in next TM

Complete the following stations names which are within the GE area. Some have gone but the majority are still in use. One station has not been included, any ideas, maybe you know of more.

Clacton on Sea and ______

Saxham and ______Gidea Park and______

Shenfield and ______

______and Wakes Colne

______and Warley

______and Bocking

______and Burgh

Transport Matters – Spare Copies ... Martyn Hunt If you have your own collection of Transport Matters you may be some short in that collection. Recently from the Russell Nunn collection the following spare copies are now available to MEMBERS to hopefully fill a few gaps. June 1990 (TM149), September 1990 (TM150), December 1990 (TM151), March 1991 (TM152), June 1991 (TM153), September 1991 (TM154), December 1991 (TM155), March 1992 (TM156), March 2012 (TM235). Contact Martyn Hunt by 'phone or email to stake your claim.

IDHTS Contacts …

Chairman Martyn Hunt, 4 Pine View Road, Ipswich IP1 4HS Tel: 01473 422145 Email: [email protected]

Hon Secretary Mervyn Russen, 21 St Leonards Road, Ipswich IP3 9AU Tel: 01473 414746 Email: [email protected]

TM Editor Phil Argent, 11 Bramhall Close, Ipswich IP2 9QX Tel: 01473 680513 Email: [email protected]

Treasurer/ Mrs Pat Caddick, 83 Cromer Road, Ipswich IP1 5EP Membership Sec Tel: 01473 402152 Email: [email protected]

18 Ipswich and District Historical Transport Society …

Meeting Programme - Wednesday - 7.00pm for 7.30pm The Ipswich Citadel, The Salvation Army, 558 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich IP4 4PH

27 September AGM plus ‘On the Railway Lines to Yarmouth and Lowestoft’, Stuart McNae 25 October The Story, Richard Grey 22 November The TSR2 Aircraft, David Morton 13 December Memories of Steam - Caught on Canvas, Wrenford Thatcher 24 January 2018 Life as a Harwich Pilot, Jane Stone 28 February Lost Railways of Suffolk, Nathan Dodd 28 March The Southwold Railway - Past, Present and Future, John Ridgeway 25 April No 100 (Bomber Support) Group Radio Counter Measures (WW2), Wing Commander John Stubbington (Rtd) 23 May Norfolk Railway Society Presentation, Edward Mann

ITS …

Meeting Programme – Monday Evenings – 7.30pm Venue: The Bourne Vale Club, Ipswich IP2 8RE

18 September The Port of Ipswich and East Anglian Ports, Paul Ager and Andrew Constable 16 October French Railways - The Current Scene, Gerald Brown 20 November AGM followed by GER789 The New Holden F5 Steam Locomotive, Steve Cooper

RCTS …

Meeting Programme – Monday Evenings – 7.15pm Venue: The Bourne Vale Club, Halifax Road, Ipswich IP2 8RE 11 September During the last 50 years of Scottish Railways Part 2 - Dundee to the Far North and Kyle - David McLean 9 October Railway Photography 1947-1979 (at home and in Europe) - Colin Boocock

13 November Railways of the Isle of Man (1974-date) - Geoff Brockett Meeting Programme – Thursday Afternoon – 2.15pm Venue: Co-op Education Centre, 11 Fore Street, Ipswich IP4 1JW

30 November Britain on Film - Railways (from the Independent Cinema Office) - David Clough

World Ship Society - Haven Ports Branch …

Meeting Programme – Thursday Evenings – 7.30pm Venue: Library of the Seafarers Centre, Felixstowe Dock, Felixstowe IP11 3TG

14 September TBA 12 October Slides, photos etc from the David Swailes Collection by Ron Davies

Suffolk Industrial Archaeology Society …

Meeting Programme – Wednesday Evenings – 7.30pm Venue: Ipswich Transport Museum, Cobham Road, Ipswich

13 September The Crane Family: from Normandy to Nacton Road - John Barbrook 11 October Ipswich Icons - John Norman 8 November AGM followed by Industrial Archaeology of the Netherlands - John Jones

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Mid Suffolk Light Railway Museum - 2017

Brockford Station, Wetheringsett, Suffolk IP14 5PW Opening Times First and third Sunday from April until October The Museum is open between Bank Holidays Sundays and Mondays 11.00am and 5.00pm 10.00am-4.00pm

on every Sunday and Bank Holiday Admission until 28 August Adults £5.00: Concessions £4.00: Children and Society members FREE Special Events Toilet facilities - Gift Shop - Cafe

27-28 August The Museum includes a multimedia room where Bank Holiday Bash visitors can see video and film shows Concludes the Summer season of operating with All weather venue! two trains being steam hauled. A Real Ale Event. The large grassed area outside the buildings home to collection of cold war aircraft and vehicles 9-10 September Steam Railway Gala BCWM Building 134, Bentwaters Parks An intensive day of operations with passenger and Rendlesham, Woodbridge goods trains. Also road engines on display. www.bcwm.org.uk All enquiries to 01449 766899 See website for details www.mslr.org.uk Ipswich Aviation Society Running Day Meets on the first Wednesday of every Season ticket month Adult £8.00 Concession £7.00 at 7.30pm at Greshams Child (5 to 16 years old) £4.00 312 Tuddenham Road, Ipswich IP4 3QJ Family (two adults + 2 children) £20.00 6 Sep - Quiz Night: Gary Stedman ‘GI Airmen in EA)’ Friday 6 October - RAF Lakenheath (TBC) Ipswich Transport Museum For programme details contact The Old Trolleybus Depot Barry Turner on 01473 250816 Cobham Road, Ipswich IP3 9JD or email [email protected]

Bank Holiday Monday 28 August Ride a Fire Engine Day Suffolk Aviation Heritage Group Free rides on the Museum’s magnificent fire engines - 11.00am-4.00pm The Old Radio Site, Foxhall Road, Ipswich Saturday 7 October Open every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday Classic Vehicles Day until the last weekend in October Celebrating classic cars and light commercials 11.00am-4.00pm Free bus tours of the area - 11.00am-4.00pm Edith Cook Statue Appeal Saturday 21 October To commemorate Britain’s first female pilot – Wheels by Lamplight see website for details See the museum illuminated with hundreds of old Entrance is free but donations appreciated oil and paraffin lamps - 5.30pm-9pm (adults only) Advertised special exhibitions at small entry fee Saturday 19 November Car Parking, Refreshments, Toilets and Classic Buses and Coaches Wheelchair access throughout An event focussing on the buses and coaches from the 1940s to the present day, with rides - www.suffolkaviationheritage.org.uk 11.00am-4.00pm For further information on museum + events Printed by Sharward Services Limited www.ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk PO Box 1053, Ipswich IP1 9YL To participate in the activities of the museum Tel: 01473 212113 join ‘The Friends of Ipswich Transport Museum’ Contact Ted King - 07860 866587 Email: [email protected]

www.ipswichanddistricthistoricaltransportsociety.co.uk 20