Phil Braithwaite was the guest speaker at the October meeting of 8E Railway Association. Last year, Phil delivered to members a talk entitled “British Steam from 1958 to 1968”. This was well structured and autobiographical in flavour. This time he continued from 1968, but in an apparently random fashion. This ploy kept the audience interested, since it was impossible to predict what would come next!

As before the quality of the photography was extraordinary and featured both black and white and colour. Although the latter should represent verity monochromes pictures always seem excel in terms of detail and atmosphere. Phil explained that Bulmers of Hereford provided the first operating base when preserved steam returned to the main line in 1971, with “King George V”, and a set of Pullman coaches. The railway preservation movement was gaining momentum during the 1970s and members were shown forgotten images of the Keighley and Worth Valley, Bluebell, Severn Valley, Llangollen, East Lancs and many more railways.

There was also a look at the Ffestiniog and the Welsh Highland railways, which operates large engines brought from South Africa and which Phil had seen in operation there. His current favourite spots for observing steam-hauled excursions include Helsby and Acton Bridge, so everyone can join in!

The next meeting is on Tuesday, November 11, in the Gladstone Club, Northwich, when Les Nixon will talk about “55 Years of Railway Photography”. Visitors are welcome. For details see the website www.8erailwayassociation.org.uk or contact Paul Tench on 07790 486 735.