1952





  Bill Sherwin

Newhaven A.S.L.E.F. Branch Secretary 1952 - 1954




 LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL


FEBRUARY 1952


SELHURST


Yet another year has passed by, leaving behind a busy and active period so far as the Branch is concerned. Among the decisions taken at the A.G.M., one is that we shall meet from January 3, 1952, every Thursday at Ruskin House, 10.15 a.m.

All members and interested persons kindly note. Bro. Cordell has relinquished chairmanship, at least for the period he is on the E.C., bro. Armstrong being unanimously voted in take his place, with Bro. Eastland as vice-Chairman.

The Branch has decided to disaffiliate from the local Labour party, and register in disgust at the policy of supporting the Rearmament programme, also the Armed Troops and Atom Bomb Bases situated in this country.

A willing and loyal colleague has taken his retirement we shall miss a good chum; 46 years' membership, and always up to date with his contributions scales. A long and happy
retirement, Wally.

To our comrades who are sick may the New Year bring who are well, don't forget every Thursday, Ruskin House, 1o.15 a.m., there is work to be done

W. BOULTON




PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN

Three Bridges Driver George Cook on Three Bridges turntable





 LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL


FEBRUARY 1952


LONDON BRIDGE

Interest at branch meetings has been very keen during 1951 and attendance fair.
We wonder if the absentees realise what they owe to the regular attenders. Do come and play your part.

In 1952 our chairman will be Bro. H. Rick and Bro. J. Harmer will be vice chairman.

The branch can look back with satisfaction at the help given during 1951 in various ways to its members, full details of which are only obtainable in the branch room.

The Branch Benevolent Fund has again done fine work. For the payment of 3d. or 6d. a quarter your contributions are paid during long illnesses. " Many can help the few."

How pleasing to note that all those members who met with an accident on duty were
clear on the books and thus able to claim under Rule 22, Clause g. What a great benefit this gives, so keep your card clear, for a slip may be near.

Best wishes to all for 1952.

W. ALDERMAN, Branch Secretary. 





PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN

Newhaven Loco Shed




LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL


FEBRUARY 1952


LEATHERHEAD


It gives me much pleasure to insert the progression of our branch which is now in its fifth year of inauguration, also to state that we have some good regular attended meetings.

We have recently had a compensation case of one of our members and a successful award was met within three months.

On behalf of our branch we must congratulate Head Office for its splendid work to obtain such an award in a record time.

Our Priority Number One for 1952 for all Members of The Society must be " Pensions"
as per 1950 A.A.D.. resolution, also as quoted by Bro. A. Hallworth's words in 1949 " The Failure or Success of Nationalisation of Railways " depends on " Pensions
for Railwaymen."

Best wishes for 1952.

E. J. BEECHER,
Branch Secretary.






Bognor Driver Stan Joyce 1951/2




Extracted and adapted from


Newhaven Branch Meeting


Sunday June 8th 1952


Bros. A. Newbegin (A.S.L.E.F. Organiser), 

This meeting was held for the purpose of electing Branch Officers and re-constituting the Branch after a period of 5 years without Branch and was called by Organiser Bro. A. Newbegin for this purpose.

The chair was taken at 11.15 a.m. by Bro. W. Sherwin.

Minutes of last meeting of April 20th 1947 was read and as there was no questions asked concerning them it was proposed by Bro. J. Hillman and seconded by Bro. J. Lower. Minutes of the previous meeting be accepted as read. 

Secretary then called attention to main business of this meeting which was the election of a panel of Branch Officers. At this stage Bro. A. Newbegin asked to say a few words.

Bro. A. Newbegin, called attention to this un-constitutional state which happened when there were no Branch Officers and called attention to the fact that Secretary had been carrying on alone more or less for many of 15 ½ years of service to the branch and invited all members present to try to arouse some interest in the Branch and assist the new officers in their appointment. Bro. Newbegin pointed out the fact that such apathy in branch meetings caused the members to lose touch with Head Office and so become out of touch with the Executive’s endeavours on our behalf as regards our Conditions of Service etc. He also pointed out that this loss of contact with membership was serious should it be necessary to close a Branch and rely on a Contributions Collector attached to another Branch. In this respect Bro. Newbegin was pleased to see a number of young members and called for all young members to take an interest in the affairs of their Branch.

The election of Branch Officers was then proceeded with and as Secretary was discussed of resignation from that position it was proposed by Bro. J. Hillman and seconded by Bro. J. Lower, Bro. E. King be Chairman of this Branch. Carried

Proposed by Bro. J. Hillman and seconded by Bro. R. Turner, to be Vice Chairman was (no nomination) to which all members present agreed Carried. 

On an introduction by retiring Secretary, it was proposed by Bro. J. Hillman and seconded by J. Nash. That Bro. W. Sherwin be Branch Secretary. Carried.

Volunteered, Bro. R. Hooker to be Assistant Secretary was seconded by Bro. J. Hillman, to which all members present agreed.

The Branch Committee was formed of those members who being present and not in office other wise as follows.

Bros R. Turner, J. Lower, J. Nash, E. Hillman, M. Freeman, D. Brady & R. Crouch.

Proposed by Bro. E. King and seconded by Bro. J. Lower. Bro. E. Lucknott be Branch Stewart and collector as he had offered to collect for Bro. E. King previously. Carrie.

Proposed by Bro. J. Hillman and seconded by Bro. C. lower. That Bo. E. King be No.4 District Council delegate as he was still willing to attend.

Bro. A. Newbegin the addressed the Branch, on the Society’s Policy as mentioned on member circulars letters and outlined the Executive Committee’s claim now put forward with the other two Railway Unions for an increase of 10% on wages also a cleaner and definite system of Payment of increase for Saturday afternoon working. Further he pointed out that the principle already evolved by the Society was without the support of the N.U.R. and T.S.S.A. and pointed out also that although cost of living was continually rising any increase offered would not be easily got, in view of the fact that we now had a Tory government and Mr. R.A. Butler was trying to coerce the T.U.C. to agree to a wage freeze.

Railway trade unions would have a stiff task to achieve any increase in wages or alterations in Conditions of Service, which would make necessary the attention of every member of the unions concerned.

Bro Newbegin then announced that the Railway Executives reply to the wages claim made would be published on June 28th and it might or might not include an offer of some sort much depended on the policy of Mr. Butler.

Bro. Newbegin then went on to speak about the society’s endeavours to formulate a pension scheme on the point that the salaried Staff have a superannuation fund of General application, but not the outdoor staffs and claim that what was as good for Clerks is equally good for other grades be further pointed out that whereas the National Coal Board had now produced a pension scheme for the miners with a lump sum of £2,000 000 and even so the miner’s pension was not very big, but it was a pension. While the Railway Executive was formulating a pension fund financial structure it was apparently designed to be a voluntary nature, but the E.C. of the union considered any such scheme should be compulsory to ensure stability and satisfaction and in this way the pension could be higher.

At this year’s A.A.D. a resolution had been put forward for a Pension scheme to be formulated this year by the end of the year if no satisfaction is obtained a conference be called early in the New Year to consider matter further.

Some aspects and items of the Machinery of Negotiations had been amended, but the majority of the amendments would be accepted and some further negotiated. Nominations and elections of L.D.C. would come under this clause. Different arrangements were pending with regards to discipline cases, such as Form 1 charge sheets, more time than the 48 hours being allowed for a charged man to gather his evidence for an appeal and to interview or call witnesses. It has also been forward that the official of the Railway, hearing such as appeal, should not be the person who decided the request punishment; even should he not have signed the punishment order.

Bro. Newbegin further dealt with items being negotiated as to the holding of L.D.C. meetings, it being attempted to get L.D.C. meetings always held in on duty time, where this was not possible member who attend in their own off duty time should be paid for part of day or all day at ordinary rate for the time involved. Where L.D.C. member were asked to attend on Rest Days either a suitable day be given in lieu or payment made for 10hrs for such meeting. 

The address was terminated by a short survey of matters being discussed or decisions reached of matters domestic to the Southern Region. Points also touched upon were the proposal for a standard eyesight test and its bearing on new entrants into the service.

As no questions were asked, a vote of thanks be accorded to Bro. Newbegin for his help, to which all members concurred.

The address was terminated by a short survey of matters being discussion reached of matters domestic to the Southern Region, points also reached upon were proposal for a standard eyesight test and its bearing on new entrants into the service. s no question were asked, Bro. Sherwin proposed and Bro. J. Lower seconded. 'A vote of thanks be recorded to Bro. Newbegin for his help to which all members concurred.







Brighton Driver George Frederick Laycock on BR 4 Tank 80019 on the 20th June 1952

photo taken by Fred Rich  


STORIES FROM THE SHOVEL

Driver George Laycock

By Ted Janes

George Laycock was one of my favourite drivers out of the 11 regular mates during his firing career. I fired to George in 1949-1950 in the next to top  link, without doubt the happiest two years of my firing career. He had the nickname of John Bull and a couple of his previous mates didn't get on too well with him but we got on well together and would frequently have a drink and game of snooker even though we had done a days work together

I can recall that all his drivers were very nice blokes and it was a pleasure to be at work with them all. However George really stands out from the rest. 

Ted fired to George in the "Second Gang" which at time was mostly made up of work which the "Top Gang" did not want, so the "Second Gang" had a variety of work which included a trip up the "Cuckoo" from Polegate to the Wells along with the 03:25 paper train.

He had a wicked side and Tunbridge Wells was his happy hunting ground for winding people up more often than not about their short shunts to London and what  they  were missing by not having West Country's to work on.






PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN

Tunbridge Wells West Loco Yard




LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL


JULY 1952


THE EDITOR'S NOTES


THE LOCOMOTIVEMEN'S OWN GOVERNING BODY

Since our last editorial notes were written the 1952 A.A.D. has been duly held in Margate. among the outstandingly important of the many matters taken into consideration by the delegates were those relating to (a) wages policy and (b) pensions, these two subjects alone for a large number of the items submitted by branches for the Agenda.



RATES OF PAY AND ENHANCED PAYMENTS 


On the questions of wages and enhanced payments, Conference took appreciative note of the activities and achievements of the Executive Committee in 1951, and endorsed the further action since taken by the latter body in submitting to the R.S.C. and L.T.E. a new claim for a ten per cent. increase in standard rates of pay and for payment of time and  half for duty performed between 12 noon and 12 midnight on Saturdays.


PENSIONS

With regards to pensions, after hearing a report from the General Secretary on material developments which have taken place since the 1951 A.A.D., the delegates unanimously endorsed the action of the Executive Committee to date; and they gave expression for their sense of the urgency of this question by further resolving that "unless some definite plans are formulated before December 31st, 1952," the Executive Committee "be instructed to call a special Conference of this A.A.D. in January, 1953, for the purpose of deciding definite action to obtain an adequate Pension Scheme embracing the whole of our fraternity."



FINANCIAL STRUCTURE OF THE B.T.C.


The Executive Committee had indicated in their printed report to the A.A.D. the steps taken by them, in conjunction with the other two rail unions, in examine the financial structure of the British Transport Commission, "with the object of formulating a case for seeking easement in the present burden of interest payments on British Transport Stock borne by railways." Conference noted this report and the agenda item and amendments on the same subject, and in so doing it also drew attention to the situation created by the "plans" of the Tory Government in relation to transport. The latter were also comprehensively dealt within in a later debate, as indicated in the next paragraph of these notes.



GOVERNMENT ECONOMIC POLICY


THE WHITE PAPER


The delegates adopted without a dissentient vote the following resolution: 


"That in noting the paragraph in E.C. report, this Conference views with grave concern the disastrous anti social economic policies pursued by the present Tory Government.


Recognising that these policies are in direct contrast to the constructive measures taken by the two preceding Labour Governments for the well being of the community as a whole, we pledge ourselves forthwith to give loyal undivided support to the Labour Party.


Further, we deeply deplore the proposals contained in the Government's White Paper on Transport, and deem it necessary to declare emphatically that the denationalisation of road haulage will be inimical to the interests of the transport industry, the trading and travelling public, and the nation.


In order to protect the position of our members, we direct the Executive Committee to take all legitimate steps to bring about the earliest practicable repudiation of the sinister intentions of the Government.


In this connection we are of the considered opinion that the Labour Party should take firm and resolute action to make it abundantly clear to all concerned that further compensation will not be paid arising from any reacquisition of social assets dissipated by the Tory Party whilst that Party remains in office."


We have printed the foregoing decision in full as plain indication of the feeling of Conference on matters full of the gravest potentialities of evil for transport staffs and for the whole community of Britain.






Linda Huggair Collection

Eastbourne Driver William 'Bill' Barnard at Eridge Station




LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL


JULY 1952


DISTRICT COUNCIL No.4


At the Council meeting held at Redhill on Monday, May 26th, Bro. A.W. Lennard was in the chair; Bro. Hocking, E.C. member, and Bro. W.J. Cleaver, Organising Secretary, were present.


Bro. Hocking gave a long report of E.C. activities, and he certainly is gaining experience. He dealt with the new wages claim, etc., etc., and also reported the death of Charlie Ransom (the Council stood to the memory of our late Brother) and intimated that Bro. Channing, of Feltham, has been  appointed to succeed Bro. Bransom as Staff Side Secretary, Southern Region Sectional, Council No.2. It was a surprise to the Council to hear that E.C. President, Bro. Kelland, had resigned. He further told the meeting of the election of Bro. Pinches to the office of President, giving details of his previous work and rise to this important position. Bro. Hocking also dealt with housing, Lodging Committees and other interesting items. He received very hearty applause and many congratulatory remarks from members of the Council. Questions were many and were very ably answered.


Bro. Cleaver's report was mainly on branch quarterly returns and the figures he gave were certainly startling, and some members went back to their branches with a few questions to ask.


Branch reports brought many interesting items; the L.D.C. set up on the Central Section is in quite state of turmoil.


A very interesting and hard day's meeting ended with a resolution to send the new E.C. President congratulations on his appointment to the Presidency, and wishing him a successful time at the Conference.


F. MILLER





 LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL


JULY 1952


SELHURST

Recent meetings have had the question of L.D.C.s and their operation well to the fore, Rest Day working and Roster Scrutiny being the items under discussion. Although experiencing rather stormy weather, we sincerely trust the management, by the time this is in print, will have seen the wisdom of treating our elected representatives with the approach that can only make smooth working.

An appeal is made to all motormen who are interested in the new branch in the Clapham Junction area to attend meetings and play your part towards the early opening of it.

Cricket! Look out, Wimbledon! We are looking forward to meeting you on August 14, at Raynes Park.

BILL BOULTON.



ELIZABETH WICKSTEAD COLLECTION

photo taken by Fred Rich

Engine driver George Washington, H. Cordery, & Fireman Reg Eason

Victoria Loco Yard, Thursday 10th July 1952





Brighton Driver George Frederick Laycock on a 

West Country 34045 "Ottery St. Mary" on the 4th July 1952

George was approach his 62nd birthday which was on the 23rd July. 

George entered the footplate grades on the 11.06.1909.

Photo taken by Fred Rich


STORIES FROM THE SHOVEL

Driver George Laycock

By Ted Janes


George Laycock was one of my favourite drivers out of the 11 regular mates during his firing career. I fired to George in 1949-1950 in the next to top  link, without doubt the happiest two years of my firing career. He had the nickname of John Bull and a couple of his previous mates didn't get on too well with him but we got on well together and would frequently have a drink and game of snooker even though we had done a days work together

I can recall, that all my drivers were very nice blokes and it was a pleasure to be at work with them all. However George really stands out from the rest. 

I fired to George in the "Second Gang" which at time was mostly made up of work which the "Top Gang" did not want, so the "Second Gang" had a variety of work which included a trip up the "Cuckoo" from Polegate to the Wells along with the 03:25 paper train.

He had a wicked side and Tunbridge Wells was his happy hunting ground for winding people up, more often than not about their short shunts to London and what they were missing by not having West Country's to work on.


George or Gerry as he was often known, was the tops!






7070

BRITISH TRANSPORT COMMISSION
BRITISH RAILWAYS
-----------------------------------------

EXAMINATION OF ENGINE CLEANERS AND FIREMEN TO ACT 
AS FIREMEN AND DRIVERS RESPECTIVELY

1. Training of Engine Cleaners in the duties of a Cleaner.
A Cleaner will be given practical instruction in the correct method of cleaning locomotives and the use of the various cleaning materials and tools.

2. Training of Engine Cleaners in the duties of a Fireman.
A Cleaner prior to being passed to act, when required, as a Fireman will be given preliminary tuition lasting two weeks by a Firing Instructor. This training will include instruction:-
(a) Parts and functions of locomotives.
(b) Lighting, making up, cleaning and disposing of fires.
(c) Working of injectors and function of fusible plugs.
(d) Rules and regulations.
(e) Prevention of accidents.
(f) Coupling and uncoupling and general duties and responsibilities of a Fireman.

3. Passing of Engine Cleaners to act as Firemen.
In normal circumstance, no cleaner will be allowed to act as Fireman on a locomotive until has attained the age of 18 years, although there are certain temporary exceptions.
When an Engine Cleaner required for firing duties has been satisfactory reported on by the Firing Instructor, he will be given an oral examination in the following subjects:-
(a) General description of a locomotive, i.e. names of component parts, etc.
(b) General knowledge of rules and regulations, particularly applicable to -
Hand and fixed signalling.
Protection of trains and opposite lines.
Locomotive equipment.
(c) Method of firing a locomotive and general duties and responsibilities of a Fireman.
An Engine Cleaner who fails, at the first attempt, to pass this examination to act as Fireman will be allowed two further attempts at stipulated intervals.
An Engine Cleaner qualified to act as a Fireman will be re-designated Passed Cleaner.

4. Promotion of Engine Cleaners or Passed Cleaners to Firemen.
Vacancies for Firemen will be filled in accordance with the provision of the promotion arrangements agreed with the Trade Unions.

5. Passing of Firemen to act as Drivers.
No man is eligible to act as a Driver until he has been appointed Firemen, has attained 23 years of age and has performed 574 firing turns of duty.
When a Fireman is required for driving duties he will undergo a technical examination which will comprise an oral and practical examination.

(a) Oral Examination.
The candidate will be examined in the following subjects:-
(i) Knowledge of locomotive.
(ii) Knowledge of mechanism of continuous brakes.
(iii) Method of dealing with locomotive defects
(iv) Knowledge of the various types of signals, their use and the rules relating to the reading of signals.
(vi) Knowledge of the making out of reports.

(b) Practical Examination
This examination will be carried out on the footplate of locomotive in traffic.
Particular attention will be paid to the following points:-
(i) Care and manipulation of locomotive 
(ii) Attention to boiler and fire
(iii) Attention to signals and judging distances
(iv) Attention to rules and regulations
(v) Knowledge of locomotive parts.
(vi) Making and using trimmings
(vii) Care in and attention to oiling
(viii) Examining locomotive and reporting defects.
(ix) General knowledge of automatic and steam brakes.
(x) Ability of examinee to change a boiler water gauge glass.
The practical examination is not to carried out on the same day as that on which the oral examination is held.
A fireman who fails to pass the technical examination to act as Driver at the first attempt will be allowed two further attempts at stipulated intervals.
A Fireman qualified to act as Driver will be re-designated Passed Fireman.

6. Promotion of Firemen or Passed Firemen to Drivers.
Vacancies for Drivers will be filled in accordance with the provisions of the promotion arrangements agreed with Trade Unions.

7. Physical and Visual Examinations by Medical Officers.
Before being passed to act in a higher grade or on promotion to a higher grade employees are required, under the arrangements currently in force, to pass the physical and visual examination by the Medical Officer.

Date of document unknown





 Driver Bob Roser, Fireman Ted Janes & Unknown Brighton Guard

This photo was taken by Fred Rich at Bournemouth West 

on the 15th August 1952, with 13:52 

Bournemouth West to Brighton


The engine was a Brighton Atlantic Class H2, 32426 'St. Albans Head'

Ted Janes recalls firing to Arthur Robert Roser for about two years in

 the 'Top Gang' and he was possibly 

Ted's longest mate and was apleasure to fire to.

Bob at the time of this photo being taken would of been about 59 years old and Ted was 24.

Bob Roser entered the footplate grades at Brighton on the 25.06.1910.





LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL


SEPTEMBER 1952


THE EDITOR'S NOTES


WAGES AND ENHANCED PAYMENTS

Our readers are aware of the application submitted to the Railway Executive and the London Transport Executive by each of the three railway trade unions, following upon joint discussion, for (a) a 10 per cent. increase in standard rates of pay, and (b) improved enhancement in respect of work performed after 12 noon on Saturdays.


Discussion of the two claims with Railway Staff Conference took place at a joint meeting held on May 23rd, when the very important grounds upon which they rest were fully explained, and the case forcefully argued on our members' behalf by the Society's representatives.


For the railway management  the assurance was given that the claims and supporting arguments would receive the fullest attention and that the conclusions reached thereon would be communicated to the unions.


A further meeting at R.S.C. level took place on June 23rd, when the railway representatives intimated that they had given the promised consideration to the submissions made at the previous meeting, but that they were unable to concede either claim.


The subject matter accordingly  was remitted to the Railway Staff National Council, and at a meeting of that body held on July 28th further argument was advanced in support of our clams, including in its scope the latest developments which had taken place in the situation as affecting our members' living standards since those claims were first submitted. Once again, however, the R.E. representatives expressed inability to concede the applications and no agreement was registered.


The position was immediately reported to the Executive Committee, and they decided to forward the claims to the Railway Staff National Tribunal (the ultimate stage in the Machinery of Negotiation for Railway Staff). The other railway trade unions have also referred their applications to the R.S.N.T.; and at the time of going to press efforts are being made to mutually agree to the earliest practicable date on which the Tribunal can meet.


We need hardly say that the lack of progress in negotiations to date has created keen disappointment, and recognising that purchasing power has deteriorates during recent months, our members can, of course, rest assured that no effort will be spared in the effective presentation to the Tribunal of the Society's case on behalf of the grades which it represents.


We feel sure that member will follow developments with the greatest interest, and, in accordance with our acknowledged practice, branches will be kept fully informed of the progress of events.




PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN

30340 seen at Bognor 




LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL


OCTOBER 1952


DISTRICT COUNCIL No.4

The Council met at Redhill on August 25th, with Bro. A.W. Lennard in the chair; E.C. member Hocking and Organiser Cleaver were present.

The meeting proved a full and lively one with another good report from the E.C. member, who dealt with the Transport Bill, Wages, Clothes, Pensions, and Political Fund, in great detail. The Political Fund calls for still greater support; and the District Council feels the all should belong to it. One can see what political representation means today when you see the Bank Rate increased, subsidies removed, food prices increased, and the levy on medical prescriptions; and yet you are told by political bosses, wage restraints! So, those in our District who have not joined the Political Fund, do so at once, and be ready to "weigh in" at the next General Election.

The E.C. member covered the whole area of the E.C.'s work in his usual able manner. Organiser Cleaver gave his usual "pep-talk," and the meeting was agreed that it was time to coerce off the defensive, thinking of 1936 and remembering that each time the dollar situation becomes easier we get a full head of hot air from one Minister or the other, even if it isn't the "Prime." A suitable resolution was carried in connection with this matter.

It is a real fighting resolution, and certainly reminds one of the J.B. days when there was certainly more fight amongst the rank and file.

A good meeting full of life and certainly one giving hope for the future.

F. MILLER




LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL


OCTOBER 1952


SELHURST

The new branch in the Clapham Junction area will shortly be an accomplished fact. All members who have signified their willingness to transfer, please advise me in writing at their earliest, and square the current quarter's contributions with Selhurst Branch. Watch for early notices announcing initial meetings.

A pleasing little ceremony took place at the close of a recent meeting when Bro. E. Lawson was presented with pipe, pouch, and tobacco for services rendered as L.D.C. secretary.

In his modest way he thanked those who had subscribed, and said he would always be prepared to play his part on behalf of his mates.

Our annual cricket match v. Wimbledon, was played at Raynes Park, and thanks to a fine innings by Eric Pentecost (45 not out) and steady bowling by Nobby Lee, we managed to win; but seven ducks in an was well deserved. L.D.C. and District Council No. 3 innings makes some of us " old 'uns" think we ought to be playing still. Final result: Selhurst 84, Wimbledon 52.

A return game is fixed, and no doubt Wimbledon will go right out to reverse the result.

Many thanks, Joe, for a well-arranged afternoon and evening.

(Don't forget, lads, we like to see you at the branch meetings as well!) 


BILL BOULTON.




 GEORGE HOLLANDS COLLECTION

Left - Right: T.W.W Fireman George Hollands & Unknown Driver 

at Brighton Top Yard Turntable





Brighton Locomotive Works 


Centenary Special train runs


To commemorate the centenary of "Brighton Locomotive Works, two Brighton Works Centenary Specials train run, on the 5th & 19th October 1952, when the "Railway Correspondence & Travel Society (R.C.T.S.), for the first time offered its members all-Pullman travel on fast schedules.

Both trains were hauled by H2 Atlantics, the first special on the 5th was hauled No.32424 "Beachy Head" , and worked by Newhaven locomen Driver Sydney Turner & Fireman Fred Stratton. On the 19th October, No. 32435 "Trevose Head" with Brighton locomen.

On the 5th October 1952, the special train of eight Pullman carriages left Victoria for Brighton, headed by the forty one year old Atlantic Class No.32424, Beachy Head. With exception of the locomotive's livery of British Railways it replicated the authentic of the old Southern Belle. The journey down was done in 58.2minutes and the returning in 60 minutes, in spite of signal checks on both journeys.



G.F. Bloxam/Sylvia Woolford Collection

Left ~ Right: Newhaven Driver Sydney Turner & Fireman Fred Stratton standing in front of Atlantic Class H2 'Beachy Head' on "the Centenary of Brighton Locomotive Works” 



 

Left ~ Right: Newhaven Fireman Fred Stratton & Driver Sydney Turner at Brighton Works 

Sydney Turner was born in Deal in Kent (1896), he started off as an Engine Cleaner in 1914, later promoted to Fireman and eventually became an Engine Driver at Folkestone He moved to Newhaven in 1936 and was promoted to driving the main-line Boat Trains to Victoria, Sydney died in 1962.

Extracted from

'Our Newhaven' web sited

Sylvia Woolford Grand-daughter of Sydney Turne




STORIES FROM THE SHOVEL

Brighton Driver George Laycock

By Ted Janes

 PHOTO BY FRED RICH

Driver George Frederick Laycock on a West Country 34045 "Ottery St. Mary" on the 4th July 1952

George was approach his 62nd birthday which was on the 23rd July. 
George entered the footplate grades on the 11.06.1909.

George Laycock was one of my favourite drivers out of the 11 regular mates during his firing career. I fired to George in 1949-1950 in the next to top  link, without doubt the happiest two years of my firing career. He had the nickname of John Bull and a couple of his previous mates didn't get on too well with him but we got on well together and would frequently have a drink and game of snooker even though we had done a days work together I can recall, that all my drivers were very nice blokes and it was a pleasure to be at work with them all. However George really stands out from the rest. 

I fired to George in the "Second Gang" which at time was mostly made up of work which the "Top Gang" did not want, so the "Second Gang" had a variety of work which included a trip up the "Cuckoo" from Polegate to the Wells along with the 03:25 paper train.

He had a wicked side and Tunbridge Wells was his happy hunting ground for winding people up, more often than not about their short shunts to London and what they were missing by not having West Country's to work on.

George or Gerry as he was often known, was the tops!

Memories of Ted Janes








Eastbourne Engineman George Terry





Railway Correspondence & Travel Society

to commemorate the centenary of the Brighton Loco Works


Left ~ Right Brighton Driver Frank Foord & Fireman Roy Townsend 

Railway Correspondence & Travel Society, to commemorate the centenary of the Brighton Loco Works

At Kemp Town Station on the 19th October 1952 working special services 






ARTIST UNKNOWN

Shunting at Tunbridge Wells West Yard

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