Accrington Railways - Robert Kenyon

Roberts, the Assistant Goods Manager, and secretaries Nutter and Gill, with the Union represented by Mr Marden Heap, the District Secretary. Teams were required to give demonstrations of how to cope with several emergency situations, with the triumphant team coming from Bolton, whilst the team from Todmorden were runners-up, with Ramsbottom’s team in third place. The best marked individual was a Bacup man, Mr A. Brown. The trophies were handed out to the winners by Mr F. R. Hanywell MBE, the District Goods Manager. Following the distribution of prizes, the whole assembly including the wives and children of the competitors, repaired to the Co-operative tea rooms in Oak Street for refreshments. In the evening a concert was held at which the pianist was Joe Crowther, of Accrington Locomotive Sheds, the sopranos were Miss Clingo of Ramsbottom and Miss Hesmondhalgh of Church along with Mrs Stevens of Accrington. Concertina duettists from Accrington Locomotive Sheds, were A. Cowell and J. Staves. The elocutionists were Miss Alcott of Rishton and George Smith from Accrington, and comedy was provided by Messrs Snape and Hoskins, from Colne loco. They were followed by Mr J. Swarbrick from Accrington’s Passenger Department, and Mr M. Harwood from Accrington loco, who sang by request a duet (I’m a dada). All were applauded in the same spirit as had been shown during the competition. A presentation of a leather case was made to Mr Thomas Edward Sutton, who had for very many years been the Works Storekeeper in Accrington. Captain Bullock, of St. John Ambulance Service, was also thanked with a donation for allowing the use of the Drill Hall. Miss Smith, of the Co-operative Society, was thanked for the excellent tea and the efficient manner in which it had been served. The event concluded at 11pm with a rendition of God Save the Queen. March At a meeting of the Watch Committee, the Borough Surveyor reported he had been in communication with the LMS with regard to a small strip of cemetery land near the bridge over the railway leading to the Cricket Ground, whilst submitting a plan of this land. The Railway Company had requested on what terms the Corporation were prepared to sell this land. He reminded the Committee of the price paid for the purchase of a portion of land by the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Company in 1901, which included the condition that they constructed a new wall parallel to the railway. It was resolved that the LMS should be offered this land on these same terms and conditions. April The Watch Committee met to receive an application from the National Union of Railwaymen, asking for permission to hold a National Flower Day in aid of their Orphans’ Fund. It was resolved to give permission for this worthy cause. Over Whitsuntide, 1923, on the Monday there were several trains to and from Accrington to Blackpool Central on the Saturday and this is a record of those seen on this service To Accrington To Blackpool Central Locomotive Type Coaches 06:40 - 1317 2-4 2T 6 07:59 - 1221 4-4-0 8 - 08:51 1247 0-6-0 5 09:43 - 1247 0-6-0 5 - 16:35 285 2-4 2T 6 18:01 - 285 2-4 2T 6 - 19:06 1043 2-4 2T 6 20:26 - 1043 2-4 2T 6 21:06 1317 2-4 2T 4 21:55 - 1003 4-4-0 6 Also operating on Blackpool to Colne trains - 1658 (4-6-0), 368 (4-4-0), 212 (0-6-0), 1408 (4-4-2) & 1670 (4-6-0). ( Information from the Lancashire & Yorkshire Societies’ Records .) June On the 30 th , a party of over 300 members of the Accrington Branch of the Women’s Association departed Accrington by special train at midnight on Friday, to take part in a parade in London in support of women’s rights. Other events were planned for the Saturday before the return from Euston at 11:40pm.

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