Accrington Railways - Robert Kenyon

On Saturday, the 17 th , Burnley supporters departing on the 08:35, would have to change at Stockport and Dudley to get to Smethwick to see the away game at West Bromwich Albion. On Sunday, the 18 th , the repeat excursions to Coventry and Barrow ran from Accrington, whilst rambles were arranged from the 09:45 departure, at both Hawes and Aysgarth, on an excursion to Redmire with the fare at 9/3d and Leyburn at 9/9d. On the 25 th , three specials ran to Chesterfield, Grassington or Millom. A spokesman at Accrington Station said more people had been tempted to go to Blackpool this year enticed by the bargain 6/6d period return, instead of the usual 10/6d fare. Despite uncertain weather, the trips to the Illuminations had tempted far more people than in recent years whilst the excursion to Barrow had been fully booked. October On Saturday, the 1 st , departing at Huncoat 11:30, Accrington 11:37 and Church 11:40 the first football special of the month ran to Wrexham for Stanley’s away game with happy supporters returning from General Station at 17:10, ( having seen them win 4 – 1 ). The fare was 8/-. Rovers’ fans could also travel to Bury to see their team play by departing Church at 13:05, coming back from Knowsley Street Station at 17:28 for 2/- return. Stanley were away again on the 22 nd to Bradford City, departing Rishton at 12:13 Church at 12:18, Accrington 12:23 and Huncoat 12:28, returning from Manningham at 17:15, fare 5/-, from Rishton 5/6d. ( Stanley lost 3 -1 .) On Sunday, the 9 th , there were repeat specials to Doncaster and to Workington whilst on the 23 rd , the choice was between Appleby, Barrow or Hull. It was still possible to go to London overnight for £29 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, if returning within 17 days. On Saturday, the 29 th , Burnley were away at Chelsea and by changing trains in Manchester off the 22:09 on Friday, 28 th , or on the 07:25 on Saturday this time changing in Preston, fans could have a return ticket for 35/-. November There were trains on Wednesday, the 2 nd , to Wembley for the England v Northern Ireland International, at 05:52 or 07:25 from Accrington by changing in Preston with a fare of 43/-. On Saturday, the 5 th , Stanley was away again, this time to Oldham Athletic. The fare on the special was 3/6d from Huncoat and 3/2d from Accrington, departing at 12:10 and 12:18 respectively. The return was from Oldham Central at 5pm. ( Stanley won 3 – 1. ) Despite the Illuminations coming to an end, trips to Blackpool would continue every Saturday, right through to April 21 st , (with the exception of March 21 st ), departing at 12:13, 1pm or 13:37 for 4/3d return. December On Saturday, the 3 rd , Stanley were away at Crewe Alexandra and a train departed Huncoat at 11:05 for 6/9d, Accrington 11:12 and Church 11:16 both at 6/6d, with a return from Crewe at 16:25. ( Crewe 0 - Stanley 3. ) On Saturday, the 10 th , Stanley were away again, this time to Darlington in the 2nd Round of the F.A. Cup. A train containing a cafeteria car departed Church at 09:52, Accrington 09:56 and Huncoat at 10:01, returning Darlington at 16:28, all at one fare 12/-. ( Darlington 0 – Stanley 1. ) On the same day Burnley were away at Wolverhampton Wanderers, departing Accrington at 08:33 with a change in Stockport or on the 10:06 with a change in Stafford, fare 15/-. Sunday excursions were to Barrow on the 4 th , and Coventry on the 11 th . There were more football specials on Christmas Eve to Kirkdale for Burnley at Everton, and on Boxing Day to Southport where Stanley were the visitors, leaving Huncoat at 12:20, Accrington at 12:26 and Church 12:30 at 4/-. Return was from either Chapel Street at 16:45 or St Lukes Station at 16:50. ( Southport 1 – Stanley 1. ) Rovers’ fans could see their game at Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday, the 27 th , departing Accrington at 11:33, returning from Wadsley Bridge at 16:35 for 7/6d, or on the same day PNE v Burnley for 2/8d return, leaving Accrington at 12:56 and returning on any train after 16:35. It was sometimes the case that the ascent out of Accrington on the 1 in 40 Baxenden incline, left the sanders on engines depleted or even totally empty. This was the case on December the 29 th , when ‘Crab’ #42731 of Bury Sheds was taking a thirty-six vehicle goods train to Ramsbottom. There crew the taking over would have to hope that the loco would not slip on the wet rails on its next turn of duty, up the Rossendale Valley to Rawtenstall and Bacup. On New Year’s Eve Rovers were away at Liverpool, the fare to Kirkdale was 5/6d. Stanley were also away to Stockport County with fans from Huncoat having to change in Accrington onto the 12:15, which would call at Haslingden at 12:26 and Helmshore at 12:32 with the return from Stockport Edgeley

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