Accrington Railways - Robert Kenyon

early booking was necessary to reserve a seat and also take up the option of lunch on the outward journey and dinner on the return at 21/- extra. The month closed out on the 26 th , with trips to Millom or Sheffield. February The excursions began on Sunday, the 2 nd , to Coventry or Ingleton, followed on the 9 th , by another diesel railcar trip to Llandudno or Workington. On the 16 th , a shorter distance took the ramblers to Foulridge for 2/10d, Earby 3/2d and Skipton 3/9d, whilst Leicester was the destination for those wanting a longer day out. Barrow and Sheffield were the trips on offer on Sunday, the 23 rd . Advanced notice was given of a train and steamer excursion to Staffa & Iona, which would run on June 13 th . Departure would be at 21:30 from Accrington on Friday evening and would go overnight to Oban. Passengers would then transfer to a steamer for a cruise to Tobermoray, with time allowed at Staffa and Iona before a return to Oban for a 21:00 train. The initial cost was 72/6d, and for an extra 14 shillings each way, a limited number of sleeping berths were available, but advanced booking would be essential. March The delights of Doncaster or Coventry were possibilities on Sunday, the 6 th , followed on the 9 th by Chesterfield or a diesel railcar run to Llandudno. Stanley were away at Hull City and fans could go outward changing at Todmorden and Wakefield, and return by changing at Goole and Wakefield for 12/9d, leaving at 10:03 and returning from Paragon Station at 17:15 or 18:35. ( Stanley lost 1 - 0. ) Organised rambles were arranged on the 16 th , on a train calling at Horton-in-Ribblesdale at 6/6d, Garsdale 8/6d, Hawes 9/3d, Askrigg 9/9d, Aysgarth 10/3d, Redmire 10/6d or Leyburn 11/3d. On Sunday, the 23 rd , the excursions were to Llandudno, via the North Wales resorts, Workington, Hull or a diesel railcar trip to Blackpool for 4/6d the usual caveats applying. Hooliganism bordering on mayhem on Sunday nights at Accrington Station had caused the police to have men on duty there. On March 2 nd , there were about 100 youths on platforms 5 and 6 who were obviously hostile to each other. This had resulted in objects being thrown across the lines, and when a train came in the fire buckets were hurled over the carriages. At Accrington Magistrate’s Court a Blackburn youth was fined £3 for disorderly behaviour, whilst two ‘Teddy Boys’ from Burnley pleaded guilty to wilful damage for breaking a waiting room window on one of the platforms. One was fined £5 plus £1 – 0s – 3d the cost of the damage and was required to pay 2 guineas advocate’s fees, whilst a second youth was given a similar fine. On Saturday, the 22 nd , Blackburn Rovers met Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup semi-final at Maine Road, Manchester, and a special departed from Church & Oswaldtwistle only at 12:05 for 4/2d, returning by any train from Victoria. It was a big sporting day on the 29 th , and a train left Accrington at 10:12 for Aintree and the Grand National. The fare was 7/- but 1st Class was available at 11/6d, and the return was from the Sefton Arms at 17:22. The month ended on Sunday, the 29 th , with another railcar trip to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. April Trips over Easter included on Good Friday, the 4 th , Fleetwood, Llandudno and Ilkley, on Saturday to Morecambe, Liverpool for New Brighton, and Sunday to Grassington, Coventry and Belle View. On Saturday, the 5 th , Stanley fans could see their team play away at Halifax Town for 4/3d return, by departing Church & Oswaldtwistle on the 13:02, which called at Accrington at 13:07 and Huncoat at 13:12, the return train from Halifax departing at 17:10. ( Stanley won 2-0. ) On Sunday, 13 th , a ramblers excursion visited Marple for 6/-, Millers Dale 7/6d, Bakewell 8/6d, Rowsley 9/-, Matlock 9/6d and Derby 11/9d. BR were also promoting 6-day continental cruises on the TSS Duke of Lancaster from Southampton, to Holland, Belgium and France. Departing on the 7 th , 14 th and 21 st of June, fares started at £24 including rail tickets to the ship. Freezing conditions kept most people at home over the Easter weekend and a spokesman at Accrington Station said, “Excursions are planned well in advance, but due to the weather most left virtually empty, and it is not possible to alter our arrangements just to suit the climate. Even the ones to Blackpool were lightly loaded!” On Saturday, the 19 th , thirty employees at Accrington Locomotive sheds had their annual outing to London, by train of course. In the afternoon they saw Burnley play at Arsenal and in the evening went to the Palladium Theatre to see a performance by Liberace. Stanley were away at Workington Town, and fans would have to change at Preston and Carlisle to see the game at a fare of 15/6d. ( Stanley won 1 - 0 .) A day later the same destination was visited by a special, this time without having to change trains. Seats were limited on the 00:14 overnight train to Glasgow for the Scotland v England match. The fare was

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