Accrington Railways - Robert Kenyon

43/6d and the return left Central Station at 23:30. The railcar special to Newcastle-upon-Tyne was repeated on Sunday, the 27 th , along with an excursion to Chesterfield. Anyone intending to purchase a ‘Railrover Ticket’ which would allow 7 consecutive days travel anywhere on the London Midland Region, would have to give 48 hours’ notice of purchase. These were priced at £9 2nd Class, and £13 – 10s – 0d 1st Class. May On May 3 rd , it was the FA Cup Final between Bolton Wanderers and Manchester United, and seating was limited on the train departing at 00:24 to London Euston at 43/-. Return from Euston was at 01:17 on Sunday morning. According to MP Harry Hynd, the dispute between the railway unions and the British Transport Commission was still unresolved. But after the Prime Minister along with the Minister of Transport, Ernest Marples and Sir Brian Robertson had met with the union’s representatives, it appeared that some of the projects for the railways which had been under threat had since been reinstated. In particular this included the introduction of more diesel locomotives. The MP was also on the warpath about the working conditions in some of the railway offices, which he described as “Lacking, proper lighting, ventilation, cleanliness and sanitation.” He was once again trying to promote the Offices Regulation Bill, which he said has never got any further in its implementation. “Why should the type of people the railways need to move the industry forward, choose to work in such poor conditions, when they can earn their living in a more conducive environment. It is time we got away from the attitude that the railways must pay before we can afford to give its employees a decent living wage and proper working conditions. We do not say that firemen or policemen should make a profit as they perform a service, which is exactly what the railway does and that is why it should have a subsidy.” On Sunday, the 4 th , there was a circular tour to Morecambe via Ingleton, specials to Barrow and Doncaster. This year’s amateur photographic excursion would visit Knaresborough and York, departing at 11:35 for 10/6d, whilst on Sunday, the 11 th the only choice was Leicester. A new destination was advertised for Monday, July 7 th , to Oxford. The itinerary would include a visit by coach to Blenheim Palace, a steamer cruise on the Thames and guided tour of the colleges. The train would include a cafeteria car but the 47/- fare would also include afternoon tea. Early booking was advised. On the 18 th , it was back to Millom or Lakeside for Bowness and Ambleside, with organised rambles from Keswick and Windermere. Over Whitsuntide, on Sunday the excursions were for Coventry, Ilkley, Chesterfield, Llandudno and a half day trip to Southport for 3/6d, leaving at 16:35 and returning at 22:50. One to Morecambe at 7/-, departing at 10:35 returning from Promenade Station at 20:08, which would be repeated again on Whit Monday. Also on Monday there was a trip to Longsight for Belle Vue. June Bike enthusiasts could leave at 23:35 on Thursday, the 5 th , to go via Fleetwood to Douglas for the TT Races. There was a supplement of 4/- in addition to the 27/- fare for a berth on the boat. The regular destinations of Coventry or Llangollen were visited on the 8 th , whilst on the 15 th , Barrow was one destination. However, as an alternative to the Cumbrian town, there was a rail rambler calling at Appleby West for 11/6d, with the option of walks from Kirkby Stephen or Appleby. The month closed out with a visit to Hull on the 22 nd and either Bala, Chesterfield, Coventry, Ilkley or York on the 29 th . On June 8 th , Accrington was one of the stations at which a Railway Correspondence & Travel Society tour called ‘The White Rose’ stopped for a photograph opportunity. The train had travelled from Manchester Victoria via Bury, and was on its way to Doncaster Works via Skipton, Harrogate & Knottingley. The motive power was made up of a Class 112 Cravens DMU, with the Society providing refreshments from out of the guard’s compartment. It would return to Manchester via Barnsley, Mirfield and Rochdale, after a works visit. July The combined rail, coach and steamer trip to Oxford departed Accrington again at 06:22 on the 7 th , returning from Oxford at 19:10, so must have proved popular. On the previous day, trips had operated to Saltburn and Redcar, Lakeside or Llandudno. Sunday, the 13 th , saw trips to Keswick or Doncaster. On Monday, the 14 th , there was what was billed as a Grand Tour of North Wales for 25/-. Departing Accrington at 07:25 it travelled to Menai Bridge for 1 hour’s stay, then on to Caernarfon for 1½ hours and on to Barmouth for 2½ hours, returning via Afonwen, Portmadoc, Dolgellau and Llangollen. Despite the train consisting of a cafeteria train packed lunches were available at 5/- extra but had to be ordered 48 hours in advance.

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