Accrington Railways - Robert Kenyon

which took the train on to Euston. Prince Rupert was an admiral and the grandson of King James I of England. Another memory was that of Pacific 4-6-2 #72008 Clan Macleod, being rostered to the 18:00 daily parcels train for one week during 1959, when she was allocated to 12A Carlisle Kingmoor sheds. (This was possibly a running-in turn after a visit to Crewe Works). 1960 January On the 4 th , the first timetabled service by diesel railcar operated between Skipton and Blackpool Central via Burnley, Accrington, Blackburn and Preston. The excursions started early with a trip to Birmingham, ( not Coventry ), on Sunday, the 3 rd , calling at Wigan at 4/3d, Warrington 5/-, Crewe 7/6d, Stafford 12/3d, Wolverhampton 14/3d, Dudley Port 14/9d and New Street 15/6d, leaving Accrington at 10:06, Church 10:09. Old favourites Ingleton and Workington were on the menu on the 17 th . British Railways were advertising for junior clerks at Accrington. Conditions included statutory superannuation and the pay scale was for 15 & 16 year olds £192 per annum, at 17- £209, at 18 - £318, at 19 - £336, at 20 - £352, on reaching 21 - £370, rising annually to £521 per year at 28. Additional perks included free rail travel up to 8 miles, discounted rail travel and holidays with pay following a qualifying period. Applications were requested in writing to the District Passenger Manager, at Hunts Bank, Manchester 3. Burnley were away to Swansea Town in the 4th Round of the FA Cup on Saturday, the 30 th , and a special departed Accrington at 06:00 returning Victoria Station at 17:15. The fare was 32/-, and for a supplement of 24/3d fans could have lunch on the outward journey and dinner on the return, but this had to be booked in advance. On Sunday, the 31 st , there was a repeat visit to Millom or a railcar excursion to Sheffield. Despite the offer from the Council to pay for any additional roadworks, BTC had stated they had no plans to make any alterations to the railway bridge over Scaitcliffe Street, which was proving difficult for traffic delivering to Howard & Bullough’s Factory. However, they did say they would carry out the work if the Council was prepared to stand the entire cost for lengthening the structure in order to make it more accessible. The Highways Committee met in January, when the Town Clerk read out a letter from the British Transport Commission, indicating that there was no scheme under consideration which would include the lengthening of the railway bridge over the junctions of Ormerod Street, Scaitcliffe Street and Eagle Street in Accrington. But, it stated that the BTC would be prepared to undertake such a scheme if the Corporation undertook to fund the entire cost of the works, plus an amount with regard to the additional cost of maintaining a larger structure. It was resolved to note this correspondence and to pursue the matter no further. February The threat of a national rail strike was hanging over the country once again, but despite this, on Sunday the 21 st , specials were advertised to St Annes and Blackpool, Garstang, Bay Horse, Lancaster and Caton, with walks from Garstang, Lancaster and Caton, also Barrow, Ilkley or Sheffield on the 28 th . On Saturday, the 20 th , Burnley were away to Bradford City in the 5th Round of the Cup, and departing at 11:45 the fans could go for 6/-, with a return from Manningham Station at 17:18. Advanced notice was given of a rail and steamer cruise to the Western Isles. This would depart on Friday, May 20 th , and go overnight to Fort William. On Saturday there would be a sail on Loch Linhne, to the Sound of Mull, and including Loch Sinhart, Tobermory and Oban. The return would depart Fort William at 20:45 and the fare would be 78/-, with 2nd Class sleeping berths available at 14/- in each direction. Applications to take part in this excursion had to be made well in advance. Also being advertised were ‘Everything Arranged’ inclusive holidays by train in Ireland for £20 – 4s – 0d and Scotland for £19 – 2s – 0d. The month was rounded off on Sunday, the 28 th , with a railcar excursion to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Advertised as a ‘Diesel Excursion’, and departing Accrington at 10:53, Church & Oswaldtwistle at 10:57, on Sunday, 21 st , the destinations were either St. Annes or Blackpool at 4/6d. The return train was from Blackpool Central at 19:15 and St Annes at 19:23. Accommodation was limited so early booking was advised.

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