Accrington Railways - Robert Kenyon

There was a ‘diesel excursion’ on Sunday, the 29 th , to Scarborough for a fare of 18/6d return, and prospective day trippers were advised to ‘book in advance as accommodation was strictly limited’. Departure was from Accrington at 10:48 with a return from Scarborough at 19:00. At a meeting of the Allotments Committee the Town Clerk submitted correspondence from the Estates & Ratings Department of British Railways, enquiring if the Corporation owned a piece of land adjoining the pedestrian crossing at Shoe Mill in Baxenden, and would they be agreeable to the removal of this crossing and prepared to relinquish any rights over this land? It went on to point out that the sleepers had been taken up from between these tracks in 1955 over one line and in 1957 over the second and there was no apparent reason why this crossing should remain in situation. It was resolved that as long as British Railways agreed to reserving the Corporation’s rights to bring this foot crossing back into use at some time in the future, no objections would be made to this proposal. December Football trips monopolised the specials during the month, on Christmas Eve to Blackpool for the Rovers game departing at 12:35 returning from Blackpool South at 17:00, or on any later train for 4/9d, followed by a train to Kirkdale leaving at 11:40 returning at 17:55 for Burnley’s game against Everton at 6/9d return. It wasn’t quite as straightforward for Stanley supporters on New Year’s Eve, as they would have to change in Todmorden both ways from the 09:59 departure from Accrington to see them play away at York. Fans could get to the match for 8/9d return. ( Stanley lost by the only goal of the game. ) In 1960 the following locomotive was reallocated - Origin Built New Type Class. Number In Out Withdrawn W. D. Riddles North British Oct. 1944 2 – 8 – 0 tender 9F 90374 Feb. 1960 Mar. 1961 Apr. 1964 90374 was the final locomotive to be transferred to ACCRINGTON shed before it closed to steam. ( About this time the engineering unions were again lobbying for the town to have earlier holidays, and they would soon have the support of 78% of the workers in the textile industry and a common policy with other trade unions .) 1961 January The year commenced on Saturday, the 7 th , with two football trips to the FA Cup 3rd Round games. Trains left Huncoat at 12:39 or 13:18, Accrington at 12:45 or 13:26 and Church at 12:47 or 13:30, for Preston at 3/10d, 3/7d and 3/6d respectively for Stanley’s game against North End. Returns from Preston were at 17:32, 17:37 (not Huncoat) and 18:10, or by any later train. ( PNE 1 - Stanley 1.) The gate was 20,268, and the replay at Peel Park on Monday, the 9 th , drew a large contingent from Preston by train. The gate was 14,596 and North End triumphed by 4 goals to 0. ) Rovers were away at Chesterfield and a special left Church at 11:08, Accrington at 11:13 returning from Chesterfield at 16:50 for a fare of 12/-. On Sunday, the 22 nd , there was a repeat of the ramblers’ trip to Caton. The usual cheap day returns were available on every Saturday to both Blackpool and Southport. Bookings were strictly regulated on the train departing at 22:09 on Friday night the 27 th , for Burnley’s FA Cup Tie at Brighton & Hove Albion. The return was at 18:15. The fare was 42/- and there were light refreshments available to make the long journeys more tolerable. A special return excursion by Diesel was advertised for Sunday, January 29 th , departing Accrington at 10:20 and Church & Oswaldtwistle at 10:23 to Lancaster 6/6d, Carnforth 7/6d, Silverdale 8/-, Arnside 8/6d, Grange-over-Sands 9/-, Ulverston 10/9d, Dalton-in-Furness 11/6d, Roose 13/3d and Barrow 14/-. Advanced notice was given by BR of the ‘Cruising Holidays’ which would depart from Heysham on the T.S.S. Duke Of Lancaster on May 23 rd , for 12 days, visiting Denmark and Holland from £46, or departing Harwich on June 6 th , a 6-day cruise to Holland and Belgium, from £26, with a 12-day version of this holiday at £46. Other holiday cruises from Heysham were to the Scottish Lochs from £38, departing on June 6 th , and again on September 16 th . Trains passing through Accrington to and from Liverpool via Preston and Ormskirk in 1961 were – Time From To Type 06:25 Rose Grove Aintree sorting sidings Class K goods 06:25 Aintree sorting sidings Accrington Class F goods

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