Accrington Railways - Robert Kenyon

Clarence Entwistle, who played a piece specially arranged for them by Mr Herbert Farnworth of Love Clough, entitled The Excursion Train Gallop. This had been played on the very first train to arrive at Helmshore Station on the 17 th , of August 1848. Mr Ellis Heap, who had been Acting Stationmaster at Helmshore Station up until the closure, and who was due to retire in twelve months’ time had now been made redundant. Also present on this occasion were signalman Mr T. Boardman, of Haslingden, and former Stationmaster, M. G. Eccles. A former Stationmaster at Accrington Station, Mr J. R. Searson, who was at one time the youngest one in the country, had also come to witness the passing of an era. The current Station Manager at Accrington, Mr J. Clownes, remarked that to a railwayman the railways were not just a career job, but also a way of life. Kenneth Flannagan, who had been the Stationmaster at Helmshore, but had been moved to Hapton before the closure, was of the opinion that the line could have been kept open. He felt that sufficient economies could have been made by using conductor/guards to collect fares on the trains, but the problem was getting the Union to agree on the rates of pay for this category of employee. Then by demanning all of the smaller stations costs would have been substantially reduced, but he accepted that maintenance of the bridges, tunnels and viaducts was a major factor in the expenditure of the line. Twice in his time he had seen steam engines being used to rescue diesel railcars, which had been stranded in snow on the Baxenden incline. At one time Mr Flannagan, who lived in Carlisle Road, had previously been in charge of the booking office at Accrington Station. Mr R. Spibey, Chairman of the Helmshore & District Railway Preservation Society, expressed his deep regret, whilst the Society’s Secretary, Mr Snelgrove, announced that they had written to British Railways offering to purchase the station and the track in order to continue operating a service to Bury, using the expertise of experienced railwaymen and enthusiastic volunteers. This would be run on a non profit making basis, raising funds by selling mementoes. However, they were still awaiting a response from BR. On December 4 th , all passenger services through to Manchester from Accrington via the Bury - Bolton Street and Clifton Junction route ended.

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CHAPTER 12

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