For me Geoff, this is your best video, so many names from the past that I have had the honour to work with when at Woking as a 2nd man (1975-78) Stan is certainly a character I remember well and loved his stories. Being from Salisbury and living at Grateley station the photos are just wonderful, cheers Gary
Hi Gary, Thanks for your kind comments and glad you enjoyed the video. Yes, Stan certainly was a 'character' and I really enjoyed his company. I was down at Salisbury a few weeks ago at Mick Oakley's funeral - another great man I really looked up to. All the best Geoff
What wonderful stories. I nearly fell off my chair when I heard the name 'Bernie Knibbs.' I had the good fortune to work with Bernie when he was at Eurostar, and I was a fresh Train Manager back in '94. It was amazing to know someone - and such a gent - who started his career on steam, and ended up driving TMSTs! I look forward to catching up with the rest of your series. Many thanks,
I find these recollections and photos very interesting. I 'spotted' 73118 at some point, along with about half the named Standard 5's. I also caught plenty of the West Country / Battle of Britain class. I never saw 77014 but managed 77005 and 77007 in Scotland one year. I was too young to work on steam and we emigrated anyway, but trainspotting was my big thrill as a child, along with the pop music of the '60s
Sadly I wasn't born until 1970 so I missed steam, I did however enjoy the diesels on the Salisbury line in the 1980's. Seeing you guys on the loco at Grateley with beers made me laugh out loud. Different days. I had a driver who was a good friend & I managed to ride as his un-official second man for some years into the 1990's. I did work for BR in 1994 for some months before becoming SWT train operator, I did 16 years of service but clerical. it's great to hear all these stories. The dates of the Guildford staff starting in early 20th century and being passed as drivers in the 1940's during the second world war was very interesting. I didn't know that Guildford shed was a half round house also. Keep these videos coming it's very interesting to hear and see how it was really done. many thanks.
Geoff, my memories of Stan Harms is he once said" I prefer old numbered committees and three is to high a number" That was during his time on the LDC Bill.
77014 worked the Very last Steam Hauled Service 20.50 hrs from Bournemouth to Weymouth vans on the 9th July 67, Ray Ruffle Did 3 Wonderfull Drawings for Me, One of 72 std Clan Stewart, 35030 Elderdempster Line leaving Wloo on a Set of Empties, Driven by Jim Evans and a Charlie shunting at North Camp, lovely guy.You were and still are Legends, Every one of you
What wonderful memories, I wonder if today's workforce will be keen to discuss their working lives today in 50 years time, gawping at computer screens, delivering stuff or working in the public or service sectors. I was only starting my working life in 1967 but thank goodness I'm not starting today. I had a mortgage at 21 and skills for life not a huge student loan and sleeping on a mates sofa. One thing hasn't changed though, management seems the same. I'll let viewers decide what I mean by that. Railway men will know.
Sadly Ken it’s a lot worse in general when it comes to the management today, especially the HR, there are exceptions but they often have there hands tied.
Thank you for your memories of the great days of the railways, in this video is a driver by the name of Bill Brain besides loco 73118, is this the same Bill Brain that ended up at 73C Hither Green? of course there could have been two drivers of the same name. Cheers for some great memories.
For me Geoff, this is your best video, so many names from the past that I have had the honour to work with when at Woking as a 2nd man (1975-78) Stan is certainly a character I remember well and loved his stories. Being from Salisbury and living at Grateley station the photos are just wonderful, cheers Gary
Hi Gary,
Thanks for your kind comments and glad you enjoyed the video. Yes, Stan certainly was a 'character' and I really enjoyed his company.
I was down at Salisbury a few weeks ago at Mick Oakley's funeral - another great man I really looked up to.
All the best
Geoff
This series is wonderful. I feel almost a part of the world you describe. Very emotional and an historical gem of that lost world. Thank you.
What wonderful stories. I nearly fell off my chair when I heard the name 'Bernie Knibbs.' I had the good fortune to work with Bernie when he was at Eurostar, and I was a fresh Train Manager back in '94. It was amazing to know someone - and such a gent - who started his career on steam, and ended up driving TMSTs! I look forward to catching up with the rest of your series. Many thanks,
Absolutely fascinating oral history so vital for generations to come. Thank you.
Thank you Geoff for another great set of memories....
I find these recollections and photos very interesting. I 'spotted' 73118 at some point, along with about half the named Standard 5's. I also caught plenty of the West Country / Battle of Britain class. I never saw 77014 but managed 77005 and 77007 in Scotland one year. I was too young to work on steam and we emigrated anyway, but trainspotting was my big thrill as a child, along with the pop music of the '60s
Sadly I wasn't born until 1970 so I missed steam, I did however enjoy the diesels on the Salisbury line in the 1980's. Seeing you guys on the loco at Grateley with beers made me laugh out loud. Different days. I had a driver who was a good friend & I managed to ride as his un-official second man for some years into the 1990's. I did work for BR in 1994 for some months before becoming SWT train operator, I did 16 years of service but clerical. it's great to hear all these stories. The dates of the Guildford staff starting in early 20th century and being passed as drivers in the 1940's during the second world war was very interesting.
I didn't know that Guildford shed was a half round house also. Keep these videos coming it's very interesting to hear and see how it was really done. many thanks.
I’m a Woking driver Geoff, and I love your videos and book. Wonderful stuff!
Thanks Stuart - You'll also enjoy the next chapter 'Driving Days - Woking MT'
Geoff, my memories of Stan Harms is he once said" I prefer old numbered committees and three is to high a number" That was during his time on the LDC Bill.
77014 worked the Very last Steam Hauled Service 20.50 hrs from Bournemouth to Weymouth vans on the 9th July 67, Ray Ruffle Did 3 Wonderfull Drawings for Me, One of 72 std Clan Stewart, 35030 Elderdempster Line leaving Wloo on a Set of Empties, Driven by Jim Evans and a Charlie shunting at North Camp, lovely guy.You were and still are Legends, Every one of you
What wonderful memories, I wonder if today's workforce will be keen to discuss their working lives today in 50 years time, gawping at computer screens, delivering stuff or working in the public or service sectors. I was only starting my working life in 1967 but thank goodness I'm not starting today. I had a mortgage at 21 and skills for life not a huge student loan and sleeping on a mates sofa. One thing hasn't changed though, management seems the same. I'll let viewers decide what I mean by that. Railway men will know.
Sadly Ken it’s a lot worse in general when it comes to the management today, especially the HR, there are exceptions but they often have there hands tied.
@@amazoniaamazonia7225 Thanks for your input.
Thank you for your memories of the great days of the railways, in this video is a driver by the name of Bill Brain besides loco 73118, is this the same Bill Brain that ended up at 73C Hither Green? of course there could have been two drivers of the same name. Cheers for some great memories.
Hi, Must have been a different Bill Brain as this Bill, continued working as a driver at Woking MT until the end of his life.