I used Waterfoot station during the last 3 months that it was open. I started at the grammar school in September 1966 and on a Monday I had an after school music lesson in the library. This meant that I missed the school bus and had to make my own way home to Greenmount about 8 miles away. So at 4-30pm I used to run down Townsend Street, across the road and through the front door of the station, buy a ticket and leg it up the steps to the platform just in time to catch the DMU from Bacup. I could be wrong but I seem to remember that the station and booking hall was still lit by gas lights but I was only 11 at the time. When the line closed in December 1966, I caught the bus instead but I will always remember that glimpse into a bygone era.
Many stations were gas lit for a long time. I remember my then local one, North Dulwich was converted while I was using it to get to school, probably in about 1969. Tunbridge Wells West was until it closed in about 1985, as was Selsdon, and I think Ilkley was the last.
Just think , if there had been a bit more of an effort by British Railways to keep rural lines like this open (single track, de-manning, reducing line speeds and simplifying stations) they might have lasted long enough to be of use now that road traffic levels are becoming unmanageable.
When was waterfoot viaduct demolished? Does anyone remember? I did actually see it once briefly from the ground where it passed behind the co-op and I think I must have walked across it once but I can't remember. I did walk once from rawtenstall to bacup along the old trackbed sometime back in the early 80's when it was still possible to some extent, before so much of it got built on and so many bridges removed etc. as well as the viaduct being demolished.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
utter madness , what the line could be today , but thanks for a beautiful film , from wigan , lancs
Would like to know when the tunnels were first constructed wonderful architecture and engineering from a simpler time
The music is so appropriate. I love the curve of viaduct away at the junction at Stubbins
Dr Beeching reported the decline in passenger traffic. The minister who approved the line closures was Barbara Castle, MP for Blackburn.
I used Waterfoot station during the last 3 months that it was open. I started at the grammar school in September 1966 and on a Monday I had an after school music lesson in the library. This meant that I missed the school bus and had to make my own way home to Greenmount about 8 miles away. So at 4-30pm I used to run down Townsend Street, across the road and through the front door of the station, buy a ticket and leg it up the steps to the platform just in time to catch the DMU from Bacup. I could be wrong but I seem to remember that the station and booking hall was still lit by gas lights but I was only 11 at the time. When the line closed in December 1966, I caught the bus instead but I will always remember that glimpse into a bygone era.
Many stations were gas lit for a long time. I remember my then local one, North Dulwich was converted while I was using it to get to school, probably in about 1969. Tunbridge Wells West was until it closed in about 1985, as was Selsdon, and I think Ilkley was the last.
Just think , if there had been a bit more of an effort by British Railways to keep rural lines like this open (single track, de-manning, reducing line speeds and simplifying stations) they might have lasted long enough to be of use now that road traffic levels are becoming unmanageable.
Very true very true indeed
This line was closed by the LMSR, not by British Railways.
They made damn sure this one wasn`t coming back, fools.
many memories ,such a sad loss,
East Lancs Railway to Bacup
It was the Bacup branch line in the days of BR and my childhood both long gone
Any ideas on who the Choir is ?
Enjoyed the pictures.
When was waterfoot viaduct demolished? Does anyone remember? I did actually see it once briefly from the ground where it passed behind the co-op and I think I must have walked across it once but I can't remember. I did walk once from rawtenstall to bacup along the old trackbed sometime back in the early 80's when it was still possible to some extent, before so much of it got built on and so many bridges removed etc. as well as the viaduct being demolished.
as far as I can remember it was demolished some time in the early 80s but I don't have a definite date.
tram from Manchester?
Went through waterfoot a few days ago,no signs of anything 🙁
Can anyone name the music please?
Tune is called Going Home, it's sung by Rossendale Male Voice Choir nowadays, but I have no idea who this may be !
I could not agree more such a waste. !!
So sad. What a waste.