South Wales
Meeting Reports
Wednesday 12th NovemberMonochrome to Fujichrome
Peter Skelton
On 12th November Peter Skelton presented his “Monochrome to Fujichrome” show. The first half was dominated by black and white photographs showing the decline and fall of BR steam through the 1960s in many parts of the country (including a view of a busy Radyr shed). As his equipment improved Peter graphically demonstrated the scope and subtlety of the black and white format. The second half took us to Eastern Europe, Asia and South Africa in search of steam as well as seeing preserved British steam. Much was in colour (and, seemingly, in either very hot or cold weather!) but of particular interest were the same scenes shot in colour and black and white. Those of the audience interested in the types of camera, film, and f-stops used were kept well informed whilst the rest of us simply enjoyed the large number and range of wonderful images. Out thanks to Peter for a first class show much appreciated by our largest attendance so far.
Wednesday 8th October
The second part of our evening’s entertainment was a slide show given by our esteemed Branch Secretary, Noel Thompson who recreated a holiday taken with his late brother to Scotland in 1961 using images they took and some commercially produced ones. We started in Bargoed (their home at the time) and travelled via Cardiff, Newport, Birmingham, Sheffield, York and Newcastle to the caravan they rented in North Berwick. From here day trips were taken using a Scottish Rail Rover ticket to places too numerous to mention, but including a tour of Fife, Aberdeen, Fort William, Glasgow and the Clyde. The gems that were seen during our show made most of us wish we could borrow a time machine and revisit the railway system of 47 years ago. Noel’s selection of slides was much appreciated by all present and his anecdotes reminded us all of a time now long gone. Thank you Noel.
Police within the Rail Network
PC Derek Anderson and PCSO Lauren Humphries, British Transport Police
Our October Branch Meeting became a BOGOF event (Buy One Get One Free); we had two very different meetings in the same evening. Firstly, we had a talk given by PC Derek Anderson and PCSO Lauren Humphries, both representatives of the British Transport Police; their theme was in connection with their current roles based at Pontypridd involved in Neighbourhood Policing and the many and various initiatives to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour on trains in the South-Wales Valleys. We were told about how the BTP gain the trust and confidence of all members of the communities in which they serve, but specifically (and predominantly) the younger element with too much time on their hands, (sometimes) access to alcohol, peer pressure and little fear of the consequences. The BTP are meeting with youth organisations, arranging events such as football competitions, trying to befriend a part of the community that most people will cross the road to avoid when met in any number. Derek explained some of the reasoning behind this approach by reminding us that ‘they are only children, they probably have a very difficult life at home with little discipline and have a tendency to run wild because no-one has told them early enough not to.’ A big stick approach is also used where it is seen as being appropriate and often a combination of the softly, softly approach and the big stick brings results. It is an ongoing problem that we, the travelling public must be grateful for the perseverance of the BTP to make our railways safe on which to travel. Our thanks go to Derek and Lauren for an interesting and thought provoking talk, it was a pity we had a below average attendance at this meeting.
Wednesday 10th September
The pictures came with an entertaining commentary and we are grateful to Paul for getting our new indoor season off to a flying start in front of a good turn-out in our new premises.
Railtours and Rovers in the 1980s
Paul Udey
Rail Tours and Rovers in the 1980s was the subject of Paul Udey’s presentation on 10th September. He told us that he particularly liked travelling by train and his travels in the first half of the 1980s took him from Penzance to Thurso including trips to Weymouth Quay, Dungeness, Blaenau Ffestiniog , Barton on Humber and on a choppy sea voyage from Mallaig to the Kyle. It was the time of the BR blue era and we saw everyday workings around Bristol and Bath and the last summer of the Deltics and Class 40s in normal service. It brought home to us how different the railway looked in the pre-sprinter age. We also saw current images of some of the traction already seen in blue and these provided a splash of colour as did the steam traction seen at the Bluebell Railway and Liverpool Garden Exhibition.
Railtours took Paul off the beaten track including several Valley destinations of particular interest to this Branch.
Wednesday 14th May
Steam on the Main Line in 2007
Karl Jauncey and Dave Richards
On 14th May Preserved Steam on Video’s David Richards and Carl Jauncey presented extracts from their latest DVDs showing steam on the main line in 2007. The evening was filled with memorable visual and sound images which demonstrated their expertise in choosing the right locations to best illustrate the many and various steam specials during the year. Of particular note was the Great Britain special in April which covered the length of the country which provided the rare sight of an A4 pacific running with a pilot engine (61994); it also provided the welcome sight of coaching stock in a uniform livery. There were many other highlights in a show which provided an excellent end to the current season of indoor fixtures.
November 2008