On March 8 Mr. G. NASH, Engine Driver, retired after 47 years' service with the L.N.W. and L.M.S. He started at Abergavenny in 1891, was transferred to Bangor in 1896, and to Llandudno Junction later the same year, returning to Abergavenny in 1903.

Best wishes are extended to Engine Drivers "Joe" DESBOROUGH and W. ("Old Bill") DAKIN, who have retired after 45 and 46 years' service respectively.

Mr. G. I. DAVIES, Fitter, Motive Power Dept., retired on March 18 after 20 years' service, and to mark that event & the occasion of his recent marriage,, Mr. J. T. KING presented him with a Westminster chimes clock.

Best wishes for a happy retirement were extended to Drivers Robert HUGHES and T. J. WILLIAMS at a recent function, when they were each presented with a wallet of notes by Mr. J. T. KING on behalf of the Welfare Society.

Mr. J. KITCHEN, Engine Shed Arranger, was recently presented with a smoking cabinet on the occasion of his retirement. Mr. RIGBY made the presentation, and his good wishes were supported by Mr. GERRARD and others.

On March 7 Mr. F. M. LACY, Loco. Inspector, who has recently been appointed to a similar position at Rugby, was presented with a barometer by members of the Mansfield, Kirkby and District M.I.C.s. In making the presentation, Mr. H. E. JAMES wished Mr. LACY every success in the future.

At a well-attended smoking concert on March 15 presentations were made by Mr. MOORE to Drivers J. STAFFORD, 49 years' service (clock), and F. PLATT, 48 years' (easy chair). Mr. MOORE's good wishes to the recipients for happiness in retirement were supported by Messrs. WALKER and HALLSWORTH. Mr. H. DAVIES presided.

Mr. John BELL, Ash Filler, who retired in February, has been presented with a purse of money subscribed by colleagues.

Smoking outfits, etc., and umbrellas for their wives were recently presented to the following retired members of the footplate staff: Messrs. T. RILEY, H. BEECH, W. WARING, A. WHALLEY, T. HOWARTH, H. WARE, T. LARBEY, W. BUSFIELD and H. SELLARS. Mr. BRADLEY handed over the gifts, and his good wishes were supported by Mr. T. KIRBY and others.

On March 25 a presentation was made to Mr. A. DEAN, Labourer, Motive Power Department, who has retired after 41 ys' service. Mr. H. WALLBANKS, who will also retire shortly, handed over a smoking outfit & Treasury notes to Mr. DEAN, best wishes being expressed by Messrs. F. FRADLEY & F. RAMSDALE.

On April 1 Mr. E. M. AMBLER was presented with a Parker pen and pencil by the clerical and supervisory staff with their good wishes on his appointment to District Loco. Superintendent, Wellingborough.

Mr. C. GRAHAM, Leading Carter, has retired, and to mark the occasion the staff recently presented him with a sum of money. Mr. BAMBER handed over the gift, and his good wishes were supported by Mr. HIGHAM. Mr. GRAHAM had worked at Accrington for 41 years.

Mr. Leslie BLOOD, Booking Office, was presented with a Westminster chimes clock by Mr. SMITH on March 30 to mark his promotion to the position of Stationmaster at Stoke Golding. Best wishes were extended to Mr. BLOOD, who has been at Beeston for 13 years.

On April 7 Mr. R. H. MURPHY presented £20 in notes to Mr. S. PARKINSON, and on behalf of the staff wished him happiness in retirement. Mr. PARKINSON suitable acknowledged the gift, and stated that he intended to purchase two Dunlopillo chairs.

Mr. J. HAMPSON recently presented a gold watch to Mr. A. J. BLUNDELL, one of the most popular Goods Guards at Bletchley, who has retired after 49 years' service. Messrs. ELLIOTT and ATKINS supported Mr. HAMPSON's good wishes to the recipient.

On March 18 Mr. Harold SLEIGH was presented with a dinner and tea service. Mr. J. H. PARTON made a presentation, and best wishes were extended to the recipient on his departure to Macclesfield as Signalman.

Mr. W. H. OWENS, Signalman, has retired after 42 years' service. He started at Llangammarch, and after-wards worked at Gowerton, Swansea, and Dunvant. Mr. OWEN is keenly interested in gardening and singing.

A bicycle from his staff, a motor mower, wireless set, grandmother clock, and a cheque from the traders of Burton were practical expressions of the esteem in which Mr. Frank EDWARDS, retiring L.M.S. and L.N.E. Goods Agent, has been held during the past 48 years. The presentations took place - by photographic tokens - at a gathering presided over by Mr. C. BECK, who was accompanied by Mr. E. WHITEHOUSE and rep-resentatives of local business concerns. Mr. E. L. WHITE made the presentation on behalf of the staff, and Mr. B. CARFOOT (Messrs. Ind Coope and Allsopp, Ltd.,) officiated for the traders. Many striking compliments were paid to Mr. EDWARDS, to whom good wishes were extended for happiness in retirement.

BIRMINGHAM

Mr. G. W. JACKSON retired on March 30 after 46 years' service, most of which has been spent as a Goods Guard travelling in the Birmingham, Manchester, Peterborough, and Camden districts. Mr. JACKSON was transferred to the D.P.M.O. Bill Despatch Room three years ago. Colleagues have presented him with a wallet of notes.

Mr. Alfred HAMPSHIRE, Goods Loader, Curzon Street, retired on March 21, and was presented with a rolled-gold watch and chain by Mr. MOORE. Mr. HAMPSHIRE joined the Company in 1908, but owing ill-health ahs been employed as Gatekeeper for the past 11 years.

 

 

CHAPELTOWN

On April 3 Mr. T. A. HUDDLESTONE, Stationmaster, was presented with a fireside chair by Mr. C. SHAW on the occasion of his retirement, and Mr. J. HARRISON (Mr. HUDDLESTONE's successor) wished him happiness in the future. The principals of Messrs. NEWTON, CHAMBERS and Co. also presented Mr. HUDDLESTONE with a cheque. Mr. HUDDLESTONE commenced his railway career 46 years ago, and has since worked at Edmonthorpe and Wymondham, Wincobank, Whatstandwell, Hyde, Hazel Grove, Matlock, Great Longstone, and Ecclesfield.

On March 18 Mr. L. C. BRITTLEBANK presided over a gathering of the D.G. & P.M.O. staff, at which he presented a gold watch and chain to Mr. R. Matthews JONES, and a handbag to Mrs. JONES. Best wishes for happiness in retirement were extended to the recipients by Messrs. L. HALES, A. J. MOORE, F. W. BOOTH, and others.

Colleagues presented an umbrella on March 16 to Mr. G. L. MEEK on his retirement from the position of Signalman. Mr. MEEK commenced in 1894 at Swadlincote, and has since worked at Earby, Sheepbridge, Fishponds, Tamworth, Elford, Burton, Langley Mill, and Codnor Park.

On March 16 a presentation of cutlery was made to Miss Mary ELLIS, Goods Abstract and Ledger Dept., on the occasion of her marriage. Mr. R. H. WILSON handed over the gift, and his wishes to the recipient for future happiness were supported by other members of the staff.

Mr. J. WINSKILL, who retired from the position of Chief Booking Clerk in December, was the recipient of three presentations on March 31. Mr. C. J. COWLEY handed over the gifts, which consisted of a wireless set and wallet of notes from the staff, an umbrella from the Passenger Guards and a wad of Treasury notes from the G.W.R. staff. Eulogistic references to the recipient were made by Messrs. T. FARRELL (G.W.R.), R. SINGLETON, E. YATES, E. JONES and M. L. BIRCH.

LIVERPOOL

Over two hundred subscribers were represented at an interesting function which took place on March 29 at D.G.M.O., Waterloo Dock, when a presentation was made to Mr. Walter C. HILTON on the occasion of his retirement. Under the chairmanship of Mr. "Bob" GARNER tributes to Walter HILTON were paid by Alderman Edwin SMITH, Miss I. D. BURKE, and Messrs. HASKAYNE, STEWART, and OSBOURNE, following which a Westminster-Whittington chiming clock and dining-table, together with a handbag and umbrella for Mrs. HILTON, were presented by Mr. Frank NEWMAN.

Mr. A. FAULKS, Stationmaster and Goods Agent, who has retired owing to ill-health, was presented with three sets of Shelley china, Doulton figures, and a Rolls razor by the staff and public. He was greatly respected by all, and leaves happy memories behind.

On March 23 Mr MAXWELL presented Mr. W. CROFT, Carter, with cheques on behalf of the Goods Dept.. Retirement Fund, and the Carter's Benevolent Fund to mark his retirement after 41 years' service. Mr. W. M. WILLIAMS presided, and best wishes were extended to the recipient.

Under the auspices of the Signalman's Testimonial Fund (Wakefield Area), a smoking cabinet was presented to Signalman F. W. LAND on his retirement after 42 years' service. Mr. LUMLEY handed over the gift.

Mr. T. A. STOTT, Delivery Clerk, has retired after 44 years' service, and to mark the occasion was presented with an easy chair for himself, and one for his wife. Mr. STOTT is unfortunatly in indifferent health, and colleagues wish him a speedy recovery.

Mr. J. S. LOCKWOOD, Porter, has been presented with a lamp standard and shade by colleagues on the occasion of his retirement. Mr. LOCKWOOD started with the L.Y.R. at Wakefield C. & W. in 1888, and later worked in the Motive Power Dept., before being transferred to the Traffic Dept. in 1914, moving to Healey Mills in 1915.

On March 30 Mr. COATES, late Stationmaster, was presented with a vacuum cleaner subscribed for by the staff and a few travelling friends. In making the presentation Mr. A. JOHNSON referred to Mr. COATE's long service, and wished him happiness in retirement.

Mr. J. WHIKE has been presented with an oak bureau by colleagues of the Parcels Office Staff. Mr. LOWIS handed over the gift.

On behalf of the staff Mr. S. PALFREYMAN presented a silver cigarette-case to Mr. J. J. RYDER, Chief Clerk, on April 3 to mark the occasion of his promotion to the Goods Agency at Tunstall. Members of the staff wished him every success in his new position.

AT the first reunion dinner of the Halifax Signalmen's Testimonial Fund, presided over by Mr. A. JAMES, Mr. Andrew BRYAN was presented with a clock, together with an umbrella for his wife. Mr. BRYAN started with the L. & Y, and during his career worked at Low Moor, Lightcliffe, Bradford, Liversedge, Halifax, Mytholmroyd, and Luddendenfoot.

A hot-pot and smoking concert followed the presentation by Mr. DAWSON of a silver tea service to Mr. James FARNWORTH, on his retirement from the position of Deputy Chief Controller on March 17. Mr. F. A. G. POOLE presided, and spoke warmly of his association with Mr. FARNWORTH. Supporting speeches were made by several colleagues.

On March 21 Mr. T. H. MACDOWALL, Advertising and Publicity Dept., D.P.M.O., retired after 50 years' service, and colleagues presented him with a chiming clock to mark the occasion. Mr. MCDOWALL, who will be missed by his many friends at the stations and in Hunt's Bank, takes with him the good wishes of a wide circle of people.

AT a social evening held on March 23 Mr. SHARMAN, late C.-in-C., Telegraph Office, Manchester (Victoria), was presented with a wallet of Treasury notes on behalf of the staff, who wished him good health and a happy retirement.

Mr. Sam RAMSEY retired on March 26 after 46 1/2 years' service, 40 of which have been spent as Goods Guard. Mr. RAMSEY started at Burton in 1893 and, after working at Derby and Manchester, was transferred to Rowsley in 1901.

STOCKPORT

Mr. W. H. JAMES presided over a large gathering on March 19 at which presentations were made to Inspectors T. LACE and J. GREAVES.

Mr. Thurston JOHNSON handed a Westminster chimes clock to Mr. LACE, and a handbag to his wife, whilst Mr. HILL presented a wall clock to Mr. GREAVES. Mrs. GREAVES also received a handbag, best wishes being extended by colleagues.

Mr. LACE joined the L.N.W.R. in 1901 at Heaton Norris, subsequently serving at Manchester (Exchange and Central), Stockport, Mayfield, and Longsight, afterwards returning to Stockport.

Mr. GREAVES commenced at Brooklands, M.S. & J.A., in 1900, being transferred to Stockport in 1904.

Mr. C. H. TATTERSAL retired on March 14 after over 44 years with the Company. Mr. TATTERSAL started at Huddersfield, and was transferred to Sheffield Wicker Staff Office in 1901. Colleagues wish him happiness in retirement.

WIDNES

On March 11 Mr. J. H. SAXE, Yardmaster, was honoured by colleagues after 41 years' service. The Mayor (Councillor HESKETH) presided, and called upon Mr. R. B. WINGATE to present a wallet of notes to Mr. SAXE, best wishes being extended to the recipient by Messrs. J. BARROW, D. FAZAKERLEY, and O. BLYTHE (I.C.I.).

To mark the occasion of Mr. R. SWARBRICK's retirement from the position of Station Foreman on January 13, a wallet of notes was recently presented to him by Mr. R. PARK, together with a pipe and case. Mr. GRAHAM presided over the gathering.

Mr. H. BROWN, Chief Clerk, Goods Dept., retired on Februay 28 after 45 years' service, and on March 8 was presented with a gold watch by Mr. H. S. MCDONALD. A presentation was also made to Mrs. BROWN. Mr. F. G. ELSDEN presided over the ceremony, and best wishes were extended to both Mr. and Mrs. BROWN for happiness in retirement.

On March 10 Mr. A. HILL presided over a gathering at which Mr. J. H. BROTHERHOOD presented a number of Treasury notes to Mr. S. PUMFLEET, Signalman, who retired on February 18 after 49 years' service. Best wishes were extended to both Mr. and Mrs. PUMFLEET by Messrs. LEWIS, FULLER, and GREEN.

Mr. Matthew CROSSLAND, Stableman-in-Charge, Kirkgate Good, retired on March 28 after 44 years' service, commencing with the L.N.W.R. in 1895. Mr. SMITH presented Mr. CROSSLAND with a clock, together with a handbag for Mrs. CROSSLAND, and many tributes were paid to the recipient by colleagues.

On March 24 Mr. N. G. MCLEOD presented an oak folding table to Mr. Arthur LAMB, Assistant Delivery Clerk, who has retired after 47 years' service. Messrs. WATKINS, RIGBY, and HARDING, associated themselves with the good wishes expressed by the chairman. Mr. LAMB, who commenced as a Junior Number Taker at Arpley station, had been associated with the Bank Quay Delivery Dept., for over 30 years.

At the third annual dinner of the South District Engineer's Staff, held on March 10, Mr. H. B. EVERARD (Chairman) presented a loud speaker to Mr. W. M. BESWICK, who has been promoted to Head Office Inspector, a clock to Mr. R. E. SCOTT, now Chief Permanent Way Inspector, Barrow, and a revolving bookcase to Mr. W. FAIRFIELD, who has been made Chief Permanent Way Inspector at Stoke. A wallet of notes was presented to Mr. H. COOPER, Works Foreman, Sandiacre, who has retired.

CHINLEY

On March 23 Mr. P. BRADLEY, Lengthman, retired after 24 years' service, and was presented with Westminster chimes and bedroom clocks by colleagues who wish him happiness in his retirement.

Mr. J. SPENCER, Ganger, who has retired after 40 years' service, was recently presented with a N.U.R. cheque and a case of pipes, together with a sum of money from colleagues. Mr. SPENCER was congratulated on his long service, and everyone wished him many happy years of retirement.

Ganger, W. HERMAN, No. 16 Gang, has retired after completing 42 years' service. Mr. HERMAN commenced in 1897, and subsequently worked at Ridgmont and Millbrook, being appointed in 1930 to the position from which he has now retired.

On the occasion of the retirement of Mr. T. ASTBURY, Ganger, on April 3, a Westminster chimes clock was presented to him by Inspector R. F. PHILLIPS. Messrs. R. P. H. PARRY, W. A. ROBERTS, and T. KEANE extended their best wishes to Mr. ASTBURY for happiness in retirement.

On March 18 a gold watch was presented to Mr. Alf. CHALLINOR on his retirement after 47 years' service. Mr. H. PRESTON presided, and Mr. J. JACKSON handed over the gift. Mr. CHALLINOR started at Crewe in 1892, and was later transferred to the Engineering Dept., Lancaster, subsequently being moved to Preston. In 1913 Mr. CHALLINOR received an award for saving a newsboy's life on the permanent way.

OTHER DEPARTMENTS

Congratulations are extended to Mr. W. E. PULLEN, Electrical Engineer's Dept., Stoke, on the occasion of his marriage to Miss Ena BALDOCK. The wedding took place at Harrow on April 1.

On March 9, 150 people attended the eleventh annual presentation supper presided over by Mr. H. W. HING. The chairman made all welcome, and called on Messrs. BRIGGS, SWARBRICK, SAUNDERS, and HINDMARCH, to make the presentations to the men in their own departments. The recipients were:- Mr. J. DAWSON, Driver, 45 years' service, garden tools; Mr. Wm. FARRER, Driver (45 years), umbrella; Mr. Mr. R. ASKEW, Fitter (37 years), umbrella; Mr. T. SMITH, Stores Issuer (44 years), pipes; Mr. A. BRAZINGTON, Inspector (45 years), umbrella; Mr. A. ATKINSON, Station Foreman (37 years), umbrella; Mr. J. CHAPMAN, Signalman, carvers; Mr. G. W. SPEED, Good Guard (49 years), umbrella; Mr. C. CLARKSON, Permanent Way Ganger (38 years), garden tools; Mr. A. METCALFE, Permanent Way Lengthman (22 years), garden tools; Mr. T. HORNBY, Wagon repairer (43 years), umbrella.

Mr. Jack HERON, Cleaner, Road Motor Dept., Euston Garage, retired on March 22 after 35 years' service. He started in 1904 as a Horse Bus Driver and in 1911 was selected to drive one of the first motor buses introduced by the L.N.W.R. Mr. HERON has been presented with a wallet of notes by Mr. A. BRENTNALL, who wished him happiness in the future.

At a gathering of the Rating Staff (Rates and Taxes Dept.), on March 31, a chiming clock and a suitcase were presented to Mr. H. L. LITTLEWOOD, who has retired after 36 years' service. Mr. SMITH presided, and his good wishes were endorsed by Messrs. FORSTER and WATSON. Mr. LITTLEWOOD, who is a prominent member of the Euston Rifle Club, in expressing his thanks said that "To-day I have had the unusual experience of being a target."

Mr. Percy W. JONES, who retired from the position of Head of the Joint Accounts Section of the Chief Accountants's Office on December 31 after 45 years' service, was recently the recipient of a gold watch, suitable inscribed, and a wireless set, together with a set of cameo brooches and earrings for Mrs. JONES, as a token of the regard in which he was held by his colleagues. Mr. George MORTON, in making the presentation, extended to "Percy" the best wishes of the staff for a long and happy retirement, and paid tribute to his abilities and devotion to duty, and referring also the very high esteem in which he was held by the officers and staffs of the other railway companies with whom he had been closely associated on "joint" and "pooling" matters. In replying, Mr. JONES expressed his thanks and appreciation to all his colleagues for their friendship and helpfulness at all times, and said that in going into retirement he would treasure happy memories of his business life with the members of the Chief Account's Department.

Members of the Carriage and Wagon Dept. Staff met on March 20 to presetn Mr. F. G. MOBBS, District Foreman, with an easy chair, umbrella, walking stick, and a case of pipes on the occasion of his retirement. Mr. T. H. ONION presided, and the presentation was made by Mr. SPINK, who said the recipient had earned a well-deserved rest after 45 years' service. Further tributes and good wishes to Mr. MOBBS were paid by Messrs. C. H. TAIT, J. CURWEN, JAMES, E. P. JENKINS, and ANSELL.

The month of March has seen several of the old brigade sever their connection with railway service, and best wishes are extended to the following for happiness in retirement: Mr. W. ADAMSON, Wagon Repairer (19 years' service), Mr James BOYD, Labourer (22 years); Mr. Frank YOXALL, Stores Issuer (48 years); and Mr. W. ROBERTSON, Chief Foreman, Wagon Shop (26 years).

BURNSIDE

Mr. William CRAIG, Signalman, retired on April 4 after 47 years' service with the G. & S.W. and L.M.S.

 

 

GREENOCK

On the occasion of his promotion to Stationmaster and Goods Agent at Renfrew, Mr. F. J. MCCORMACK was presented with a silver tea service and a standard lamp by colleages and friends. Mr. T. LOUDON presided, and the gifts were handed over by Mr. D. LINDSAY.

Mr. KEYDEN recently presided over a large gathering at which he made presentations to four engine drivers who have retired: Messrs. J. CRICHTON, J. TELFER, A. KEMP, and T. GRAY. He expressed the hope that the recipients would long be spared to enjoy their well-earned leisure, and his remarks were supported by Messrs. GOURLEY, LOWRIE, LAWRIE, STOTHART, ROWATT, GREIG, and Dr. T. D. MARSHALL.

On March 9 Mr. Robert GOSS was presented with an umbrella and other gifts from colleagues on the occasion of his retirement from the position of Goods Guard which he had held for 40 years. Inspector BROWN made the presentation, and his good wishes were supported by Messrs. TAYLOR, J. MURRAY, and CLUGSTON, after which the company were hospitably entertained by Mr. and Mrs. GOSS.

Mr. Robert REID has retired after 45 years' service in the Audit Offices of the G. & S.W. and L.M.S. Companies. As a mark of esteem the staff have presented him with two arm-chairs.

Mr. Adam SMITH recently retired after 45 years' in the service, and colleagues have presented him with a clock to mark the occasion.

To mark the occasion of his retiral after 46 years' service, the staff of College station made Mr. W. D. HILL the recipient of a clock, together with a handbag for Mrs. HILL. In handing over the gifts Mr. REID paid tribute to Mr. HILL's service with the Company. Messrs. BLYTHMAN and ARTHUR conveyed to Mrs. and Mr. HILL the best of the staff for a long and happy retirement.

Mr. Samuel PHEE, Fitter, Signal & Telegraph Dept., retired on March 10 after 19 years' service. Mr. MCGIBNEY presented Mr. PHEE with a purse of money on behalf of his colleagues, and wished him a long and happy retirement.

Mr. R. BULLOCH, Progressman, Central Ordering Section, was presented with a gold wristlet watch by the staff on the occasion of his leaving the service on March 31 to take up an appointment in London. Mr. J. GRAHAM made the presentation, and suitably expressed the good wishes of the staff to Mr. BULLOCH for his success in the future.

Mr. R. NEWMAN, General Foreman, retired recently after nearly 50 years' service, commencing with the Eastern and Midlands Railway at Catfield. A wheelbarrow from the outside staff, together with a walking stick from the clerical staff, and an umbrella for Mrs. NEWMAN were presented by Mr. L. P. CLEMENTS, who referred to "Bob's" popularity, and wished him good health and happiness.

The following members of the staff have retired from the service on age limit, and we wish them health to enjoy their hours of leisure.

Mr. Hugh BELL, Clerk, Claims Department, who retired on January 31. Mr. BELL joined the M.R. in 1899. A presentation, which consisted of a Decca De Luxe Prestomatic Receiver and table, together with a gold wristlet watch for Mrs. BELL, was, at the request of the recipients, made privately.

Mr. Harry PATTERSON, Driver, Locomotive Department, who retired on March 6. Mr. PATTERSON entered the service in 1893, and was appointed Driver in 1909.

Mr. D. PITCAITHLEY, Clerk, Belfast Goods, who retired in October. He was recently presented privately with a gold hunter watch, suitably engraved, and a wallet of Treasury notes.

Page Design © Sue Kay 1999