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GUILDFORD - AN ENGINEMAN'S VIEW A new DVD has been released featuring the restored 8mm cine film of Guildford driver Lew Wooldridge taken in the 1960's. As well as locomotives, depots and stations, over 80 staff members are identified in the film. Click here for full details and how to order
 THE RAMBLINGS OF A RAILWAYMAN Twelve chapters covering Geoff's initial interest in Steam Locomotives in the late 1950s as a Trainspotter then starting work as a 15 year old Engine Cleaner, performing Office Boy duties, working in Boilersmith's Shop and eventually becoming a Fireman in 1962. Geoff gives his account of working his way through the links with a diverse range of Drivers and Locomotives until the final day of steam on Sunday 9th July 1967 when he also had the honour of being one of the firemen of the last Locomotives to leave Guildford MPD that day. In particular, the 'Drivers and Firemen' chapter is dedicated to most of the men that Geoff worked with on the footplate - some 86 Drivers and 73 firemen who were employed at Guildford at the time.
Hard back with matt laminated jacket, A4 Portrait size 297 x 210mm : ISBN 978-0-9567967-0-7. 192 pages with foreword by David Shepherd CBE. Illustrated throughout with B/W and colour photographs.
This book for me makes up a trilogy of recent publications that cover aspects of Southern steam railway operation in the 1950's and 1960's. The first from Nine Elms (70A) and the Feltham (70B) area, then down the West of England line to Yeovil (72C) and beyond to Exeter. Now the latest addition, 'The Ramblings of a Railwayman', that provides a graphic account of life at Guildford depot (70C). Without doubt this book, written by Geoff Burch, provides a comprehensive view of such times from 1961 until the end in 1967, indeed it covers those last days with a tinge of melancholy that so many shared at that time. Clearly his enthusiasm to join the railways is evident right from the start and, as a youngster, we learn of his early interest and of the excursions to different locations to watch and record locomotives in action. On one occasion his mum accompanied him when friends couldn't come along one weekend! Geoff's railway career began on the 4th April 1961 and the launch date of this book will be exactly fifty years later to the very day! It achieves the author's ambition to share such memorable times with everyone and features many colleagues and friends that were part of the Guildford motive power department. As a Cleaner and eventually a Fireman we learn of the formidable learning curve encountered during these times, working alongside some fine Enginemen who were sadly coming to end of their driving days. Such men, like Jim Kemble, who had started way back in 1914 and indeed many more who are featured in the section 'Drivers & Firemen' that pays due tribute to them all. You will relish the numerous anecdotes throughout this extremely readable book, however in addition to these fascinating tales there is another real bonus! That being the diversity of photographs that fully illustrate each page as it is turned, simply superb! All in all I have no hesitation in recommending 'The Ramblings of a Railwayman' to everyone. In particular though, to those of you that still have cherished thoughts of that somewhat unique steam shed tucked away in the chalk hillside, for it will refresh your memories of 'A Time Gone By'. James (Jim) Lester 70A
 YOU CAN'T TAKE THE STEAM OUT OF ME by Colin Robins For those of you who have a penchant for either the SOUTHERN, or an interest in the real workings on the footplate, or indeed both then 'YOU CAN'T TAKE THE STEAM OUT OF ME' is the title of a must have book. Written so descriptively by the author, Colin Robins, it covers his formative years that then lead up to the start of his railway career in 1950 at Crewkerne in Somerset. Subsequent Motive Power Department moves to Yeovil Town (72C), Basingstoke (old 70D), Salisbury (old 72B), Yeovil Pen Mill (old 82E later 71H) and finally Fratton (old 70F) enrich this account of one man's life and times. During your trip you will meet many unforgettable characters as the chapters unfold before you! It's like a time capsule, taking you back to an era of different values with which many of you will I'm sure align your own particular experiences of life. Initially it describes a view of the post war period by a then young railwayman. Some good, bad and indifferent times followed, all of it closely observed, recalled to mind and recounted in a manner that is both honest and enlightening. Several decisions that were made that then affected his railway future become evident as each change introduces yet another railway working environment. So let me recommend this fascinating insight into life during those times. Alas, all too soon railway changes took place that then erased a way of living that many believed would go on forever. Whatever, nostalgically turn the clock back and join the author on his reflective journey and share such wonderful times. Thoroughly absorbing!
James (Jim) Lester - 70A
'YOU CAN'T TAKE THE STEAM OUT OF ME' by Colin Robins, ISBN 9780956764003.  THROUGH THE RANKS ON THE SOUTHERN A career in the Nationalised railway industry by Brian W. Aynsley This book is based on the author’s career with ‘British Railways’ from 1956 to 1995, a career spanning almost 40 years and moving through from Victorian steam locomotive technology to the age of computers, and even included a spell on the Waterloo & City. About 1954 Brian Aynsley discovered that there was a loco depot at Guildford and after that spent many happy hours watching the operations in and around that station. He was invited onto the footplate of an engine standing at the station and knew then when he left school he wanted to work on steam locomotives. This book then tells the story of his ensuing railway career from engine cleaner at Guildford onwards. He witnessed the demise of steam, the arrival of new motive power and the eventual restructuring of the nation’s railway network.
A5 format, 208 pages printed on art paper throughout, with 110 photographs. The book has a full colour laminated cover with a square-backed spine. Available from railway book retailers or direct from Oakwood Press
 'Southern Region Engineman' Click here for details
A new book by James (Jim) Lester now available.
The following DVD's, CD's and prints are available from SVS Film:
'Along Brighton Lines Volume Three' - click here for details
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