Coleraine Probus President Jim Archer congratulates Ken Parkes, with Club Secretary Graham MacDonald (L) and Second Vice President Des Moore (R)

Coleraine Probus catch the train

When the expected speaker for a recent Coleraine Probus meeting was unable to attend, the clubs' sound and visual wizard Ken Parkes stepped in at very short notice with a video appropriately entitled “The Saving of the Settle to Carlisle Railway”.

This railway is one of the most scenic and impressive railways in the UK with viaducts, tunnels and the wild scenery of the North Pennines, the Eden Valley and the Yorkshire Dales. Opened in 1876 by the Midland Railway Company, but with nationalisation in the 1970’s, it was threatened with closure.

The extensive efforts of a Railway Campaign Group combined with Michael Portillo’s Parliamentary Bill saved this 72 mile stretch of railway from the axe. This railway continues to serve both local passengers and tourists with private operators often organising steam or vintage diesel hauled trains - and if, like Ken, you are a train enthusiast, then a steam train trip over the 'Ribblehead Viaduct' would make a perfect birthday present!

Some ‘YouTube’ Extras:
(Note: these links will open in a new window)

The History of the Settle-Carlisle Railway

Settle to Carlisle by train in four minutes

‘’The Titfield Thunderbolt'' - official film trailer - 1953 (this is said to have inspired the Settle-Carlisle line closure campaign!?)