IN MEMORIAM

Yesterday we had news of the deaths of two gentlemen who had contributed to our project.

First we heard that Ken Wood, long standing member of the LNWR Society and once a Stafford loco fireman, had died.  For some months he had been struggling and unfortunately his body was not strong enough to cope with the treatment.  Ken had a special interest in the LNWR and having a very good memory he was a mine of information.  He was instrumental in arranging display of our locomotive at Crewe Heritage Centre, which by virtue of the urgent assembly of its parts reinvigorated the Trust.  Sadly, he was too poorly to attend our first Open Day in May, so he never saw the real progress we have made since then.

As if that wasn’t enough, we then heard of the death of Joseph Cliffe.  Joseph knew so much about the history of steam locomotives and well understood the science.  In his time Joseph had worked with Sir W A Stanier on Power Jets, the government backed company developing the gas turbines for aircraft use.  He loved debate and it was a privilege to be on his mailing list.  His particular contribution to the Trust was the history of the LNWR’s centre frame and its removal.

These two men were a great link with our railway history, and were able to convey so much giving added depth to the written history.  We bid farewell to two good men, may they rest in peace.