MIDDLETON MARKS 60TH ANNIVERSARY IN LOCKDOWN

The Bluebell Railway is not the only standard gauge preserved line marking its 60th anniversary this year, as the Middleton Railway in Leeds celebrates the same milestone.

Sixty years to the day since the first train to be operated by unpaid volunteers, hauled by Hunslet 0-6-0DM Works No. 1697 ‘John Alcock’, departed Moor Road, the same locomotive (running as LMS No. 7051) hauled a commemorative anniversary train from Moor Road to Middleton Park and return. The train, which formed part of the line’s crew training programme ahead of its planned reopening on August 2, was ceremonially waved away by Matthew Youell, the son of the railway’s founder, Dr Fred Youell.

Local Middleton Ward Councillors, Judith Blake, Kim Groves and Paul Truswell said: “We congratulate the Middleton Railway Trust on reaching this historic anniversary. We take great pride in having such an internationally significant piece of history on our doorstep. It is a powerful reminder of our area’s rich industrial heritage and a tribute to the generations of dedicated volunteers who have made it such a valued part of our community. It is not only a brilliant educational asset, but also great fun.

“We have been delighted to support the MRT over the years and look forward to continuing that close working relationship. We want to help it to cement its place as one of the city’s great attractions, and perhaps one day even extend the line to its original starting point in Middleton Park.”

IAN SMITH LMS No. 7051, with its ‘John Alcock’ plates attached for the first time in 40 years, stands alongside Manning Wardle 0-6-0ST Works No. 1601 ‘Matthew Murray’, which was also specially steamed for training purposes, at Middleton Park on June 20.