Farewell to top lensman Alistair Grieve
OUR deepest condolences to the family of regular photographic contributor Alistair Grieve are offered from all of us at Heritage Railway.
Alistair, who lived in Weoley Castle, Birmingham, was found dead at his home in February, aged 55.
He regularly visited heritage lines big and small, and the Pontypool & Blaenavon appeared to be one of his personal favourites.
On February 10, only a few days before his sudden and unexpected death, Alistair sent us this view from the Perrygrove Railway’s first running weekend of the year, with 0-6-2T Anne climbing the final section to Oakiron station with the last train of the day. Referring to the Severn Valley Railway repainting Taw Valley purple for the jubilee, Alistair said: “I thought you might like a taster with one that’s already purple.”
He added that while the 15in gauge Perrygrove’s first two weekends are normally diesel-operated, but with one of the owners turning 40 on the Sunday and the first train being a birthday special, it was decided to use steam. Duties fell to Anne as the only one ready after the winter, as 0-6-0T Spirit of Adventure underwent a bottom end overhaul in the closed season and was not ready.
A family member said that Alistair’s death was “just an utter shock for us all.”
His funeral was due to take place in Nottingham on March 22.