OBITUARIES

Alistair Grieve

VOLUNTEERS on industrial steam lines across the country were left reeling after learning that their friend, supporter and photographer, Alistair Grieve, had passed away suddenly at home in late February. He was 55.

As well as being a keen modern traction enthusiast, Alistair was a great champion of the quirky and unusual, being a regular visitor to smaller heritage lines and those which operate industrial steam. His photographs were a regular sight in The Railway Magazine as well as the rest of the railway press, and he also acted as a columnist for The RM’s sister title Rail Express.

Alistair was a particular friend to both the Chasewater Railway and Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway, serving as the editor of the latter’s journal, Top Line, as well as providing a wealth of publicity images.

Frank Hodges

THE Guild of Railway Artists announced the passing of its founder Frank Hodges on February 10. Philip D Hawkins FGRA said: “Quite simply, without Frank Hodges there would be no Guild of Railway Artists. With Steve Johnson he was the driving force that created the guild back in 1979. He was a lovely man and a great encouragement to both new and established members over the years. He will be greatly missed.”