A DILTON Marsh resident has published a book about the birth of London, Midland and Scottish Railway’s (LMS) Princess Royal Class – a class of express passenger steam locomotive designed by William Stanier.
‘The Princess Royal Pacifics’ written by Tim Hillier-Graves, documents the arrival of William Stanier to LMS in 1932 as their chief mechanical engineer and follows his work as he tried to help the company compete with their rivals, the London and North Eastern Railway.
The book’s synopsis says, “Overshadowed and often overlooked, these engines tend to be seen as a stepping stone to something better. Yet, in reality they stand up well to the closest scrutiny, and this book tells the story of these engines through the eyes of those who came into contact with them.
“They also best represent the impact William Stanier had on locomotive design and best describe the way he changed the culture of the LMS to allow it to grow successfully. It is a story of great endeavour and courage that can only be told by revealing and discussing political, social, economic and engineering issues.”
The book is available to buy from www.pen-and-sword.co.uk.The 40 members attending the January Westbury and District U3A meeting were treated to a travel talk with a difference.
“Stuart and Peta Matthews told us about their holiday of a lifetime, a trip to Antarctica, which they illustrated with some excellent photographs. Initially they flew South America where they spent a few days in Buenos Aries before travelling to Ushuaia, the most southerly town in South America. Before boarding their ship they were able to visit a local nature reserve.
“After cruising for two days across Drake’s Passage they reached the mainland of Antarctica, and were able to transfer ashore by a small boat.
“Stuart explained that visitors to Antarctica must abide by detailed rules and regulations aimed at preserving the purity of the continent. Before disembarking for each excursion and on their return to the ship they had to vacuum their clothes, all seams and pockets included. Additionally they were not allowed to leave anything behind ashore or remove even a pebble. They could and did take photographs of the penguins, whales and birds, as well as icebergs and abandoned oil whale refineries.
“After visiting several places in Antarctica they next stopped in South Georgia where they were able to visit Ernest Shackleton’s grave in Grytviken. The last stop, after a further two days cruising was the Falkland Islands. Here, both red post boxes and buses were on view, as well as yet more penguins and other interesting wildlife. There were so many questions that both Stuart and Peta continued to answer them over coffee and biscuits.
Next month on February 13th, there is a talk on assistance dogs. Newcomers are very welcome. We meet at the United Reformed Church Hall, starting at 2pm.
