CONGRATULATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS

Photograph taken by P. Nettleton

CONGRATULATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS

It was a pleasure to join in some of the Sunday celebrations of the tenth anniversary of the saving of the Settle to Carlisle line. Having caught a morning train from Skipton to Settle, I was delighted to meet up with Glynn and Margaret Hague. Glynn, who is vice chairman of the Friends of the Settle to Carlisle Line Association (F.O.S.C.L.A.),gave me a conducted tour of the station, looking immaculate with its floral displays and bunting. It was also wonderfully well supplied with information panels illustrating the history of the line, and in particular, the fight to save it together with details of all the many improvements made in the past decade.

I was also fortunate enough to be given a special V.I.P. preview of the restored and re - sited signalbox, prior to its official opening the following Saturday. It was yet another fine tribute to the many unsung volunteers who give so generously of their time and effort.

Walking from the station to Settle Market Place to view the steam fair, I was intrigued by the growing volume of traditional hymn singing, (‘Onward Christian Soldiers’, Eternal Father Strong to Save’). On arrival, I realised that the hymns were coming from the magnificent Victorian ride, complete with its prancing horses and that the choice of music was very appropriate for a Sunday morning.

There were several other attractions including two vintage buses provided by Cumbria Classic Coaches, one giving free ridesto the local Falconry Centre, the other a chargeable run to Ribblehead Viaduct. The latter came complete with a most informative talk during the ride and also, when after a short walk, we reached our destination.

The famous Ribblehead viaduct visible in the distance
Photograph taken by P. Nettleton

The Ribblehead Viaduct, complete with its twenty-four arches, may look magnificent from the train window, but it is even more awesome when standing beneath it. Despite more recent renovation, it is still very difficult to appreciate those teams of navvies using just picks and shovels carried out the basic work. On a reasonably good day weather - wise, it was cold and windy. In poor weather it must have seemed like Hell.

Our 1924 coach has featured in the T.V. series ‘Doctor Finlay’s Casebook’. Unfortunately, on the return journey, as it rounded a bend near Horton - in - Ribblesdale station, it came to a sudden halt, having suffered a major internal fault.

Our driver, conductor and several passengers attempted to get it back on the move, but an hour later I had to leave the bus in order to catch my return train to Skipton. This enforced change of plan however did not detract from the good humour of the bus passengers and the general feeling of having been privileged to share in a milestone weekend in the history of the S & C.

Don Stock.

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