Reunion on track for former Annesley rail workers

The group came together for a festive meal and catch up at Hucknall’s Broomhill Inn earlier this month.

Annesley Yard and Locomotive Depot closed in 1965 as a result of the Beeching cuts announced by the Conservative Government at the time, forcing many of the workers elsewhere or redundant.

But the group of ex-employees have kept in touch over the years through the commitment of Chris Ward.

“There are less and less of us each year,” said Denis Parker of Turner Street, Hucknall.

“In fact I was the most junior this year at 67 years.”

“All of our people come from the area so it is wonderful to meet up occasionally and reminisce of the times gone by.”

Annesley station was part of the Great Central Railway network that once ran through Hucknall and Bulwell, as part of the journey between Manchester and London.

Mr Parker added: “The get-together is planned and organised each year by Chris, who was a former locomotive fireman, through his website which is well worth a visit for anyone interested in our local industrial past.

“I’d like to thank Chris for keeping us all connected through the reunions which we all enjoy immensely.”

Visit Chris’ website at www.annesleyfireman.com for more details.