8D ASSOCIATION

The 8D Association is dedicated to promoting the history of the railways of South Lancashire, Merseyside and North Cheshire.

During 2012 the members of 8D enjoyed various events.

Saturday 22nd September 2012 – Sutton Oak Junction.

For the final outdoor event for this year the group looked at Sutton Oak Junction, the intersection bridge, the Pudding Bag, the site of the Providence Foundry, Robins Lane Halt and the memorial to Edward Borrows the owner of the providence works and supplier of many early industrial locos.

8D Chairman and our tour guide for the day Joe Cowley stands by some P.Way left behind at Sutton Oak.

Photo by Paul Wright.

Members inspect the impressive Borrows Memorial in St Annes Church Graveyard.

Photo by Terry Callaghan.

Saturday 25th August 2012 – Helsby to Ellesmere Port rail journey.

Another ghost train run for 2012 this time on the infrequent Helsby to Ellesmere Port service. The members were the only passengers both ways!

8D members at Helsby station with the signal box in the background. 25th August 2012

Photo By Les Fifoot.

Saturday 4th August – Fiddlers Ferry Power Station.

Members were invited to the power station to take a tour of the coal discharge plant. Cameras were not allowed but we did manage one group shot.

8D members assembled before their power station tour.

Photo by Tony Foster.

Saturday 21st July 2012 – Rail Ale trip to Batley.

Several members traveled on the CLC line to Batley via Manchester to sample the Rail Ale day out. We were very surprised to see how well patronised the trains and pubs were. A great day out was had by all and for me the best pint of the day was ‘Flying Scotsman’ in Mirfield.

8D members at Mirfield station with just enough time for a quick photo before moving on to the next watering hole.

Photo by Paul Wright.

Thursday 19th July 2012 – Spike Island

(site of 8D and Widnes Dock).

An interesting evening walk taking in the sights of the original terminus at Runcorn Gap of the SH&RGR, the dock system and, via a step ladder, the site of 8D shed.

Colin Turton ex-passed cleaner formally of Widnes 8D 1961 to 1964 standing inside the shed on the walk.

Photo by Paul Wright.

Thursday 14th June 2012 – Moss Bank Area (Tanhouse Yard)

Members shared stories and experiences whilst walking the former yard and engine shed at Tanhouse. It included learning about the ‘dead wall’ and finding evidence of the former engine shed.

Saturday 19th May 2012 – Clock Face Colliery Lines.

Members met at the Clock Face Colliery Country Park to walk the line and associated sidings of the former Clock Face Colliery.

8D members walking the Clock Face Colliery lines near to its junction with the SH&RGR.

Photo by Paul Wright.

Saturday 21st April – Warrington Littons Mill and Arpley.

After taking in the sites of Littons Mill and Crossfields Crossing signal boxes the group made their way to Arpley to view The Grand Junction Railway River Mersey bridge.

8D members seen at the foot of the Grand Junction Railway bridge.

Photo by Paul Wright.

There was always time for a shot of a Fiddlers Ferry PS to Ellesmere Port empty coal train.

Photo by Paul Wright.

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