In 1984 I discovered that it was possible to take a family trip by train from Loughborough to Skegness, at a very reasonable cost. This particular train was called ‘The Jolly Fisherman’ and was routed via Nottingham, Sleaford, Boston and then Skegness.
British Railways (as it was then) were making good use of their diesel locomotives, normally found working on regular coal trains around the Midlands. In the summertime, due to the schools’ and works’ holidays, coupled by a much reduced demand for coal, a secondary use for them had been found.
The train comprised of two Class 20 diesel electric locomotives, and an interesting assortment of about ten coaches. The train arrived on time at ‘Skeggy’ and the family enjoyed the normal ‘experience’ expected at this seaside town; slight cloud, blown sand, deckchairs, tea in a flask and damp towels!
As the day came to an end, we all made our way slowly back to the station. I remember standing on Skegness station, with my 12-year old son, listening to the chirping howl of the waiting locomotives.
We spoke to the driver, and I did my best to get my son a short loco cab ride back as far as Boston. Sadly, the driver declined my request saying “If it was left to me I would gladly take you both, but them upstairs have put the lid on that sort of thing.” We had to accept his verdict, and content ourselves by standing in the vestibule of the first coach, taking it in turns to stick our heads out of the train window.
It is not just the steam age
that has for ever passed; we have lost some of the joys that went with it. What
a great shame!
David Taylor
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