THE MEN OF
LOSTOCK HALL MPD TODAY
When it comes to 'reunions' and miscellaneous regular gatherings, particularly insofar as these still occur four decades and more after closure, Lostock Hall Motive Power Depot and its men surely must qualify for a place somewhere in the Guinness Book of Records!
When local enthusiast, Bob Gregson initially met up with former shed foreman Barney Campbell and one or two others in 1993, between them they started something that has since mushroomed out of all proportion, to nowadays becoming both an almost annual 'big get-together' and a regular monthly social event. The claim that we currently present is that, not only do we have arguably the best shed website on the internet, but the former men of Lostock Hall and Preston depots must now have the most post-steam meet-ups in the country - if not on the planet!
Following the landmark ‘25th’ commemoration in 1993, talk was all of an annual gathering and, indeed, a group then got together to organise annual events at various places. The venues were mainly pubs, such as the ‘Railway and Victoria’ close by the old shed, but one or two were also held at the now long-vanished Lostock Hall Labour Club.
Later, the venue switched to Preston. At first this was in the ‘Victoria’ on Fishergate and then, more latterly, at ‘Greyfriars’ (Weatherspoons) – the major reason for the latest move almost certainly being because the ale is considerably cheaper at the latter establishment!
Somewhere around the turn of the century (the current one, that is), former fireman ‘Fingers’ Fletcher had become very involved with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and that gentleman proceeded to independently organise annual 10D reunions there. There was usually a raffle held, with the winner getting to work on the footplate. Indeed, the May 2009 event attracted over 40 participants with a coach being hired to take them all there.
There are also frequent retirement do's as well and very often up to three or four occur every year at the St. Gerard’s Club in Brownedge Road, Lostock Hall. These occasions are intended not only for former 10D men but also for those who came to work at Preston from Lower Darwen, Rose Grove, Bolton and perhaps even further afield. Of course, that also applies to all the other ‘get-togethers’ … a big welcome being extended to all men who had served on the footplate at all depots around the North West. Significantly, before those early 1993 beginnings, most of the guys hadn't seen each other in a good 25 years …. nowadays, they must be heartily sick of the sight of each other!
Finally, in 2008, on the date of their 40th Anniversary Reunion and, at the Leyland & Farington Social Club, no fewer than around an amazing 125 participants turned out to recall old times once more. Former staff from Lostock Hall and Preston, all long-retired and many now in their 80s, were joined by one-time colleagues from Carnforth, Rose Grove, Lower Darwen, Accrington and Bank Hall (Liverpool) depots, as well as a large 'supporting cast' of specially invited enthusiasts, who all had been in some way involved in the End of Steam and many of whom had travelled to the event from as far as Cheshire, West Yorkshire and Cumbria. It is hoped that an event on a similar scale can now be organised on a more regular basis. (But not this year, perhaps!!)
Bob says he isn’t aware of any other body of ex-employees, be it railway, military or in ‘civvy street’, that holds so many regular ‘get-togethers’ and it all seems to have grown from that initial liaison with Barney. Long may it all continue!
Before you continue on to the next page, please do consider the following ………………………..
What you have just been reading is, of course, only a small part of the story of Lostock Hall, as contributed by a mere handful of readers. There are obviously many more stories out there just waiting to be told … only you haven’t been in touch with us yet to let us know about these.
So, in order for us to start filling-in the many missing pieces in this, still very incomplete, jigsaw, please do now consider making a contribution of your own. Items of information and scanned photographs can be sent to info(at)LostockHallMPD.org.uk or you can merely participate in our Discussion Forum.